A total of 5,452 new students and 200 candidates of the Continuing Education programme on Friday participated in the 32nd matriculation ceremony of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Addressing the new students, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, warned that anyone involved in cultism, examination malpractice or forgery would be expelled.
He made it clear that the institution maintains zero tolerance for corrupt practices and would also take legal action against any student found guilty of involvement in cultism, examination malpractice or related offences.
“The University has a zero tolerance tolerance policy and any student found guilty of these offenses will face disciplinary measures, in accordance with our established guidelines.
“These measures include expulsion from the University, legal action, and a stain on one’s academic record”, Professor Iwe said.
The Vice-Chancellor, who was flanked by principal officers and members of the Senate during his address, encouraged the new students to approach their studies with diligence and to see themselves as part of the drive towards achieving the national policy of self-sufficiency in food and fibre production, which the institution upholds.
He further encouraged all students, except those in their first and final years of study, to apply for the NELFUND loan to enable them to pay their fees.