ADDRESS BY THE VICE-CHANCELLOR, ALVAN IKOKU FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION (AIFUE), OWERRI, PROFESSOR STELLA NGOZI LEMCHI, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2ND MATRICULATION CEREMONY OF AIFUE HELD ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH, 2026, AT THE UNIVERSITY PAVILION.
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It is with immense joy that I stand before you today on this momentous occasion of the Second Matriculation Ceremony of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education (AIFUE), Owerri. Following the admission of the second batch of freshmen into our great University, our nascent University is firmly on the road of expansion, growth and transformation. On that note, I say congratulations to all our matriculants.
On this historic occasion of our second matriculation, AIFUE happily welcomes 2,121 new students, comprising 2,066 Bachelor's degree students and 55 Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) students.
To our matriculants, you are joining us at a unique juncture in our history. You are the second set of students to be admitted into this renowned institution under its elevated status. Matriculation is more than just a colourful ceremony; it is a sacred rite of passage into the community of scholars. By taking the matriculation oath today, you formally accept the rights, privileges, and responsibilities that come with being a student of this great and prestigious University.
With your admission and matriculation, you have embarked on a transformative journey. Unlike the era when this institution functioned primarily as a College of Education, you now have the opportunity to explore a broader horizon of academic excellence. Whether you are enrolled in our traditional education programmes or our newly introduced single-honours courses, your goal must remain the same: the pursuit of excellence and honour.
As you begin this chapter, I’ll like to inform you that a University degree is awarded to those who are found "worthy in character and in learning." This requires you to set your sights on personal development, intellectual curiosity, and, above all, ethical integrity.
Dear Matriculants, as you step into this community, it is vital that you understand the soul of the institution that now adopts you. Alvan Ikoku Federal University, Owerri, is an inclusive technology-driven community in a conducive environment that is a centre of excellence in teaching, learning and research, whose products are well-adjusted, functional and innovative. Our mission is to promote and ensure the development of the total person through teaching, learning, research and collaboration for positive and innovative changes in the society. You have not come to any university; you have come to a hub of excellence designed to refine your mind and character. I charge you today to align yourselves with this vision. Be innovative, be functional, and strive to become that "total person" our society desperately needs.
My dear matriculants, I speak to you today as a teacher and a mother who has walked this path before you. If you want to excel here, you must first master yourself. Success is not a miracle; it is a daily habit. You build it by attending every lecture and by studying in the library long before an exam arrives. Be proactive and informed. Take notes, ask questions and engage your lecturers with a real hunger for knowledge.
Treat your time as a treasure, because once you spend it, it never returns. Choose friends who push you to be better, and avoid those who lead you into the trap of procrastination. Seek mentorship from those ahead of you and never feel too proud to ask for help. We have well-trained and accessible Academic Advisers who will guide you and help you navigate the complexities of University life. Consult them often.
Stay away from the darkness of cultism; it offers nothing but the destruction of your dreams and life. Stay away from drug abuse, cyber fraud, prostitution, gambling and all other hollow promises of quick riches that only steal your health and your sanity.
I warn you today: do not devalue your hard work by cheating. Examination malpractice is a complete “No, No.” We do not tolerate it, and if you are caught, you will be expelled. Also, avoid bullying, harassment, or violence here. We have many systems to mediate conflict, so follow due process and not take the law into your hands. For those staying in the hostels, ensure you follow the rules and regulations and obey the wardens. Use our facilities responsibly and safely, like you would use the ones in your houses. Theft, vandalism, and reckless use of the facilities will attract swift penalties.
The University environment offers many freedoms, but freedom must be exercised with a deep sense of responsibility to yourselves, your families, and the nation that looks up to you as future leaders. Guard your integrity at all times. Remember, the degree is awarded only after we have found you worthy in character and learning.
My dear matriculants, look around you. This is a new dawn. You belong to an inclusive, technology-driven community that will refine you into a functional and innovative leader. Let me remind you that you carry the hopes of your parents and the pride of Alvan Ikoku.
