By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo (UniUyo), Professor Nyaudoh Ndaeyo has urged new intakes to be masterpieces worth showcasing globally.
He said this during the 32nd matriculation ceremony held on Friday at the Institution’s main campus in Nwaniba, Akwa Ibom State.
A total of 14,520 students were officially admitted into the University of Uyo for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Professor Nyaudoh Ndaeyo
Addressing the students, Prof Ndaeyo, reminded them that the University of Uyo is more than just a centre of learning.
According to him, it is a community built on the values of diversity, collaboration, and mutual respect.
He encouraged the new intakes to make the most of their time on campus by embracing discipline, building meaningful friendships, and creating networks that will serve them in the years to come.
“Your generation is waiting for your manifestation. Do not disappoint yourselves, your parents, your families, your admirers, your states, your country and humanity.
“Let the nurturing hands of the University of Uyo pass through you so that at the end, you will be a totally liberated human being and a masterpiece worthy of being showcased globally,” he said.
Out of the total number of fresh students, 11,416 were admitted into the university’s full-time undergraduate programmes, representing the largest category.
The postgraduate arm of the institution recorded 1,574 admissions, while the School of Continuing Education and Professional Studies, popularly known as the part-time programme, admitted 1,530 students.
Some of the matriculants
A breakdown of the postgraduate category shows that 879 students were admitted for Ph.D programmes, 459 for Master’s degrees, and 236 for Postgraduate Diplomas (PGD).
For the part-time school, 450 students were admitted into undergraduate programmes, 240 into diploma courses, and 100 into certificate courses.
The sandwich category had 140 students, while postgraduate admissions comprised 134 Master’s students and six for the Ph.D programme.
Interestingly, this year’s admission figure is significantly lower than in previous years. Compared to the 19,027 students matriculated during the joint ceremony for the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 sessions, this year’s number represents a 131 per cent decline.
It was noticed that In the 2021/2022 academic year, the university admitted 10,148 students, while 12,193 were admitted in the 2020/2021 and 2021 sessions combined.
Some freshers who spoke with Stonix News expressed excitement and relief, describing their admission as a long-awaited breakthrough that they would not take for granted.
Some shared stories of multiple attempts to gain university admission, noting that today’s celebration is one they had long dreamed of.
Favour Ubani
One of the matriculants from the Department of Biochemistry, Miss Favour Ubani, expressed her joy and appreciation to her parents and benefactors. “Today was my matriculation day. I just want to use this opportunity to appreciate you for all your show of love and care towards me and my family. I pray that the Lord continue to bless and keep you in Jesus name,” she prayed, vowing to make God and her family proud while on campus.
Another student of Medical Laboratory Science, Israel Emem, said: “This day means everything to me,” said one of the students. “Getting into a Nigerian university is not easy, so I feel very lucky and grateful.
Israel Emem
Aniekeme Bassey, another matriculant, said: “You know, it’s one thing to get into the University and it’s another thing to matriculate with your mates.
“I have heard stories where students die before they get the joy of matriculating so I just want to thank God that he made this day come through for me. I pray that as I am matriculating with my mates, I will convoke with them too.”
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