*VC Charges Students on Academic Excellence, Warns Against Vices
The Federal University of Education, Zaria has made history by holding its maiden matriculation ceremony for the over 5,000 newly admitted pioneer undergraduate students in the 2025/2026 academic session.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Yahaya Isa Bunkure, congratulated the students on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Senate, staff, and the entire university community.
In a statement signed by Sani Lawal maqarphy media aide to the VC, the Vice Chancellor described the occasion as a defining moment not only in the lives of the students but also in the history of the institution, symbolizing their formal admission into the citadel of learning.
Prof. Bunkure urged the students to uphold academic excellence, emphasizing that admission into the university is both a privilege and a responsibility, noting that the admission process was highly competitive, with many applicants but only a few successful candidates, degrees would be awarded based on both academic performance and good character.
He further charged the pioneer undergraduate set to honor the matriculation oath by demonstrating integrity, discipline, respect for authority, and adherence to the university’s rules and regulations. As trailblazers, he stressed, they bear the responsibility of setting standards for future generations.
The Vice-Chancellor in his remarks also rejoiced the successful takeoff of the university’s degree programmes, marking its transition into a full-fledged university. Prof. Bunkure reaffirmed his commitment to repositioning the institution for excellence, innovation, and global relevance through initiatives such as the deployment of a user-friendly portal and the implementation of digital learning policies aligned with 21st-century realities.
On infrastructure development, Prof. Bunkure disclosed ongoing improvements aimed at creating a conducive learning and working environment. These include the renovation of the Administrative Block, upgrades to lecture halls, and enhancements to the university library and other facilities.
He reiterated the goal of building a digitally driven institution where technology enhances teaching, learning, research, and administration, with the ICT Directorate, he noted, has been strengthened with a focus on e-learning, improved internet connectivity, cybersecurity, and technical support services.
While celebrating the recent promotion of 43 Chief Lecturers to the rank of Professors, he tasked the University Ranking Committee with driving initiatives that would position the institution favorably among global universities.
Prof. Bunkure also advised students to strictly adhere to university regulations, maintain at least 75% lecture attendance, and avoid social vices such as cultism, examination malpractice, and drug abuse. He encouraged them to maintain cordial relationships with host communities, always carry their identification cards, remain security conscious, and make effective use of available facilities.
In a goodwill message, Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas, a guest at the matriculation ceremony, a former Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University Kano, encouraged the students to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to their academic pursuits.
The ceremony was held on April 15, 2026, at the Dr. M. I. Maccido Hall, and was attended by representative of the Vice-Chancellor of ABU, Zaria, the Director ofJAMB Kaduna Zonal Office, the District Head of Waje, the Chief Imam of Danja Mosque, a representative of the Archbishop of Wusasa Diocese, and members of paramilitary formations.
Principal officers of the university, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Suleiman Balarabe; the Acting Registrar, Malam Shehu Iya Sa’idu; the Acting Bursar, Alhaji Muhammad Kabir Aliyu; the Acting Librarian, Alhaji Tijjani Abdul; Director Internal Audit, Mal. Dahiru Garba; as well as Directors, Deans, Heads of Departments (HODs), Heads of Units, staff, and students,were also in attendance.
