VC Warns 4,355 ATBU Matriculating Students Against Cultism, Hard Drugs, Malpractices

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Vice-Chancellor, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Prof. Ibrahim Garba, has warned the 4,355 newly matriculated students of the university against cultism, drugs, and examination malpractice, which he said can ruin their future.

A breakdown of matriculating students showed that the Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology had 231; the College of Medical Sciences, 388; the Faculty of Computing, 526; the Faculty of Engineering and Engineering Tech, 933; the Faculty of Environmental Technology, 726; the Faculty of Management Sciences, 356; and the Faculty of Science, 800. Others are SPESSECE 107; Faculty of Technology Education 288.

Garba, while addressing the new students at the Yelwa Campus on the weekend, described them as soaring eagles that should beware the storms that seek to ground them.

“I charge you with fiery resolve: reject drugs, the poisonous tempests that drown brilliance in despair and snuff out lives before they blaze. Defy cultism, those dark illusions of power that fracture brotherhood into bloodshed and shatter futures.

“Banish examination malpractices, immorality, and every vice that whispers defeat. These are not trials for the bold; they are traps for the timid. ATBU Bauchi is your sanctuary of strength, our vigilance unyielding, our justice swift. Choose the light of integrity; acquaint yourselves with the Students’ Handbook to guide you, as violations of the University regulations attract sanctions,” the VC warned.

Garba, who also encouraged the new students to make their studies the blazing core of their journey, urged them to dive into lectures like warriors into battle, conquer research with relentless curiosity, and wield the university’s world-class libraries, labs, and digital realms as their arsenal.

“Forge bonds with mentors, fuel your minds through debates and innovations, and let every assignment be a step towards mastery. Punctuality is your shield, diligence your sword; wield them to etch your name in the stars of success. Your degree is no fleeting trophy. It is the key to unlocking nations, leading industries, and reshaping destinies. Declare it boldly: ‘studies first, my legacy demands it’,” the VC said.