Federal University Otuoke welcomed its incoming class for the 2024/2025 academic session with a comprehensive orientation programme on the Code of Conduct and the institution’s rules and regulations. The event, held on Monday, December 2, 2024, took place in the University’s Main Auditorium on the East Campus.

 

Designed to ease the transition into University life, the orientation session introduced freshmen to the core values of the institution, emphasizing academic excellence, discipline, and community engagement.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor, Chris Chinemerem Onyema, standing in for the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Teddy Charles Adias, delivered a heartfelt welcome address to the new students.

 

“I bring you the goodwill message of the Vice-Chancellor,” he began. “He extends his warm welcome to you all and congratulates you on your admission to Federal University Otuoke, selected from over 20,000 applicants. We are honoured that you chose FUO as your first university of choice. The Vice-Chancellor assures you that we will not let you down, and in return, he urges you not to let us down. Uphold the values and basic codes of conduct expected of you throughout your stay at this institution.”

 

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor announced that Federal University Otuoke (FUO) now offers 54 degree programmes across 10 Faculties, with the Faculty of Law set to commence operations by the end of 2024. He further assured the audience that the Vice-Chancellor has established the necessary infrastructure and academic frameworks to support the freshmen’s educational journey. Emphasizing the accessibility of the Vice-Chancellor’s office as the primary avenue for addressing grievances within the University, he noted that all complaints must follow the proper administrative procedures.

 

He reminded the freshmen, with a blend of wisdom and wit, that degrees are earned on the twin pillars of character and learning—neither of which is up for negotiation or shortcuts. “If you’re hoping to charm your way through or fast-track the process,” he quipped, “you may find yourself on an extended study tour.” He stressed that these core values remain uncompromising throughout the duration of their programmes.

 

The Registrar, Mrs Andabi Benita Amangi-Edomo, provided a brief overview of FUO’s twin campuses—the East and West Campus—as well as the administrative block. She highlighted the pivotal role of the Registry, explaining that it serves as the first and last port of call for all students. Addressing the freshmen, she emphasized the importance of timely course registration at the beginning of each semester to ensure accurate exam records and urged them to adhere strictly to the University calendar, which clearly outlines the academic sessions.

 

Mrs Amangi-Edomo encouraged the students to uphold the University’s core tenets and reminded them of the importance of staying focused on their academic purpose. She advised them to avoid unnecessary distractions, stressing the value of good peer influence while cautioning against negative associations that could derail their academic pursuits. Additionally, she urged them to manage mental stress effectively, practice contentment, and complete their assignments promptly, underscoring that discipline and focus are essential for their success.

 

The Bursar, Dr. Preteowei Suwari Topman, expressed his gratitude to the students for their timely payment of tuition fees. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the passwords issued to them upon payment, as these will be essential for future reference. Dr. Topman also advised students to print copies of their payment receipts and ensure they record the payment details with their respective Departments and Faculties. He reminded them that the fees passbook remains their responsibility and must be kept safe until graduation.

 

The Acting University Librarian, Dr Kayode Gboyega Oyeniran, highlighted the pivotal role of the library in the university system, describing it as “the intellectual cornerstone of the University.” He underscored that the library is instrumental in advancing the institution’s core values of knowledge and learning, emphasizing that the quality of a university is intrinsically linked to the quality of its library.

 

Dr. Oyeniran also detailed the procedures for accessing the library’s physical and electronic resources. He explained that while books for all faculties are readily available in both physical and digital formats at the departmental and faculty levels, borrowing is permitted exclusively through the main library. He stressed the importance of student registration with the library as a prerequisite for accessing its resources.

 

Professor Cletus Akinbo, Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, addressed the students on behalf of all the faculty deans. He emphasized that the Students’ Handbook is the definitive guide to conduct and regulations within the Federal University Otuoke (FUO). He advised the students to exercise caution in forming friendships at this early stage of their academic journey, recommending that they take time to understand each other first. In addition, he cautioned against indecent dressing, a practice strictly frowned upon by the University Management. For students in the Faculty of Management Sciences, he underscored that adherence to the prescribed dress code is of utmost importance.

 

Dr (Mrs) Juliet Teibowei, Dean of Students’ Affairs, highlighted the significance of the student’s admission, noting that they were among the fortunate 5,000 admitted from over 20,000 applicants. She urged them to see this opportunity as a privilege and not take it lightly. As the Dean of Students’ Affairs, she assured the students of her commitment to their welfare and encouraged them to approach her office without hesitation whenever they face challenges.

 

Dr. Teibowei reiterated the importance of the Students’ Handbook as a critical resource for understanding the University’s rules and regulations, warning that violators would face the Senate Disciplinary Committee for appropriate action. She also advised the freshmen to take advantage of the University’s Guidance and Counseling Unit whenever they need support.

 

From Publications Unit