Students enrolled in the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) programme at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) have been encouraged to approach their studies with dedication, as the programme provides a credible route to securing admission into the institution.

The Director of ESUT JUPEB, Professor Obiagali Okafor, gave the charge during the 2025/2026 academic session orientation held in Enugu. She debunked claims that the JUPEB programme is fraudulent, reassuring students that it remains a legitimate and reliable pathway to direct-entry admission.

She stressed that candidates who perform well in their courses will be granted admission into 200 level in their preferred disciplines at ESUT.

“ESUT JUPEB is not a scam. I urge you to verify properly and ignore misleading information. If you excel in your studies, you will gain direct entry into year two in the course of your choice. Stay focused, use available resources wisely, and build positive relationships with your lecturers and colleagues. The JUPEB management is fully committed to supporting you throughout the programme,” she stated.

The orientation programme was attended by several top university officials, including Professor Sunny Udeze, former Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies; Associate Professor Chidiebere Ezinwa, Head of Department, Mass Communication; Professor Chris Ogar, Deputy Director of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre; Dr Maxwell Ngene of the Department of Mass Communication; and the Director of Admissions, Professor Mike Anyanwuokoro, among others.

The JUPEB scheme offers candidates Direct Entry admission into 200 level in their chosen courses, including competitive programmes such as Law and Medicine, at ESUT and other participating universities across Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Professor Mike Anyanwuokoro explained that admission into 200 level is strictly based on merit.

Associate Professor Chidiebere Ezinwa, in his remarks, warned students against examination malpractice, urging them to uphold academic integrity. He described the JUPEB programme as an intensive nine-month A-Level course designed to prepare students for direct entry admission.

He attributed the rise in examination misconduct to society’s excessive emphasis on certificates rather than knowledge and skills, poor parental and teacher guidance, and ineffective time management, noting that distractions such as excessive phone use, gaming, and partying often derail students’ academic focus.

He cautioned that ESUT treats examination malpractice as a serious offence, punishable by suspension or outright expulsion.

Delivering a lecture titled “Navigating Social Media, Avoiding Cultism, Maintaining Standards, and Achieving Academic Excellence,” Dr Maxwell Ngene advised students to use social media productively to enhance their academic performance and personal development.

In his address, Professor Sunny Udeze encouraged the students to remain determined and disciplined, describing the JUPEB programme as a foundational step toward academic success and leadership development.

“You are not only here to earn a qualification but to be prepared as future leaders. When leaders are properly nurtured, the future of our nation is secured,” he said.