By Vincent Ujumadu

AWKA—VICE Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Professor Boniface Egboka has warned that any student of the institution,  involved in cultism and examination malpractice would be expelled without hesitation.

Addressing the 4500 matriculating students admitted for the 2009/2010 academic session, Egboka described examination malpractice and cultism as evils that must be shunned by every student, who hopes to graduate in the university. He added that the authorities of the university had put in place adequate measures to fish out those involved in such vices.

“Many students have lost their lives or have been maimed for life or expelled from the university as a result of their involvement in cult activities. You should not subject your parents or guardians to an undeserved torture by indulging in senseless cult activities.

“When you are expelled or suspended, your parents suspend whatever they are doing and find their way to the campus to plead for you. The Senate of the university does not listen to such pleas and wails from parents and guardians, if it is convinced beyond doubt that you are guilty and belongs to a cult group.

“Similarly, the rate of certificate forgery is assuming an alarming dimension in Nigeria, especially with the establishment of numerous business centers all over the cities. If you do not have genuine certificates, you should quietly leave this university and go home after the matriculation ceremony as the university will screen your entry qualifications and you will be expelled immediately, if your certificates are adjudged to be forged by the awarding body,” Egboka said.

He announced that the institution had instituted a number of scholarship schemes, especially for disabled students, adding that about 500 students were already in the university’s work – in – aid programme in which the benefiting students are paid N5,000 stipend monthly.

According to him, “there   are plans to accommodate at least 80 percent of the students in the campus.” He called on the private sector to partner with authorities of the university in the construction of students hostels.