Margaret Lawrence varsity matriculates 272 students
The Vice-Chancellor of Margaret Lawrence University, Abuja, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie, has urged the newly admitted students of the institution to remain disciplined, focused and committed to academic excellence throughout their
The Vice-Chancellor of Margaret Lawrence University, Abuja, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie, has urged the newly admitted students of the institution to remain disciplined, focused and committed to academic excellence throughout their university education.
Izevbigie gave the charge on Monday during the university’s third matriculation ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic session, where 272 fresh students were formally admitted into various academic programmes.
He described matriculation as an important academic tradition that formally admits students into the university community through oath-taking and the signing of the matriculation register.
The vice-chancellor noted that although the university received its licence on March 12, 2022, academic activities commenced in November 2023, adding that the institution has continued to expand its academic programmes and infrastructure.
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According to him, the university currently operates eight faculties, including Medicine, Law, Engineering, Computing and Environmental Sciences, as well as Management and Social Sciences.
Izevbigie encouraged the students to combine academic pursuits with entrepreneurial development, stressing the importance of preparing for life after graduation.
He also urged the students to recognise their uniqueness and make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Izevbigie said: “I want every student, before graduating from this university, to have a business plan. Not only should you have a business plan, but you should also register a company with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
“From the beginning, you are unique. Your deoxyribonucleic acid is different from that of any other person. Make good use of the opportunity that you have.”
The vice-chancellor further disclosed that the university recently acquired the Anatomage Table Series 12, a virtual dissection tool used in advanced medical training, as part of efforts to strengthen its medical education facilities.
He added that the institution also has a teaching hospital to support practical learning.
Speaking on discipline, Izevbigie explained that the university has adopted policies aimed at minimising distractions and ensuring students remain focused on their studies.
As part of these measures, he said the institution restricts the use of smartphones on campus, while allowing students to use basic mobile phones for calls and text messages to stay in touch with their families.
“Using a cell phone can be a distraction. For students to focus on their studies, we do not allow smartphones on campus. Their parents know this and it is even one of our selling points,” he said.
He noted that disciplinary measures are in place for students who violate the rule, adding that penalties are graduated depending on the number of offences.
“The first violation attracts about two weeks’ suspension, while subsequent violations attract stiffer penalties,” he said.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Founder of the university, Mr. Paul Odili, expressed satisfaction with the successful matriculation ceremony and encouraged parents to enrol their children in the institution.
Odili encouraged parents seeking quality education for their children to consider the university, assuring them that the institution is committed to shaping students for future success.
He said: “What I have to tell them is that we can remodel your children. We can deliver on the potential they already have and prepare them for today and tomorrow.
“You can bring them here and trust us to handle them and see that they become what they believe they should achieve in life.”
He added that the institution aims to produce a new generation of global achievers.
“We are ready to bring to the world a different set of tomorrow’s champions, and that’s what we are doing here,” Odili added.
Also speaking, former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, congratulated the newly admitted students and urged them to remain disciplined and focused throughout their academic programme.
Rasheed described matriculation as the official beginning of a student’s academic life, noting that the ceremony marks formal admission into the university community.
“There are two very important ceremonies in the life of a university student — matriculation and convocation. One is the beginning, the other is the end,” he said.
He advised the students to be academically serious and ethically responsible, warning them against negative social influences.
Meanwhile, popular comedian Ayo Makun commended the university’s facilities and encouraged the newly admitted students to take their studies seriously as they begin their academic journey.
