Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, on Friday formally matriculated 784 newly admitted students for the 2025/2026 academic session, urging them to embrace discipline, excellence, and strong moral values throughout their academic journey.

The 17th Matriculation Ceremony, held at the Hon. Justice Cordelia Chukwuma Convocation Arena, Thinker’s Corner Campus 11, began with a Holy Mass officiated by the Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Dr. Christian Anieke, who encouraged students to foster positive change and maintain exemplary conduct during their time at the university.

In his address, Rev. Fr. Prof. Dr. Anieke hailed Godfrey Okoye University as the leading private university in the South-East and among the top five private universities in Nigeria. He congratulated the students on their admission into the prestigious Catholic Diocese of Enugu-owned institution, describing it as a major milestone in their academic and personal development.

The Vice-Chancellor stressed that university education is not just about obtaining a degree but also about cultivating character, discipline, and leadership skills. He reiterated the university’s strict policies against examination malpractice, cultism, indecent dressing, drug abuse, and other social vices, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to producing morally upright and globally competitive graduates.

Focusing on the theme “Why University Education?”, Prof. Anieke explained that higher education aims to develop knowledge-driven, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. He highlighted that the university’s academic and co-curricular structures are designed to nurture analytical thinking, creativity, decision-making, communication, and research skills.

He further noted that the Directorates of Entrepreneurship and Competitions equip students to become solution-oriented leaders capable of addressing real-world challenges. The university also offers a conducive environment for networking, meaningful connections, and the development of social intelligence. Students were encouraged to participate actively in co-curricular activities to discover and hone their talents, as mediocrity is not celebrated at the university.

On financial and time management, Prof. Anieke advised students to cultivate financial discipline by budgeting, comparing prices, saving consistently, and prioritizing their needs. He also reinforced the importance of upholding moral and disciplinary standards, warning against involvement in cultism, cybercrime, drug abuse, and other vices.

Describing the institution as a praying university, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted its commitment to students’ spiritual growth through regular worship and shared values.

In their goodwill messages, Prof. Gozie Ogbodo, Rector of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, and Prof. Ekene Osuji, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Education, congratulated the new students and encouraged them to uphold the integrity and reputation of the university.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Miss Jessica Onyeka reflected on the challenges they overcame to gain admission, noting that their presence at the ceremony symbolized resilience, perseverance, and determination.

Ceremony highlights included the administration of the matriculation oath, the presentation of awards to winners of the second PenGold Calligraphic Competition, and cash awards totaling over three million naira to the year’s top students in Law, Medicine, and Nursing, presented by alumnus Mr. Chidera Attamah.

The event formally inducted the new students into Godfrey Okoye University’s academic community, marking the beginning of their journey toward academic excellence, character development, and leadership.