Mudiame University, Irrua, Edo State, has held its fifth matriculation ceremony, formally admitting a new set of students while breaking ground for the College of Medicine Administrative Building and the Department of Anatomy Laboratory.

The event brought together university officials, government representatives, parents and members of the academic community, as the institution reflected on its growth since admitting its first set of students five years ago.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chancellor, Prof. Sunny Eromosele, said the university was founded with a clear vision to deliver quality education anchored on innovation, practical relevance and strong ethical values.

According to him, the institution’s development since its establishment has been deliberate and purpose-driven.

“Five years ago, Mudiame University was founded with a clear and compelling vision to build an institution rooted in quality education, practical relevance, innovation and strong ethical values — an institution that contributes meaningfully to national development while engaging confidently with the global community,” he said.

Eromosele explained that beyond expanding academic programmes and infrastructure, the university has prioritised industry collaboration, international partnerships and experiential learning.

He cited the institution’s collaboration with University West in Sweden, which led to the hosting of the Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) workshop — described as the first of its kind in Nigeria — positioning the university as a hub for advanced manufacturing research and international academic engagement.

The Chancellor also noted that students of the university are participating in programmes organised by the International Institute of Welding at the global level, reflecting the institution’s expanding international profile.

He urged the newly admitted students to approach their studies with discipline, integrity and dedication, stressing that society demands more than academic certificates from graduates.

“The world you are preparing to enter demands more than certificates. It demands discipline, integrity, resilience, innovation and leadership,” he said.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel O. Aluyor, described the matriculation as a defining moment for both the students and the institution.

He said the university was established to produce graduates who are intellectually sound, morally upright, entrepreneurial and globally competitive.

Aluyor advised the students to take advantage of the opportunities available within the academic environment while upholding the institution’s core values of discipline, integrity, hard work and respect.

“Attend your lectures, engage in research, ask questions, develop digital and entrepreneurial skills, and make good use of the academic facilities provided,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor also commended the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, for his commitment to advancing education in the state, noting that his leadership has helped strengthen the educational landscape.

Reflecting on the university’s development, the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Solomon Edebiri, said the institution began its journey about seven years ago and has recorded steady progress in expanding its academic programmes and infrastructure.

He explained that the university is focused on training technologists and skilled professionals capable of bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and industry practice.

“We are currently training the middle-level manpower — the technologists and skilled professionals required to bridge the gap in the workforce. That is one of our major selling points,” he said.

Edebiri added that admission into some programmes, particularly in the medical field, remains highly competitive due to increasing demand from parents seeking quality higher education for their children.

Delivering the matriculation lecture, Senator Neda Imasuen, who represents Edo South Senatorial District, commended the university’s leadership for its vision and commitment to educational development.

“I am pleasantly surprised by the development here. The Chancellor has done marvellously well. This is a vision he has pursued with determination and a ‘can-do’ attitude,” the senator said.

The ceremony concluded with the groundbreaking for the College of Medicine Administrative Building and the Department of Anatomy Laboratory, a development expected to strengthen the university’s capacity for medical training and research.