As the new academic session commences, the Vice-chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, has urged freshmen to take their studies seriously. The call was made yesterday as the University commenced its 26th orientation exercise for freshmen admitted for the 2020/2021 academic session.
In his welcome address, the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Marc Nwosu Ogbuagu, stressed that the aim of the orientation exercise was to avail the new students the opportunity to get vital information about the history, purpose, and opportunities provided by the University, as well as what the University expects of the freshmen to enable them to acclimatize easily with their new environment.
Declaring the 3-day event open at the Senator Anyim Pius Anyim Auditorium of the University, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Udo Herbert, welcomed the fresh students. The VC urged them to focus on their studies and desist from vices such as cultism and examination malpractice which he described as destructive.
Speaking further on behalf of the VC, Prof. Udo Herbert advised the fresh students to make maximum use of the facilities provided by the University Management, assuring them that their academic, psychological, physical, and social welfare are guaranteed.
In her address, the Registrar of the University, Mrs, Jacinta Ogwo-Agu who was represented by the Director of Human Resources, Mr. Peter Nwaoma, exposed the students to the historical journey of the University and advised them to familiarize themselves with the University handbook. He further charged them to register their courses on time with the attached number of credit units, appealing to them to be law-abiding in order to have a successful academic program.
Highpoints of the opening ceremony were lectures delivered by the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Johnbull Echeme, Director of ICT, Prof. Gideon Onuekwusi, and representatives of different departments and Colleges.
The new students were also treated to a captivating documentary film tour of the University presented by the Public Relations/Protocol Unit.
The event was also attended by the Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Kingsley Obike, President of the Students Union Government, Hon. Comrade Chukwuma Ogochukwu, the Chief Security Officer, Sir Alex Okafor amongst other senior officers of the University.