•R-L: Mrs. Alor (4th from right), Prof Okoli, Prof Nwogbo, college Registrar, Dr Bessie Nkah, Dr. Ezeme and other principal officers after the matriculation ceremony.
The Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze, Anambra State, Professor Theresa Obumnene Okoli has warned students of the institution against addiction to social media. She said spending long hours on idle chats on social media rob students of valuable study time, which subsequently affect their overall academic performance.
The provost stated this at the 35th/3th joint matriculation ceremony of the college, held recently at the Convocation Arena, Main Campus. The event was attended by the Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof Charles Esimone, the Commissioner for Education, Anambra State, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, the pioneer Provost, Federal College of Education, Ofeme-Ohuhu, Umuahia, Abia State, Dr Titus Sunday Ezeme, among others.
Prof Okoli said the college made the acquisition of ICT skills compulsory for all students in order to prepare them for the digital age. According to her, the institution encouraged the formation of Google Developer Students Club (GDSC) in the institution, with Kenechukwu Nweke and Chukwuemeka Esther Chidinma emerging Google ambassadors respectively.
She expressed satisfaction that several students of the college were already working for IT firms and earning income.
Despite these glittering prospects in the ICT sector, Okoli advised students not to allow the use of social media erode the moral values of the society and constitute a distraction to their studies. She frowned at online fraudulent activities popularly called “Yahoo Yahoo” and other get quick rich syndrome, stressing that such criminality among students would not be condoned in the college.
She maintained that her administration took up the task of making the institution a centre of excellence, where students graduate in flying colours. Okoli urged the new students to take advantage of the quality teaching in the college to ascend a lofty height in academics. According to her, several students of the institution won Federal Government scholarship in past years.
The provost thanked the federal government for introducing the Students Loan Scheme, noting that it would widen access to tertiary education across the country.
“The college will continue to collaborate with the federal government for the implementation of the Students Loan Scheme. Let me advice students that applied for this scheme to be patient, as the government works out the modalities for its implementation”, she added.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Charles Esimone, represented by the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof Vivian Nwogbo, congratulated the new students on their admission and urged them to work hard throughout their stay.
“This is an institution geared towards excellence. You are privileged to be admitted into this institution. Education is the mother of all discipline. An opportunity is presented to you to become an employer of labour. I urge you to make good use of this opportunity”, he said.
The VC assured all degree students that they were bonafide students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, noting that the programme domiciled in FCET Umunze runs in line with the required standard. He further commended the college for running a template of self-reliance, which allows graduates of the institution to be self-employed. He urged the newly admitted students to embrace their studies with enthusiasm and work hard to make excellent grades throughout their stay in the institution.
In her address to the students, the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh represented by the Director, Higher Education, Mrs. Oyibo Alor, described education as the bedrock of development, as no meaningful development would take place in any society without the provision of quality education. She advised the students to imbibe the culture of constant reading as well as participating in regular practical to ensure self-reliance.
“May you reach the zenith of academic excellence as you make up your mind to distinguish yourselves in your chosen careers,” she concluded.
In his goodwill message, the pioneer provost, FCE Ofeme Ohuhu, Umuahia, Abia State, Dr Ezeme, reminded the new students that their admission into the institution marked the commencement of a transformative experience that would shape their future. He urged the students never to underestimate the power of perseverance and determination.
“The road to success is rarely smooth, but with resilience and grit, you can overcome any obstacle that stands in your way. Also, cherish the relationships you build with your peers, mentors and fellow members of the academic community. These connections will not only enrich your learning experience but also provide you with invaluable support and guidance along the way,” he added.