Salem varsity matriculates 138 students

•warns against social vices

Salem University Lokoja the only private institution in Kogi State has matriculated 138 students for the 2024/2025 session and warned them against non-commitment to studies and social vices.

Prof. Alewo Johnson-Akubo, Vice Chancellor, who gave the warning on Thursday at the matriculation ceremony, admonished the matriculants on good character moulding and commitment to studies.

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Johnson-Akubo said that matriculation of new students remains fundamental to any university in the world, therefore, “Salem University Lokoja is today Matriculating her. 2024/2025 students, who will be transformed into change Agents in four or five years time.

“We are doing this today because the foundation is Critical in life. More so, this is the platform upon which we can talk to you about its essence and how to go about it since you have come here to learn.

“In Salem University Lokoja, a faith-based institution, we do pray for you to succeed and never tolerate indolence and social vices but encourage hardwork, commitment and excellence.”

The VC told the students that in the academic journey, there would be serious challenges along the way, but that with resilience, commitment and God’s grace, they could surmount them all.

He said that all it took was for them to be wise to build their foundation on solid rock, “which is Christ, and you shall be victorious no matter the storms.”

The VC used Matthew 7:24 to admonish the matriculants to heed to his pieces of advice and should solely rely on God for help and not man, whom he said would always remain man.

Johnson-Akubo, who asked them to choose their friends carefully and wisely too, warned them against indulging in any act detrimental to the smooth running of their studies.

“This is because we won’t hesitate to show you the way out of this university if you’re caught sneaking out of the fence or gate.

“We showed the way out to a student, who was just a week old in the institution. He had foolishly gone on an errand to get a hot drink for a bad fellow student.

“Therefore, settle down well and study hard and endeavour to use our well-stocked library. Here, lecturers don’t sell handouts to students,” he said.