The Vice-Chancellor, Novena University, Ogume, Prof. Godwin Nduka, on Friday charged the newly admitted students of the 2025/2026 academic session to pursue knowledge persistently and diligently while relying on self-control and support from others towards rendering quality service to God, themselves, fellow humans and the wider world.
Speaking during the institution’s 21st Matriculation Ceremony, Prof. Nduka urged the freshers to shun deviant behaviours such as cultism, examination malpractice, alcoholism, drug abuse and other social vices that could derail their academic journey.
The Vice-Chancellor described the occasion as a statutory milestone that officially admits qualified candidates who scaled the rigorous Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations and subsequent university screenings.
“This is your moment of entering your name into the Matricular, the official Admission Register of the University,” he said.
He reminded the students that without proper documentation, signing and record-taking during the ceremony, they would not be recognized as bonafide students.
He congratulated the matriculants and their parents for being among the privileged few out of millions of applicants who secured admission into Nigerian universities this year.
Prof. Nduka highlighted the unique attributes that set Novena University apart from older institutions.
According to him, the 21-year-old private university was the first in Nigeria to introduce the pioneering degree programme in Intelligence and Security Studies (ISS), a curriculum now adopted by several other institutions.
He noted that the university also offers innovative programmes across Sciences, Management Sciences and Medical/Health Sciences, supported by highly qualified, experienced and dedicated academic staff whose efforts have produced graduates excelling in higher studies, employment and entrepreneurship both within and outside Nigeria.
The Vice-Chancellor listed the university’s academic structure comprising four colleges. The College of Medical and Health Sciences houses departments of Anatomy, Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, Optometry, Pharmacology, Physiology, Public and Community Health, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Medicine and Surgery.
The College of Management and Social Sciences includes Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Intelligence and Security Studies, Mass Communications and Political Science, while the College of Law and the College of Natural and Applied Sciences (with Chemical Sciences, Computer Science/Mathematics, Energy and Petroleum Studies, and Microbiology) complete the offerings.
He advised the students to consult the guidance and counselling unit to align their choices with their capabilities and vision.
“All undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including PhD degrees at Novena University, have received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC)”. The Vice-Chancellor affirmed.
Prof Nduka described the institution as a world-class centre of academic excellence, recalling the recent orientation exercise which familiarized the new students with the university’s vision, mission, philosophy, strategies, culture, norms and values.
He stressed the need for total adjustment and acclimatisation to avoid sanctions. The expectations from students were summarized in the acronym “KIDS”, Knowledge, Industry, Discipline and Service.
Elaborating on “KIDS,” Prof. Nduka explained that the university expects students to seek comprehensive knowledge in intellectual, physical, socio-cultural, economic and moral aspects so they can be found fit in character and learning.
“Industry” demands persistent hard work, perseverance and diligence, while “Discipline” emphasizes self-control as the most effective form of regulation to achieve personal mastery.”
“Finally, “Service” underscores that all acquired knowledge and discipline must translate into value for God, self, community and humanity, aligning with the university’s motto of living to serve to the glory of God”. He stated.
The Vice-Chancellor issued a direct charge to the matriculants to uphold the four pillars of KIDS, avoid all forms of misconduct including indecent dressing, stealing, fighting and destruction of university property, and embrace community policing by promptly reporting suspicious activities.
Prof Nduka who reminded the students that the matriculation oath is sacrosanct and its violation carries grave consequences, called on parents and stakeholders to partner with the university, while declaring the 2025/2026 Matriculation Ceremony officially open.
