Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Gregory University, Uturu (GUU), Abia State, recently held its 7th matriculation ceremony to formally usher in newly admitted students into the institution for some undergraduate programmes.
Activities that culminated in the event started with pre-matric gala night’, where students showcased their talents and thrilled the guests to a mixture of drama, poetry, music and dance.
The Vice-Chancellor of GUU, Prof. Augustine Uwakwe, who administered the oath, advised the newly admitted students, to be totally out for their academic activities to avoid regret at the end of their academic programme.
He informed them that Gregory University has a academic standard that cannot be compromised irrespective of whoever is involved, advising that the students abide by the operational rules and regulations in the school to avoid unnecessary sanctions from the management.
Uwakwe told the new students that the university attach great importance to entrepreneurship; hence it was compulsory for year two students irrespective of their course of study, to undergo entrepreneurship class with practical applications as being organized by the school founder and Chancellor, Dr. Gregory Ibeh.
Howbeit, Dr. Ibeh, in his remarks, recalled with nostalgia, the journey of the university, and how it has been able to produce world class graduates, who were armed with key to global economic, political, ICT, security problems, amongst others.
He said the school has registered its name on the list of global institutions that are known for academic excellence, discipline and solutions to human and natural challenges, urging the students to key into the vision of the school for maximum benefit.
He encouraged the new students to be academically serious and take advantage of the great academic and entrepreneurship opportunities in the institution to equip themselves with skills for global relevance.
In a keynote address, Dr. Sola Aliu defined entrepreneur as someone who pursue his or her goals in spite of obstacles, opposition, setback and failure.
He added that such person must persist in the face of adversity, confront unknown challenges and risks, learn from failures, have confidence in his or her capacity to deal with the world, and take practical rational steps in the pursuit of his or her goals.
He, thus told the students that 21st century world is ruled by knowledge and not certificate as was the case in past. He encouraged them to focus on skill and knowledge acquisition instead of certificate.