Newly matriculated weekend/part-time students of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAH&PT), Moor Plantation, Ibadan have been charged to abide by the code, rules and regulations of the college. The college on Friday held the 2024/2025 Matriculation ceremony of the newly admitted weekend/part-time students.

The students, in their academic gowns, marched into the K. J. Nwufoh Auditorium at the school premises, where they read the Oath of Allegiance before the staff and management of the college.

In his address, the Provost of the College, Dr. Adekoya Owosibo congratulated the fresh students on being fortunate to have scaled admission hurdles to get into the college, explaining that the part time/weekend programme is not substandard to that of the regular programme. He noted that the same curriculum are taught in both programmes and the same certificate issued.

Describing the necessity of the ceremony, he said “matriculation is one of the most important events of the college and other tertiary institutions. It is part of the academic culture of any tertiary institution dating back to centuries. In essence, by matric, your membership of this academic community becomes properly documented as you have sworn the oath of allegiance.”

Represented by the Deputy Provost (Academics), Dr. Isaac Olusegun Ayodeji, he stressed that the event grants the students, right to learn, right to reside in the college hostel, right to protection, right to seek redress through appropriate channels, while it also imposes certain obligations in their relationship with the college.

According to him, the college “expects exemplary behaviour that will enhance its corporate image as well as smooth administration, demands comportment reflecting the dignity and status of a disciplined society.”

Owosibo charged the freshmen to avoid violence as a means of seeking redress in the college, stating that violence reflects a degenerated and undisciplined society.

Stating that issues in the modern world are addressed through peaceful dialogue, he counselled the students to go through appropriate channels of communication in the case of addressing discrepancies.

Counselling the new intakes on the need to face their studies squarely and attend classes, the Provost tasked them to shun secret cults and religious extremism, saying that “our college has enjoyed peace in our religious and political practices for several decades.”

Emphasizing avoidance of wearing suggestive and seductive dresses on campus, he stressed that indecent dressing will not be tolerated, and any student found guilty stands at risk of being dismissed.

On their academic programme, the college boss oriented the students that they will be “trained in the art of agriculture, science and technology regardless of your area of specialisation” adding that the college will train them not to depend on white-collar jobs alone but as entrepreneurs.

As the students are told to avoid examination malpractice or stand the risk of dismissal, Owosibo announced the achievements of the college in sports, stating that “show your interest in sports and games, you never can tell what the future holds for you.”

He also admonished the freshers on cleanliness and maintaining good hygiene, assuring that while the students desist from every act of thuggery and maintain the multi-million-naira facilities of the college, the institution is responsible for the security of lives and properties.

“The college has expanded and will continue to expand in geometric progression. I want to enjoin you to keep the good legacies of the college. I wish you a very successful academic pursuit in the college, and look forward to joining your convocation,” Owosibo concluded.

In attendance at the matriculation event were, the Dean, School of Agricultural Management and Fisheries, Dr Mrs Grace Alonge; Director of Academic Planning, Dr Folashade Ajasin, the College librarian, Alhaja Jemilat Iyabo Arilesere; Heads of Departments, teaching and non teaching staff.