Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) recently conducted its first matriculation ceremony, officially welcoming the inaugural batch of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students, along with students from various other degree programs offered by the university.
During the 16th Matriculation Ceremony for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 sessions, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu, the Vice Chancellor of the university, expressed his delight at the commencement of the MBBS program. He emphasized that this program would contribute to the production of highly skilled healthcare professionals and enhance the quality of healthcare services not only in the state but also across Nigeria.
Professor Abu Kasim highlighted the uniqueness of this matriculation ceremony, which had two sets of applicants due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged staff union strikes that resulted in the loss of an academic session.
He mentioned that IBB University was the preferred choice for approximately 20,000 applicants seeking university education in the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 JAMB and Direct Entry (DE) admissions. Out of these applicants, 7,192 were offered admission for regular degree programs at the Main Campus in Lapai, while 612 were admitted for part-time degree programs.
The Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude for the support of the Niger State Governor, Rt. Hon. Umar Muhammad Bago, and affirmed the university’s commitment to expanding its capacity by improving facilities and introducing new academic programs.
Professor Abu Kasim stated that the university also provided opportunities for various applicants interested in studying at IBB University through the Institute of Continuing Education and e-learning (ICEel) and the Long Vacation Training Programme (LVTP).
The Vice Chancellor extended his congratulations and warm welcome to the newly matriculated students, emphasizing that IBB University, licensed and recognized in 2005 by the National University Commission, was one of the fastest-growing public universities in Nigeria.
He reiterated the university’s vision to become a modern institution of learning that excels in producing highly skilled and globally competitive individuals.
Professor Abu Kasim Adamu urged the students to uphold the university’s rules and regulations, actively participate in lawful activities, and represent the institution with dignity and excellence in character and academics.
During the ceremony, Sheikh Umar Dada Paiko and Professor Ayodele Olorunsanya delivered moral remarks, emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge and nurturing a relationship with God. They advised the students to be grateful for what they have and to rely on God for their needs, while also encouraging them to be exemplary ambassadors of their families.
The event also featured the presentation of Vice-Chancellor’s scholarships to students who achieved high CGPA in the previous academic session across various departments, as well as an entertaining performance by the English Department Drama group.