By Paul Palang, The Nigeria Times
Excitement filled the air as 3,700 newly admitted students gathered at Plateau State University (PLASU) in Bokkos on Thursday, December 19, 2024, for their matriculation ceremony, marking the start of the 2024/2025 academic year. The lecture hall, which holds 600 people, was packed with hopeful students, their families, and university staff, all celebrating this important milestone.
The ceremony kicked off on a chilly winter morning with a warm welcome speech from the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shadrach Gaya Best. He congratulated the students on their admission and spoke about the life-changing potential of education. “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives,” he said, encouraging the students to strive for academic success, discipline, and integrity during their time at the university.
After the Vice-Chancellor’s speech, the university Registrar, Mr. Yakubu F. Ayuba, invited deans from various faculties to present their students for the matriculation oath. As Mr. Ayuba led the students in taking this important pledge, it served as a reminder of their commitment to follow the university’s rules and values.
In his keynote address, Professor Best urged the new students to stay focused and hardworking. He emphasized that the university is dedicated to shaping responsible citizens and future leaders. “This is the foundation of your future. Make every moment count, avoid distractions, and aim for excellence,” he advised, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.
For many students, the ceremony was a proud moment. Miss Loveth Augustine, a newly admitted student of micro biology, expressed her excitement about joining the PLASU community. “I am thrilled to be part of this university. I will do my best to succeed academically and make my family proud,” she said.
However, not everyone felt completely joyful. Miss Faith Chondol, another student of Mass Communication voiced her worries about the cost of tuition fees. She appealed to the Plateau State Government to reconsider the fee structure. “Many of us come from modest backgrounds. The high tuition fees are a heavy burden on students and their families. I urge the government to lower the fees or provide scholarships for all PLASU students,” she passionately stated.
Comrade Martins Fidel, the Secretary-General of the Student Union Government (SUG), supported these concerns. He reassured the new students that the union would fight for their needs, including advocating for lower tuition fees. “This is a vital moment in your academic journey. As your representatives, we will work hard to address the welfare of all students,” he promised.
As the matriculation ceremony concluded, an atmosphere of hope and determination filled the air, welcoming the new students. Yet, the call for reduced tuition fees remained a crucial topic, sparking discussions about making higher education more accessible and affordable.
Plateau State University, Bokkos, is committed to nurturing future leaders while maintaining strong academic standards and promoting integrity and hard work. As these new students begin their educational journey, the university’s commitment to addressing the financial challenges they face will play a significant role in shaping their experiences.
