Only about 7,000 new students were formally admitted into various faculties of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) during the 39th Matriculation ceremony of the institution held Thursday.

Addressing the fresh students, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Bartho Okolo congratulated them for their success during the admission stage and tasked them to tow the footsteps of great men and women who had passed through the University on their path to eminence.

The Vice-Chancellor’s address was read by Deans of Faculty, as the matriculation ceremony was held in different faculties of the University.

Prof Okolor said; “You earned a place at today’s ceremony because of your impressive performances at both the University Matriculation Examination (UME) and the Post University Matriculation Examination (PUME). You should all be proud of this achievement.”

“However, you should be humbled by the fact that less than 7,000 of you have been given the opportunity out of the over 100,000 candidates that competed for a place at the University of Nigeria.”

Prof. Okolo advised the fresh students to resist any temptation of involving themselves in anti-social behaviours, stressing that the University had zero tolerance policy on cultism and examination malpractice.

He further asked those who were already members of cult groups before joining the University to denounce such memberships or risk being expelled and prosecuted by the police.

“There are a number of legitimate students’ clubs which are registered with the Department of Students’ Affairs. You are encouraged to identify the ones that appeal to you, and to register and participate in the activities of these genuine associations,” the VC told the students.

He also entreated them to be law-abiding and prioritise their academic work to enable them achieve their mission to the University.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that his administration had made spirited effort to improve the welfare of students and provide a congenial environment for their learning.

According to him, the administration had embarked on the execution of students’ oriented projects, ranging from the modernisation of classrooms and laboratories, construction of students’ multipurpose centre, to digitalisation of classrooms and provision of facilities for extra-curricular activities.

Prof. Okolo assured the students that the University will not renege on its duty to offer them the needed support to enable them actualise their dreams and aspirations. He however urged them to make their own input, stating that “to whom much is given, much is also expected”.

The question is: Do we rejoice or weep ? Only 7% of the applicants are to realise their dreams eventually. What of the rest?. Any meaningful alternatives? If a University of Nigeria absorbed only about 7%, what would become of others??