By; ARCHIBONG ESUENE, Makurdi
The pursuit of knowledge is not just about passing exams; it is about acquiring the skills, wisdom, and experiences that will enable you to make meaningful contributions to society.
This was expressed by the Vice Chancellor, Benue State University Makurdi, Prof Joe Tor Iorapuuu, while welcoming fresh students of the university in an address titled, “Growing BSU Students Global Social Workers”.
New Nigerian Newspapers gathered that 6,502 students including 5,982 from regular programmes, comprising UTME and Direct Entry, and 273, 250 for Sandwich, Part-time programmes respectively matriculated for the 2023/2024 Academic Session, according to figures by the Vice Chancellor.
The matriculation according to New Nigerian sources, was historic in ways, because it marks the first matriculation of the first sets of students of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Faculty of Technology and Industrial Studies.
According to the Vice Chancellor, “These sets of students (fresh students) will commence the approved National Universities Commission (NUC) Core Curriculum and Academic Standards (CCMAS). This shows the growing BSU, currently boasting of 14 faculties, from initial four in the 1992/1993 academic year of inception”.
To grow and become global social workers, the Vice Chancellor, urged the students “to embrace the values that Benue State University holds dear: “Integrity, hard work, and a commitment to excellence.”
“These values will guide you not only through your years of study but also throughout your personal and professional lives,” he added.
He reminded the students that, “the university is simply a process where you will be exposed to the knowledge of critically interpreting the world around you,” as they are exposed to realities of the universe, new cultures, attitudes and relationships.”
In view of the complex nature of a university, the Vice Chancellor advised the students to select friends and social groups that will always lead them to quality and responsive actions and decisions.
“You must define and understand why you are here in the first place. From this moment, ask yourself what quality of a graduate do you want to be in addition to your class of degree? In other words, what skills do you desire and what kind of person do you desire to be to the society?” He admonished.
Prof Iorapuu, therefore, paid glowing tributes to the Visitor and Governor of Benue State, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, through whose support, he said, BSU is benefitting from the UNDP Universities’ Innovation Pod (UNIPOD) – One Million Dollar funding.
“TETFUND is also assisting the University to solve its students’ housing challenges with a 1,600-bed space hostel accommodation,” Mr. Vice Chancellor noted.
