Federal varsity Lokoja warns new students against drug abuse, other vices

By Richard Elesho

The Vice-Chancellor Federal University Lokoja, FUL, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, has charged students of the institution to be contemptuous of drug abuse, examination malpractice, and cultism and instead stayed focused on their studies.

He gave the advice on Friday, 30 January, at the 2025/26 matriculation ceremony when a total of 9,097 students were received into the various academic programmes of the school.

Akinwumi said the matriculants had successfully met the requirements of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) as well as the university’s internal screening process, describing the admission exercise as highly competitive

According to him, the number of admitted students reflects FUL’s firm commitment to merit, quality education, and academic excellence.

He explained that the oath taken during the matriculation ceremony morally and legally binds the students to the rules, regulations, and constituted authority of the university, stressing that violations would attract appropriate sanctions.

“I receive you with a deep sense of fulfilment and pride. I am confident that you will build upon the solid foundations laid by this administration and fully embrace our philosophy that the sky is our limit…

“Please note that any student with less than 75 per cent class attendance shall not be eligible to sit for examinations at the end of each semester. Attendance is not optional; it is mandatory, the VC advised.

“Decency reflects discipline, and discipline is the pathway to success. You are therefore required to comply fully with the approved dress code at all times,” he said.

The VC whose tenure will soon come to an end urged the students to be security conscious, avoid violent protests, and embrace dialogue as a means of resolving grievances while also encouraging participation in sports and recreational activities.

“Remain focused on why you are here; to learn, to grow, and to prepare for the future. Do not be an NFA—No Future Ambition student. Have a vision, set goals, and pursue them with diligence.