AN ADDRESS BY THE PRO-CHANCELLOR AND CHAIRMAN OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL ON THE ON THE OCCASION OF THE 9TH MATRICULATION CEREMONY ON THURSDAY MARCH 07, 2019
An Address by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council Paul University, Awka, Anambra State. On the occasion of the 9th Matriculation Ceremony on Thursday March 07, 2019
The Proprietor,
Governing Council,
The Vice-Chancellor,
Other Principal Officers of the University
Deans of Faculties and Directors of Schools,
Members of the University Senate,
Heads of Departments,
Members of Matriculation Committee,
Freshmen and Women,
Parents and Guardians,
Distinguished Invited Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen
INTRODUCTION
I’m delighted, on behalf of the Governing Council, to welcome all of you to this auspicious occasion. The occasion is auspicious because matriculation formally admits new students to the University. It marks the official registration of our new students who by signing the Matricula, undertake to abide by Paul University’s Statutes and Ordinances. Dear new students, your cheerful and hearty parents/ sponsors, I invite you to take note of the Matriculation Oath of the University and resolve to abide by them in the interest of everybody.
THE PARTIES TO SUCCESS
A university is a universal set and therefore a place where parochialism is not expected. I invite the new students to develop a broad mind required to succeed in a university. While eschewing parochialism, I urge you to avoid exuberance that can lead you to act outside the expectations of the matriculation oath you will subscribe to at this ceremony. The Faculty and Administration of the University is available to guide you to become leaders in different fields of knowledge. This is the dawn of this quest, I urge you to set out right away, as advised by the Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka in his book: You Must Set Forth At Dawn.
How would a student succeed in a world of freedom to learn and study any and
everything? I will say to you: have the fear of the Lord because it is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7a). Be disciplined! Attend classes regularly and punctually; use the library intentionally and engage in sports warmly. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline (Proverbs 1:7b). Do not allow indiscipline to seduce you as we are instructed in Proverbs 1:8 -19. Paul University is a Christian establishment, you will therefore not lack the wisdom that is from above; please embrace it. Finally, the motto of the University is “Ecce ego mite me” (here am i, send me). The import of this motto is to prevail on every student of this University to acquire the culture of volunteerism as a way of life. I’m convinced that this is the enabler that will give you a solid foundation for the development of leadership qualities in your career. Please be part of the spirit of the University’s motto.
To parents, whether you are university graduates or not, pay attention to the work of your wards. If the mother of Ben and Curtis Carson, who was illiterate and a single parent, could guide her two children to academic and professional excellence, all of you can do the same and better (Ben Carson, You Have a Brain). Nurture your wards to bear good fruits. Do not leave them for the University Faculty; they have their own wards too!
BE ABOVE BOARD
On behalf of the Governing Council, I assure you that the council is working dedicatedly to put everything necessary for the goals which students, parents and sponsors seek, in this citadel of learning. The glory of the university is the success and development of our students and staff. If we join hands in the endeavour, the future will be satisfying for all of us. Be assured that the Council will not look kindly to any manifestation of immorality and illegality such as gangsterism, cultism, sexual abuse, trafficking, violence, and in particular, rape, drug abuse, cyber-crime, unedifying and vulgar dressing and examination malpractice.
CONCLUSION
Dear Matriculates, you are at the bar of history. I encourage you to make good use of the opportunities that the University has placed at your disposal by working hard, paying attention to lectures and conducting yourselves well as ambassadors of the Proprietor, the BoTs, the council, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the University and your parents. A journey of a thousand miles (being found worthy in character and learning to earn a degree of this university) begins with a step; this matriculation ceremony. That journey has begun today.
I pray that the good Lord will see you through and crown all your efforts with success. I wish you well. Thank you and God bless you all.
Engr. (Sir) Chris Okoye FIoD, FNIT, FNIA, F.ASCE FNIHTE, FNSE
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council