…charges them to uphold Christ-centred values

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

Bingham University, Karu, has admitted 1,805 newly enrolled students for the 2025/2026 academic session, charging them to embrace discipline, academic excellence and biblical virtues as they begin their university journey.

Speaking at the matriculation ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Haruna Kuje Ayuba, described matriculation as a defining moment that marks both the students’ formal entry into the institution and the beginning of a new chapter in their academic lives.

According to him, the ceremony goes beyond tradition, serving as a platform to induct new students into the university’s culture, values and expectations, while fostering a sense of community built on collaboration, mutual respect and a shared commitment to excellence.

“You are today joining a network of scholars, professionals and leaders committed to making a positive impact in Nigeria and the world,” Ayuba said, congratulating the fresh students on their successful admission.

The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the 1,805 matriculating students are spread across 15 faculties, 63 departments and 48 academic programmes, noting that by taking the matriculation oath, they had formally become part of a Christ-centred academic community dedicated to producing change-agents for society.

Reiterating the institution’s guiding philosophy, Ayuba reminded the students that Bingham University’s vision is to be a world-class conventional university in a Christ-centred environment, with a mission to produce graduates equipped with knowledge, skills and godly character for self-reliance.

He noted that the university has remained faithful to this mandate over the past 20 years, growing steadily to offer 48 undergraduate and 59 postgraduate programmes across two campuses, with the main campus in Karu and a teaching hospital in Jos.

Outlining expectations, the Vice-Chancellor stressed prompt payment of school fees, compulsory lecture and chapel attendance, adherence to university rules and regulations, and full awareness of the institution’s code of conduct. He warned that ignorance of the rules would not be accepted as an excuse for misconduct.

Ayuba also urged the students to make use of available support structures, including academic advisers, faculty officers, chaplains and counselling services, while remaining security-conscious and committed to protecting university property.

He further cautioned against vices such as examination malpractice, cultism, drug abuse, sexual harassment, bullying, vandalism and riots, stressing that the university operates a zero-tolerance policy on all forms of unethical behaviour.

The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the students to imbibe biblical virtues of love, honesty, integrity, accountability and respect, while adding value to the university through cleanliness, creativity and responsible use of facilities.

On infrastructure, he assured that management remains committed to providing an enabling learning environment through the construction of more hostels, upgraded library and ICT facilities, as well as improved sports and recreational centres, despite financial constraints.

Concluding his address, Ayuba reminded the students that their success would depend on daily discipline, effective time management and sustained effort, noting that their final academic outcomes would be shaped by choices made from their first day on campus.

“Your time starts now. Make each day count,” he charged, welcoming the students into the Bingham University family and wishing them a successful academic journey.

On his part, the guest speaker, Dr. Chibuzo Samuelson, an accomplished obstetrician and gynaecologist, charged the newly admitted students to build on the institution’s legacy of excellence through faith, hard work and focus.

Dr. Samuelson, a Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons and a proud member of the university’s inaugural graduating class of the College of Medicine, delivered an inspiring address titled “Leveraging Legacies for Limitless Impact.”

Speaking with nostalgia, Dr. Samuelson recalled being among the first 196 students admitted into Bingham University nearly two decades ago, noting that sitting before the matriculating students brought back fond memories of his own journey.

“This ceremony is a testimony. If you believe in your dreams and fight for them, one day you will become the person you have always dreamed of, “he said.

He described the university’s 20-year journey as a remarkable achievement, attributing its success to the vision of ECWA, the resilience of successive administrations and the dedication of staff and alumni. According to him, each matriculation ceremony is not only significant for the students but also a historic moment for the institution itself.

Dr. Samuelson reminded the new students that they were inheriting a “good name” , a legacy of Christ-centredness, excellence and goodwill that Bingham University has earned over the years.

“You inherit a name that shines bright among the nations and comes with great expectations,” he said, stressing that it was now their responsibility to protect and enhance the university’s reputation through good conduct and outstanding performance.