How Abia Varsity 42nd matriculation ceremony boosted commercial activities,

Abia State University Uturu had targeted to garner a revenue of about sixty five million, five hundred and twenty thousand naira ( N65,520,000.00 ) from its 42nd matriculation ceremony of 4,368 students held on Friday, 16th August, 2024 for the 2023/2924 session.

Each matriculant was to pay N15,000.00 as cost of hiring the Regalia comprising Gown and Cap and Brochure, as was pre-announced by the University Registrar, Dr Acho Elendu.

The Vice Chancellor ( VC ) professor Onyemachi Ogbulu in his address described this 42nd matriculation ceremony as very significant being the first under the watch of our Education friendly Governor and Visitor Dr Alex Chioma Otti OFR.

” We are very grateful for his unprecedented support in many ways, especially in the areas of security, payment of salaries, academic development and for the continued engagements to reposition ABSU in line with globally acceptable standard”

The VC tasked the new students to strictly abide by the provisions of the oath administered on them , which specifically were ; not to de- market the university on the social media, or involve in cultism, illicit drugs, examination malpractices, indecent dressing.

” You are to pay your fees when due, register Courses Online and report grievances through designated channels” as the extant sanctions will be applied on those that disregard these stipulations.

He also charged them to emulate the impressive performances of ABSU graduates in external examinations namely; Law School, Nursing/Wifery, Optometry, Pharmacy etc and are also excelling in their professional practices globally

He said “we boast of highly qualified and research-oriented Scholars whose works are constantly attracting TETFund and global sponsorship.It is true that we have our own fair share of problems but the truth is that a lot of the negative things heard about our University are grossly exaggerated”.

The VC further counseled the students parents and guardians not to discourage them from studying the courses they were admitted for but to leave God to be their guide in life after graduation.

The event also boosted other commercial activities as Wait- and – Take Photographers, food and refreshments vendors among others, positioned and adorned the campus with their services and wares while students, their parents and guardians from vehicles and arranged stands, entertained their guests.

Fuel prices increased up to N900.00 and N1000 .00 per liter, transport fares by up to 100% increase depending on where one came from and returning to and their time of catching a vehicle.

Travellers from Umuahia, Aba, Owerri, Enugu, etc were reportedly charged up to N3000, N5500, N6,500, N7000 from N2000, N,4000, N5000 and N6,000 respectively for return journeys which were far more than the fares they when coming. Motorcycle and Tricycle charges soared to from N500 – N1000 per passenger for normal distant drop.

Written by
Gordi Udeajah