By Unue Emeka,
University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, has officially matriculated 4,500 new students for the 2024/2025 academic session, urging them to embrace discipline, dedication, focus, and hard work in pursuit of their academic and personal goals.
Addressing students during the matriculation ceremony at the Main Campus, Agbor, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Stella Chinye Chiemeke, emphasized that UNIDEL is committed not only to academic excellence but also to shaping students into responsible citizens capable of contributing positively to society.
She highlighted the institution's goal of building character alongside academic achievement to foster well-rounded graduates who can impact national development.
Professor Chiemeke described the university’s vision as one centered on producing competent graduates equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving society. She stressed that the institution’s educational framework is designed to prepare students to address and navigate real-world challenges effectively.
She also underscored that UNIDEL is more than just an academic institution, calling it "an environment that fosters growth, discovery, and transformation."
"We are committed to fostering an environment where healthy and robust debates are encouraged, where diverse ideas can flourish, and where you can freely express your thoughts and opinions. This is a space for inquiry, for creativity and for the nurturing of critical thinkers who can address the challenges of our time," she said.
"As you immerse yourselves in university life, l encourages you to actively participate in extracurricular activities, join clubs, societies and organizations that resonate with your passions and interests. Engage in community service and outreach initiatives, for it is through these avenues that you will learn leadership, teamwork and the importance of giving back to society.
The Vice Chancellor also gave a strong warning on cultism, examination mal- practice and indecent dressing saying that they have no place in the institution.
She noted that UNIDEL was not a battleground for violence or secrecy but, a sanctuary for knowledge and personal growth.
"For parents and guardians gathered here today, l assures you that your investment in your children will bear fruit as you witness your sons and daughters matriculate "
In a Matriculation Lecture titled "Ten Times Better", the guest speaker, Ven. Barr. Engr. David Osaze Egbenusi, Chaplain, All Saint Chapel, University of Benin urged the students to take their studies seriously in order to obtain the best result.
He said the first ingredient of being successful as students was the agreement to learn and place less emphasis on social activities.
He added that students needed to engage themselves in serious reading and called on the lecturers, to impact the students positively and desist from all forms of immoral acts.
He said they should be professional in their teaching, humble in approach and make sure that the students understood their teachings.
The colourful event featured administration Oath by the Registrar Barr. Richmond Omagbemi and the symbolic signing of the Matriculation Oath by some selected students.
Some of the matriculants, Osamor Ebubechukeu Gift and Favour Umejiego, of the Department lnternational Relations and the Department of Health Education, respectively, who spoke to the UNIDEL Media Team (UMT) said they were happy to be among successful students offered admission in the great citadel of learning.
They noted that UNIDEL provided a conducive learning environment with massive learning equipment and facilities.
They expressed their readiness to be disciplined and work towards making excellent result.
Some of the parents, Dr Atu Abanye and Mrs Afor Omafuru Edith said they were proud to bring their children to study in UNIDEL and thanked the Management for making the Institution one of the best in Nigeria and beyond
