The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof Simon Ortuanya has warned the newly admitted students of the institution to shun cultism, examination malpractices and all forms of acts inimical to the progress of their academic career.
Ortuanya gave this charge in Nsukka on Thursday while speaking during the university's 2025/2026 First Year Orientation Ceremony, and urged the new intakes to take advantage of the robust system in place and excel in their various academic programs.
He said that the new students must imbibe the culture of good behaviour and shun exam malpractices, cultism, drug abuse, and any form of harassment or violence.
"You must imbibe the culture of good behaviour. This encompasses every aspect of your campus life. It means respecting your lecturers, your peers, and the university staff. It means shunning all forms of malpractice, including examination dishonesty, and staying away from cultism, drug abuse, and any form of harassment or violence.
"The Lion Spirit we celebrate is one of courage, discipline, and integrity. Let your conduct be a testament to that spirit. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. We have a robust support system in place, Student Affairs Department, Medical Centre, Security Department, Academic Advisors, SERVICOM, Chaplaincies, and Student Organizations all dedicated to guiding you and ensuring your well-being.
"On behalf of the entire university community, I heartily congratulate each one of you on your well-deserved admission into this prestigious institution, Nigeria's first indigenous university founded with the noble vision to restore the Dignity of Man.
"This occasion is more than a simple welcome. It is the formal commencement of a transformative journey. The years you will spend here are designed to shape your intellect, mould your character, and empower you to become leaders and change-makers in your communities and the world.
"This orientation is designed to familiarize you with the core values, academic standards, and operational systems of our great institution. You will learn about the support services available to you and the rules and regulations that govern our community," he said.
The VC, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof Mike Ebie Onyia, urged the new students to take advantage of the Federal Government's Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to overcome any financial constraints that may hinder dear academic progress.
"On the matter of financial support for your education, I am pleased to acknowledge the Federal Government's NELFUND. This is a landmark initiative by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu designed to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder any qualified Nigerian student from accessing tertiary education. I encourage you to explore this opportunity. The scheme is a testament to the value placed on your future, and I urge all of you to take advantage of it responsibly.
"Secondly, I must speak candidly about the expectations we have of you as students of UNN. You are now ambassadors of this great institution, and with that privilege comes the responsibility to observe our Code of Conduct.
"Thirdly, communicate responsibly. In this digital age, your voice carries immense power, especially on social media. Use it to build up, not to tear down. Verify information before you share it. Refrain from cyberbullying, spreading rumours, or engaging in online disputes that bring the university's name into disrepute. Be a force for positive and constructive dialogue.
"Fourthly, dress decently. The University of Nigeria is a place of learning and character development. Your mode of dressing is a reflection of your self-respect and your respect for the institution. As such, indecent dressing is prohibited. Let your attire be neat, modest, and appropriate for an academic environment, always upholding the dignity we are known for," he said.
The VC commended the leadership and staff of Student Affairs for organizing the programme for the university's freshmen in Nsukka and Enugu campuses.
Earlier in a remark, Prof Christian Ezeibe, Dean of Student Affairs, UNN, said that the Core mandate of the Department is to promote the general welfare and well-being of all students in the three campuses of the University in Nsukka, Enugu and Ituku Ozalla.
"As the Dean of Students, I want you to understand that my department is your home and your first port of call for support. The Students Affairs Department, with our dedicated professional staff in Nsukka, Enugu, and Ituku-Ozalla, are here to support your personal and academic development.
"Our services are aimed at promoting your comfort, whether you live on campus or off-campus. We are responsible for your registration, we coordinate student elections, we provide professional counselling services to address the unique challenges you may face, and crucially, we are the custodians of the rules that will guide your conduct.
"This brings me to the most important document you will be introduced to today, aside from the academic calendar and students' handbook, we have the University of Nigeria Students' Code of Conduct.
"This document which has long been approved by the University Senate and circulated among students is not merely a collection of rules. It is the foundational charter of our community, designed to promote ethical conduct among students, foster personal integrity, and respect for others.
"It is the blueprint for how we, as Lions and Lionesses, live, learn, and interact," Ezeibe said.
The Dean commended University Administration, led by the VC Prof Ortuanya for his unwavering support and commitment to not only promoting academic excellence but also for his special attention to students' care and welfare, noting "It is this commitment that ensures the Students Affairs Department can effectively fulfil its mandate."
The new students were lectured on the university rules and regulations by the Registrar, the Bursar talked to them about financial regulations at the university. The librarian talked about the use of the library, CSO Barr AA Okey gave the new students some security tips for survival on campus. The Director of ICT talked about the soft resources available in the university. The Chairman of the Students' Disciplinary Committee talked about the Students' Code of Conduct. The Director of Accommodation talked about hostel accommodation on campus, among others
Over 9000 students participated in the Nsukka campus and about 3000 participated in the Enugu campus of the University's orientation.
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