Godfrey Okoye University (GO-UNI) Enugu Friday, matriculated 784 newly admitted students, offered admission to study various courses in the 2025/2026 academic session, charging them to embrace discipline, and excellence.
In his address at the 17th Matriculation Ceremony held at the Hon. Justice Cordelia Chukwuma Convocation Arena, Thinker’s Corner Campus 11, Enugu, the Vice -Chancellor of the University, , Rev Fr Prof Dr. Christian Anieke, described the institution as the best private university in the South-East and one of the top ten private universities in Nigeria..
Vice Chancellor , Rev Fr Prof Dr Christian Anieke
He charged the students to uphold discipline, hard work, and moral integrity throughout their academic journey.
The Vice- Chancellor congratulated the fresh students for gaining admission into the prestigious Enugu Catholic Diocese University, describing their entry as a significant milestone in their lives.
He reminded them that gaining admission into Godfrey Okoye University was not just about acquiring a degree but about building character and developing the right values that would prepare them for leadership and service to society.
Rev Fr Prof Dr Anieke emphasized that the University maintains a zero-tolerance policy on examination malpractice, cultism, indecent dressing, drug abuse, and other social vices,adding that the institution is committed to producing graduates who are not only academically sound but morally upright and globally competitive.
Some of the matriculated students
He encouraged the students to take advantage of the serene academic environment, modern facilities, and dedicated lecturers available in the university to excel in their chosen fields.
Speaking on the topic of his address, “Why University education?”, Prof Anieke emphasised that the essence of university education goes beyond acquiring certificates, stressing that it was fundamentally about developing knowledge-driven and problem-solving skills.
“Employability depends a lot on the skills you have. One of the fundamental skills you will learn at the university is problem-solving, analytical thinking, creativity, decision-making, communication and research skills,” he said.
According to him, the University’s learning environment is structured to ensure that students acquire these skills across all aspects of campus life.
He noted that academic structure and examination system are designed to test students’ analytical and critical thinking abilities, adding that through its Directorates of Entrepreneurship and Competitions, the institution grooms students into becoming solution- oriented leaders
Students at the holy mass preceding the matriculation
Speaking further, the Vice Chancellor said, ” a University is a preferred space for networking , connections and development of social intelligence”.
The Vice -Chancellor also urged them to participate actively in social and co-curricular activities to develop their talents, stressing that the university does not celebrate mediocrity.
On time and financial management, Prof Anieke advised the students to cultivate financial intelligence by budgeting according to available income, comparing prices before purchases, saving consistently, and prioritising their needs.
He reminded the students that the University maintains strict moral and disciplinary standards, warning against involvement in cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, cybercrime, gay, lesbianism and other social vices.
He described the University as a praying institution , noting that the institution is
committed to the spiritual development of its students through regular worship and shared values.
In his goodwill message, the Rector, Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, Prof. Gozie Ogbodo, congratulated the new students and charged them to always act in ways that uphold the integrity and reputation of the institution.
“You should shun those characters that smear the reputation and integrity of this institution,” he advised the students..
Miss Jessica Onyeka of the Department of Nursing Sciences, who spoke on behalf of other matriculating students described the ceremony as “evidence of perseverance.”
She recounted the sleepless nights, anxieties and uncertainties many students experienced before securing admission, noting that their presence at the ceremony symbolised resilience and determination.
New students during the matriculation procession
“We are Gen Zs, innovative, expressive and ready to take over responsibly. We will pair knowledge with character, skills with ethics, and ambition with discipline,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to the University management, lecturers, student leaders and parents for their sacrifices and support, promising that the new students would uphold the institution’s rules and values
Highlight of the event was oath taking by the new students. Earlier, there was a Holy mass officiated by the Vice Chancellor , Rev Fr Prof Dr Anieke to kick start the event .
.
