The Admiralty University of Nigeria, (ADUN) Ibusa, Delta State, conducted its 6th matriculation ceremony on Saturday.
The event, which kicked off at 11 AM in the Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba (GSS) Multi-purpose Hall, saw the presentation of 352 fresh students who took their matriculation oath.
The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Paul Omojo Omaji congratulated the students and encouraged them of the task ahead and the sacrifices they need to make to be able to graduate successfully.
Prof. Omaji in his address titled “Living Rightly Produce Great Results” said ADUN is destined for greatness, adding that the entire ideological framework that guides the university shows that it pursues very excellent standards.
He also added that the Admiralty University of Nigeria, being a global university is not just focused on producing graduates instead it prides itself more on producing luminary leaders.
Omaji maintained that it takes a quadripartite partnership or approach for the university to be able to achieve its vision of producing luminary leaders, stating that cooperation between the federal government, the university, parents, and students is needed as everyone needs to work together.
He assures the parents, guardians, and students that ADUN despite being a public university, will not go the same way as other public universities. According to him, the Nigerian Navy has a responsibility to maintain its imprint and its presence, and also to ensure that the principle which drives the Navy is what drives the university.
He said the university which has successfully lived over the years succeeded based on its mantra of doing things rightly, as he prayed and encouraged the students to always live rightly and ensure they do the right thing at the right time, and at the right place.
Prof Omaji called on parents and guidance to join hands with the management of the university to bring out the discipline of the students and also encouraged them to ensure that their kids’ needs are well-taken care of, stating that their feeding should not be compromised in any way. “When a child does not feed well, that child will not likely to learn well”, he said.
Also, in a paper presented by Dr Kingsley Emu on the Occasion of the 6th Matriculation Ceremony of the University, titled “Achieving Career Objectives in a Challenging Economy: The Role of Government & University in Partnership”, he advised the freshers that it is very important for them to understand their limitations when undertaking their courses, as it is the foundation of their career.
He encouraged the students to use their leisure time to acquire a skill instead of wasting it on things that are not useful.
Dr. Emu who said the state has a lot to do in terms of policy that will enable things to strive, advised the university management that they have a big role to play and they should try to make education functional, adding that functional education is very profitable.
In addition, the Group Executive Officer/Chief Executive Officer of Navy Holding Ltd, Rear Admiral Hol Kaoje who was represented by Rear Admiral Adetimi Kayode in his address stated that the Admiralty University of Nigeria is a product of the vision of the Nigerian Navy.
Kaoje added that its objects, among other ideals, are; to promote knowledge, skills and aptitudes in maritime arts, sciences and technology in furtherance of national security and development; to expand the frontiers of knowledge in various related and contemporary academic disciplines; to use university education as a veritable tool to drive critical human resource development, national development and nation- building; and to raise exemplary and luminary leaders who will serve humanity with purpose and distinction.
He encouraged the students to begin to see themselves as part of a unique community. A community of law and order; a community of decency and discipline; a community of unfettered initiative and creativity; as well as a community of excellence and distinction.
The Chief Executive Officer who encourages the Matriculating Students, uses the opportunity to congratulate them, firstly on their admission and secondly for the memorable experience of the matriculation, saying their academic journey just began.
Similarly, the Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori who was highly represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Tonukari Johnbull encouraged the students to take their studies seriously, stay focused and strive for excellence.
Oborevwori said the university has put in place a conducive environment for learning, advising students to take advantage of opportunities provided by the institution.
He added that the university is a place where students have a lot of freedom and such freedom usually comes with a lot of correspondencing obligations. Additionally, students should strive to protect their rights, privileges, and freedom, they must also ensure not to stumble over the rights, privileges, and freedom of others.
The Governor called on the Vice-Chancellor and the management of the institution to encourage the students to participate in extracurricular activities, community service, and initiatives, as well as entrepreneurial skills. According to him, such activities will help develop their leadership skills, broaden their horizons, and create lasting memories.
He said the Delta State encourages healthy debates and diverse ideas but the Government has a zero-tolerance policy towards cult activities and examination malpractices. Advising the matriculating students to always see themselves as the ambassadors of the institution by giving priority to their academics.
He added that the Admiralty University of Nigeria will continue to always receive encouragement and support from the Delta State Government.
