By Steve Oko

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State; alongside the Vice Chancellor of Amadeus University Amizi, Professor Samuel Nzotta; and his Gregory University Uturu (GUU), counterpart, Professor Cele Njoku, have warned students against indulging in cultism, examination malpractice, internet fraud and other social vices on campus.

They declared that quality education and discipline remain non-negotiable on campuses.

The Governor and the university heads spoke at the respective matriculation ceremonies of the two institutions held over the weekend, warning that severe sanctions await students found engaging in deviant conduct.

Speaking at the Amadeus University matriculation, Gov. Otti urged students to embrace hard work, innovation and character development as foundations for academic excellence and future success.

He restated his administration’s commitment to raising educational standards across the state.

Represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Uche Eme-Uche, the Governor commended the Founder of Amadeus University, Godwin Nwabunka, for his visionary leadership and investment in human capital, charging students to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence and exemplary conduct.

In his remarks, Dr Nwabunka urged the matriculants to maximise the opportunities offered by the institution to become responsible leaders and contributors to national development, stressing the need for focus, discipline and moral integrity.

The Vice Chancellor, Samuel Nzotta, warned students to shun all forms of misconduct and concentrate on their studies, noting that the university is firmly committed to academic and moral excellence.

He disclosed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved additional programmes in Law, Pharmacy, and Medicine and Surgery for the institution, while the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has also accredited its Nursing programme.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor, Roseline Ndimele, said Amadeus University was established to help bridge the widening gap in university admission in the South East, urging students to position themselves as solutions to societal challenges.

At the 14th matriculation ceremony of Gregory University Uturu, Gov. Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to quality education and youth development, revealing that Abia has consistently allocated 20 per cent of its annual budget to education since his assumption of office.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Emeka Enyiazu, the Governor praised GUU for its academic strides, describing the institution as a rising hub for cutting-edge programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Security Studies and other emerging fields.

In her address, the Vice Chancellor, Cele Njoku, reaffirmed the university’s zero-tolerance policy on cultism, indecent dressing and other vices.

She encouraged students to pursue excellence, noting that the institution rewards outstanding performance.

The Chancellor, Okechukwu Gregory Ibe Jr., welcomed the new students, describing GUU as a community that believes in their potential and demands excellence.

Speaking also, the Pro-Chancellor, Augustine Uwakwe, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Uwaoma Uche, advised the matriculants to embrace moral excellence, entrepreneur.