EKPOMA – Every University has its overall objectives which it seeks to achieve. These objectives are often dictated by the peculiar demands of any given society based on the prevalent economic situation. The ultimate objective of most universities is to stay competitive in the education sector.

To achieve this, the university is required to have in place a robust strategic and innovative approach in university education management strategies to enable it thrive not just in good times but also in adverse socio-economic, political and regulatory terrains which ultimately gives it a competitive edge in the production of quality graduates.

This is what Professor Ignatus Onimawo has been doing in the last three years as the Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University AAU.

The 37th matriculation ceremony of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma where a total of 6,600 students took oath that constrains them to abide by the rules and regulations of the University and were formally confirmed as students of the institution, was another proof of its management’s commitment to attaining the noble goals the university had set for itself.

It is instructive to note that Ambrose Alli University held its historical first matriculation on the 8th of February, 1982 for 408 students and since then, the University students population had increased tremendously.
It is no longer news that in the last three years, the University has stood out as the best State University in Nigeria. This has been the manifestation of the vision of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Ignatus Onimawo’s administration which ensures that all hands are on deck for the university to excel.

At the occasion, the VC called on the new intakes to key into the vision of excellence in learning and character. He further said that all 100, 200, and part of 300 level examinations are computer- based which according to him, helps students to access their results immediately by clicking submit on their computer and the score is produced on the spot.

“Therefore no cheating, no marks trading, no missing results and no delay in knowing your grades.

“Ambrose Alii University is one of the few Universities in Africa that have successfully implemented this technology. The University is making huge investments into building you up as the future leaders of this country. You are therefore, required to be focused, diligent and committed to your studies and your training”, the VC emphasized.

“The society expects discipline and hardwork from you. Your certificates at the point of graduation will be issued for learning and character. Therefore, you must work hard to merit your certificates”, he further admonished the students.

Exuding an air of satisfaction and modesty, the VC told the eager and smiling students: ” You have been admitted into the best academic culture and you are assured of well rounded tutelage in learning and character. Some of the leaders of industry, governance, music, entertainment, sports, politics,science and technology, administrators, education sector,the judiciary,agriculture, banking, insurance and all other sectors graduated from this University which includes the First Lady Her Excellency Aisha Buhari, Governor of Cross Rivers state Professor Ben Ayade, Minister for State Labour and Productivity,Barrister Festus Kenyamo and Prince Clem Agba, Minister of state for Budget and National Planning ,etc.

“There are numerous other alumni of the university making waves all around the world. You are therefore being admitted to participate in solid legacy of innovation, achievements, breakthrough and success. You must guard this legacy, do not fail society,your country, your state, your community, the University and your families. Above all, do not fail yourself. Be focused on the vision and mission of your studentship. Don’t be led astray by friends. Use the social media with wisdom and care. You must shun all evil associations such as cultism and all anti-social behaviours*, he concluded.

The Vice Chancellor also congratulated the parents who presented the the young minds whom he said, the university had accepted raw materials which after four or five years from now, the institution would have turned them into exceptionally finished products, who would be able to contribute their quotas to the service of themselves as well as the larger society and mankind.