By Chinedu Adonu

ENUGU — STUDENTS have been urged to read extensively because it would open vista of opportunities for them and help the institution to produce world class graduates.

This charge was given by the Vice Chancellor, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, Prof. Christian Anieke, during the eighth matriculation ceremony of 500 new students into different departments in the varsiry.

Prof. Anieke said the institution, since inception in 2009, has produced world class graduates and will continue in the tradition. His words “The vision of Godfrey Okoye University is to produce graduates who will be outstanding in learning, balanced in character and personality, and ready to pursue epistemic unity in all ramifications.

Prof Ogbuagu, (third from left), the Deputy Provost, Dr Jane Chinyere Madichie, the Registrar, Sir Augustine Udensi, the Librarian, Dr Adolphus Ugwuanyi, (first from left), the Bursar, Sir Patrick Omile, with Adeniyi and other students presenting the award.

“To realize this vision, we have borrowed a leaf from traditional education where education is targeted at helping people become responsible citizens of their communities by learning the trades and skills available in the communities.”

The don further said that the position of the institution as the first Catholic varsity in Africa and one of the fastest growing varsities in Nigeria has been aided by stronger ties and partnerships between the institution, organisations and foreign varsities.

“We are collaborating with over 20 varsities in Europe, Asia, and North America for our students to go and study. Also, we have secured the approval of the Austrian government for some of our students to do their IT in Austria.

Required experience

“I have looked at the IT programme in this country and I saw that many waste their time. That is why we have decided that our students will go outside the country, do their IT in convenience and come back with the required experience to develop our country”, he said.

He further urged students to live to the standard expected of them as students of the institution.

He also urged them to discipline themselves as part of the commitment of the school to make them great leaders and successful people, saying “Discipline is boldly written in our varsity, only a disciplined mind can achieve great success. No matter how good you may be, you have got to be willing to cut off those things that keep you from going to the top.

“Do the best you can to keep the rules and regulation of the varsity which are designed to promote your success and well being.”

In a goodwill message, the Pro-Chancellor, Professor Christian Nwachukwu Okeke who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Edwin Onyeneje, congratulated the students and management on the event and extolled the leadership roles of the VC in making the institution a reputable citadel of learning.

A member of the Board of Trustees (BOT), Prof Joseph Chidobem, expressed immense joy at the success of the event, saying the school has witnessed a progressive growth in line with the visions of the founding fathers of the institution.

He promised continued support in terms of infrastructural uplift and others to make sure that the varsity remains one of the fastest growing not only in Nigeria, but globally.