Shun Cultism, VC Tells Matriculating Students

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, on Tuesday enjoined matriculating students of the institution to resist all forms of temptation to join cults.

He gave the advice during the 2010/2011 matriculation ceremony for 9,956 students held at the university’s convocation square, Samaru, Zaria.

“It is not surprising that a number of you become easy recruits for trouble making and for cultism.

“You must endeavour, therefore, to resist evil-minded people who will come after you.

“You must alongside your more senior colleagues, be prepared to work out solutions to the manifold problems that may beset you without expecting a magical wand around,” he said.

Mustapha, who was represented by Prof. Amos Adamu, the university’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, advised the students not to allow themselves to be used to destabilise the university.

According to him, as new students, they have the opportunity to interact with thousands of young men and women from across the country and beyond.

Mustapha urged them to work hard, as it was not easy to reap the benefit of higher education through laziness, indiscipline and absenteeism.

He noted that with dedication and commitment to their studies, ABU would help to build up their minds and expose them to the horizons of objectivity and scholarly enquiry.

“We aim to remove the cobwebs of narrowness and prejudice so that you demonstrate responsible leadership in the future.

“Our resolve is that ABU will continue to exist in peace and prosperity forever,” the VC added.