On Saturday, the 7th set of 1,319 students at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Kaduna were matriculated.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), there were 1,054 degree students and 265 diploma students among the 1,319 matriculants for the 2023–2024 academic year.
The vice chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and the ceremony’s special guest of honour, Prof. Kabiru Bala, said during his speech: “Against all odds, we are witnessing the matriculation of the seventh set of degree students of AFIT.
“I have been made to understand that there are NUC and NBTE students matriculating today. This is what translates to this impressive increase.”
The VC expressed satisfaction in noting that there were now 28 undergraduate courses available, up from the previous total of 11. He asserts that AFIT, which offers both polytechnic and university systems, is the best hybrid university in Nigeria.
“This makes all the students here very unique in their training. You are expected to be better than students from other contemporary universities who do not have the benefit of your theoretical and practical training.
“To ensure that you turn out as sound students, AFIT has also put down enormous resources to make your stay in the institute very rewarding both in terms of academics and recreation,” he assured.
Bala enjoined the students to remember the major reasons why they were in the institution, saying, “You are here to read, study, make good grades. I, therefore, urge you to be good ambassadors of your homes, school and the nation at large.”
The VC also urged the students not to lose sight of their academics and encouraged them to have an active social life with their fellow students.
“It is in university that you form lifelong relationships that will impact positively in the years to come.
“You have took your oath of allegiance and I urge you all to look carefully at the contents in your spare time,” he advised.
He observed that the words in the oath were binding and must not be breached, insisting that doing so might lead to suspension or expulsion.
Bala commended the AFIT Commandant for what he described as giant strides recorded by the institution within the shortage possible period.
“It gladens my heart to see that the institute is wearing a new outlook, the buildings are renovated and many wear a facelift.
“I encourage you with the Maxim that says “the reward for hard work is more work”. As Vice Chancellor of a sister institution, I will continue to support the ideals and aspirations of the institute,” Bala assured.
Earlier, the Commandant, AVM Sani Rabe said the combined matriculation was the 7th organised by the institute since it was upgraded to a full fledged degree awarding tripartite institution.
He said: “In the 2018/2019 academic session, 531 students were matriculated as pioneer students. Today, 1,319 students comprising 1,054 degree and 265 diploma students are matriculating.
“This shows a tremendous increase of over 100 per cent in the number of students admitted within this short space of time.
“It reflects the growing popularity of the institute among Nigerians and the growing number of applications we receive from potential students.
“I must say that the rush by candidates for AFIT signifies the success of the ongoing efforts at transforming the institution into a world class tertiary institution,” he observed.
He said that the increase in the number of students continued to rise despite the high cut-off marks set by the institute for admission. .
The Commandant urged the matriculating students to consider themselves most fortunate for scaling through the competitive admission process.
He said over 6,000 applicants sought for a space but “you are among the lucky few to be admitted.”
Rabe implored the students to be law abiding, respect and obey all rules and regulations of the institution.
“You are to refrain from any act of violence, cultism, examination malpractice, indecent dressing and other actions that may jeopardise the work of the institute or likely to bring the institute or your family name into disrepute,” he said.
He said AFIT remains the foremost institution for aerospace engineering in Nigeria.
“Let me use this medium to encourage you not to forget your creator because He is the one who guides your steps and will direct you to become successful in your chosen fields of study.
“Also, remember the labours of your parents and sponsors and always keep in focus your reason for coming to AFIT,” Rabe advised.
(NAN)