By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe (NOCEN) in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Friday, 10 May 2024 held its 27th Matriculation, even as the newly appointed Provost, Dr. Justina Anyadiegwu, carried out her first official function.
Addressing the matriculating students, Dr Anyadiegwu stated that the matriculation ceremony marked the official enrollment of each of the students into the institution, saying that it signified the start of an exciting journey filled with opportunities, growth, and personal development.
‘As you embark on this journey, I want to emphasize the importance of embracing this chapter with an open mind and a thirst for knowledge. This College is not just a place of learning, it is a realm of ideas, diversity, and intellectual curiosity. Seek out opportunities to engage with your lecturers, explore different fields of study, and challenge yourself to go beyond your comfort zones. You have been chosen amongst many and your presence here reflects your potential to become outstanding members of the academic community,’ she said.
The Provost described NOCEN as a place where innovation thrived and excellence expected, encouraging them to take advantage of the resources available to them such as the library, laboratories and various research facilities to delve deeper into their chosen fields of study. She charged matriculants to engage in meaningful discussions and debates, both in and out of the classroom, adding that it would help to broaden their perspectives and enable them to develop critical thinking skills.
‘Remember, education is not just about acquiring knowledge, it is also about nurturing your character and fostering personal growth. Hence, you must grow in good character and knowledge with relevant skills for the world of work. This institution will provide you with a platform to develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills. You are to embrace teamwork and cultivate a sense of responsibility towards your community. I urge you to seize these opportunities and contribute positively to the college and society at large.
Dr. Anyadiegwu who warned against cultism and related activities, noted that cultism of any sort was forbidden in the college, charging the students to, at all times, be law-abiding citizens, emphasizing that law enforcement agents would arrest and prosecute anyone who formed or joined any outlawed organization or society or broke the law.
‘Also, be mindful of negative peer pressure and influence and strive to be good ambassadors of your families and this institution always. Take your lecturers seriously and aspire to the zenith. Let excellence be your watchword at all times. This College has a lot of facilities and programmes to ensure that we key in, to the Anambra State Governor’s ‘One Youth , Two Skills’ programme and also to ensure you imbibe the entrepreneurial spirit and skills needed to thrive in this era. Avail yourselves of any of these that falls within your interest and passion. Most importantly, believe in yourself; and believe strongly in God, ‘ the Provost concluded.
She thanked the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, for appointing her into the office and also for finding her worthy and qualified to be part of the Solution Agenda, even as she pledged to work conscientiously with the Management Team, staff, students and everyone towards the realization of the objectives and set goals, to create a conducive environment for staff and students to be at their best.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Charles Igwe, Congratulated the Provost, Dr. Anyadiegwu, for having been selected among equals to pilot the affairs of the institution. He reminded the matriculating students, that the journey would be long and sometimes difficult and the terrain unfamiliar.
He urged them to carefully read the regulations and follow the procedures accordingly, saying that all forms of cultism, examination malpractices, use of narcotics and other vices were not tolerated in the institution.