On my assumption of office as Vice-Chancellor last July, we expanded the courses on offer in the University by securing approval for 20 more programmes. The University currently offers 45 Bachelor's degree programmes across six faculties: Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Sciences, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Faculty of Specialized Education and Faculty of Vocational and Technology Education. We also run the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) in affiliation with the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
Our departments are staffed with highly acclaimed academics who are renowned in their respective fields, dedicated to both research and modern instruction. We utilise a team-teaching approach, ensuring our students receive a world-class education that is both qualitative and forward-thinking. These distinctive features have consistently produced graduates who excel around the world.
Recently, we delivered the biggest upgrade on the hostel facilities in over 15 years. Efficiently and judiciously utilising interventionist funds from TETFund, we upgraded the facilities at Hostels A, B, C, F and I. The renovation included complete overhauling of the toilet facilities and plumbing, tiling of the rooms, changing of the windows to modern Aluminium ones, complete rewiring of the electrical works, plastering, rebuilding broken-down sections and painting. We also upgraded the kitchens and laundry rooms, changed the beds - most of which had been in use for decades - and provided new and clean beddings for all the hostel occupants. These upgrades, together with a similar renovation at Hostels D and G in 2024, mean that we have clean, comfortable and decent accommodation on campus for all our students.
We want to assure our parents and guardians that we have highly qualified personnel who are well-trained and motivated to perform their functions. This administration has prioritised staff welfare and we are grateful to the Federal Government and its agencies for ensuring that salaries, allowances, and other staff welfare packages are paid regularly. I proudly announce that our University is one of the first to pay the recently approved Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) to academic staff. The entire university community is grateful and this is a big motivation for our teaching staff, with the dividends including improved service delivery. I commend our Visitor, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his approval and swift release of the CATA. Under Mr President’s watch, the TETFund has increased staff training and infrastructure development interventions, ensuring that academic activity and scholarship thrive in our University. We must also commend the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who played a pivotal role in the negotiations and approval for the academic staff allowances.
I proudly say that Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, is an unbeatable choice for University Education. With renowned and motivated teaching staff, excellent location in the heart of the City of Owerri, decent and comfortable on-campus accommodation, and a wide-array of attractive courses and programmes, choosing to come to Alvan is one of the most life-defining choices any young person can make. For details on all the available programmes in the University, check our website at www.alvanikoku.edu.ng.
We also proudly report that one of our students, Ebubenna Clinton Ahamefula, took the Second Prize in the recent “Imo at 50” Quiz Competition. Ebubenna Clinton Ahamefula, of the English Department, was the 1st runner-up in the Quiz, a one-day online civic education competition designed to test the knowledge of Imolites on the history, culture, and politics of Imo State since creation. His performance in the quiz, which had over 2000 participants, is a testament to the quality of education on offer in our ivory tower. Mr. Ahamefula has since received the whopping prize money of Ten Million Naira from the indefatigable Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON. I must reiterate here that Governor Hope Uzodimma continues to be a great ambassador for Higher Education in Imo State. He has provided immense support to this institution, playing a pivotal role in our elevation to a University, providing a conducive environment for the new university to grow and often going out of his way to give advice and fatherly guidance.
At Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, we are not resting on our oars; rather, we will work harder to ensure that our students, both new and old, get the best university experience in Nigeria. This Management will not relent in achieving this.
Before I take my seat, I have to commend the Matriculation Committee, led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Chinenye Udeze, for mounting a remarkable and unforgettable ceremony. I am sure our matriculants will remember this day fondly in the decades to come. Thank you for creating fond memories for them with your organisation and smooth operation. I thank the parents and guardians, who have not only entrusted their children and wards to our care, but have made out time to be with our matriculants. You are exceptional.
Once again, I extend my congratulations to the class of 2025/26. May your paths shine brighter and brighter and may this day mark the beginning of unprecedented progress in your academic and career journey.
I thank everyone who has supported us today, especially our partners at the TRCN. I also extend thanks to all members of the University community, our friends in the media and security agencies. We see your support and assistance. I pray that God grants everyone here a safe journey back home.
Thank you and God bless us all.
Professor Stella Ngozi Lemchi
Vice-Chancellor