Vice Chancellor of UniAbuja, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi
By Felix Khanoba
The University of Abuja (UniAbuja ) on Thursday matriculated over 8,000 students for the 2025/2026 academic session, warning the new entrants against cultism, drug abuse and other forms of anti-social behaviour.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, gave the warning during the matriculation ceremony held at the Convocation Ground of the institution’s main campus.
He disclosed that the university received more than 30,000 applications for admission into the session but admitted only a fraction of the candidates due to capacity constraints.
“For the 2025/2026 Academic Session, over 30,000 candidates applied for admission into the University of Abuja. However, due to capacity constraints and our commitment to maintaining quality, we were able to admit only over 8,000 students across our faculties,” he said.
Fawehinmi told the matriculating students that gaining admission into the institution was both a privilege and an achievement, noting that they were selected from a highly competitive pool.
“Your admission from this highly competitive pool is both a privilege and an achievement. You were selected because you met the requirements and demonstrated the character, capacity and potential to excel in this intellectually stimulating environment,” he said.
The vice-chancellor also outlined steps being taken by the university management to improve infrastructure and student welfare.
He said the institution was strengthening partnerships, including collaboration with Galaxy Backbone, to enhance ICT infrastructure and improve internet access for teaching, learning and research.
According to him, the university is also working with relevant agencies, including the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and exploring public-private partnership initiatives to provide additional hostel facilities.
“Although hostel accommodation remains a challenge as the University continues to attract increasing numbers of applicants, we are working with relevant agencies, including TETFund, and exploring public-private partnership initiatives to provide additional and improved hostel facilities,” he said.
Fawehinmi assured parents and guardians that the safety of students remained a top priority of the university administration.
Addressing the students, the vice-chancellor emphasised discipline, good conduct and adherence to university regulations.
“From today, you have become an integral part of this University, and your conduct will henceforth be subject to public scrutiny. You are therefore expected to conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of this reputable institution of higher learning,” he said.
He issued a strong warning against acts of indiscipline.
“Let it be clearly understood that the University has zero tolerance for acts of indiscipline, including cultism, examination misconduct, sexual harassment, drug abuse, unruly behaviour and other forms of antisocial conduct. Ignorance of the rules will not be accepted as an excuse,” he said.
The vice-chancellor urged the students to remain law-abiding and honour their matriculation oath at all times.
“Remember that the certificate you will earn at the end of your programme is based on character and learning, with character coming before learning,” he added.
He also encouraged the students to cultivate collaboration, mutual respect and discipline, while making use of academic, counselling, health and welfare services provided by the institution.
“As you begin this new chapter, see yourselves as ambassadors of the University. Let your words and actions reflect wisdom, discipline and integrity. Approach your studies with determination and enthusiasm, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth,” he said.
Fawehinmi congratulated the students on their successful admission and urged them to remain focused and committed throughout their stay in the university.
Some of the new students expressed delight on gaining admission into the institution, vowing to give their best in the academic pursuit.
