ADDRESS BY THE VICE CHANCELLOR, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF KASHERE, PROFESSORUMARU A. PATE ON THE OCCASION OF THE 14TH MATRICULATION CEREMONY HELD ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026 AT THE MULTIPURPOSE INDOOR SPORTS HALL
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Today marks yet another bright and historic day in the life of the Federal University of Kashere as we formally welcome the 14th set of newly admitted students in our academic community. This ceremony signifies the formal admission and integration of our new intakes into university life, scholarship, discipline, and service.
It is therefore with great pleasure and deep appreciation that I, on behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, Management, staff, and students of the Federal University of Kashere, warmly welcome you to this matriculation ceremony. Let me also specially welcome our very distinguished scholar, administrator and great friend, Professor Suleiman Elias Bogoro to our University and to this important event and my brother Vice Chancellor from ATBU, Prof Ibrahim Garba and his Registrar, Alh Kabiru Garba who was the immediate past Registrar of this University.
To our newly admitted students, I congratulate you most sincerely. We are glad that of all the institutions in the country, you individually and collectively chose the Federal University, Kashere, for the pursuit of your higher education. I assure you that the Management and Senate of this institution will not take your choice of coming here for granted. We know you had alternatives. We shall collectively work hard to ensure maximum value for your choices.
My dear students, I congratulate you and your parents on your educational attainment. We know, it has not been easy to scale through the primary and secondary school levels and qualify for undergraduate admissions. Out of thousands of applicants from across the country, 3,308 have been admitted into our regular programmes and, sixty others into the part time courses. In total, 3368 students are collectively being matriculated today. This achievement is significant, particularly in a country where access to university education is very competitive due to high demand and limited spaces in public institutions. Therefore, you should be able to appreciate how privileged you are to be among the few that were selected.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this year’s matriculation reflects the steady growth and expanding academic profile of the Federal University of Kashere. For this academic session, students have been admitted into the Centre for Part Time and Distance Learning Studies and the Prof Jibril Aminu College of Medical Sciences as well as the Faculties of Agriculture, Education, Humanities, Management Sciences, Social Sciences, and Science. This diversity underscores our vision of producing well-rounded graduates equipped with knowledge, skills, and values required for national development.
A breakdown of the admitted students across the faculties, college and the centre indicates that the Faculty of Social Sciences is leading with 1,004 students, followed closely by the Faculty of Science with 920 students. The Faculties of Management Sciences and Education registered 528 and 525 students respectively.
For the first time in the history of the Federal University Kashere, we have admitted our pioneer students into the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences. This includes our first cohort of 45 students for MBBS, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology. It may also interest our guests to note that in addition to the initial full approval granted to the University to offer MBBS, Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, we are glad to announce we have received additional approval to offer degrees in Dental Surgery, Nursing and Occupational Therapy. We are grateful to the NUC, Federal Ministry of Health and the professional regulatory agencies for their support and confidence in the takeoff of the College and securing of full accreditation for seven programmes at a go.
Though modest in number, this first set of students represents a major milestone in our institutional journey. They are pathfinders, and the success of these programmes will depend largely on the discipline, dedication, and commitment shown by the staff and students in the College. I have absolute confidence in the personal and professional leadership ability of the pioneer Provost, Prof Abubakar Bakari who is a distinguished medical scholar and surgeon in the country. The University is fortunate having him and some of his respectable colleagues associated with the College. I assure them that the University will provide the enabling environment for their success. However, the responsibility to uphold standards rests on all of us under the guidance of the Senate.
My dear students, with your admission into this University, you are joining a community of scholars—one that values knowledge, upholds character, insists on discipline, and promotes community spirit. These are the defining hallmarks of the Federal University of Kashere. We expect you to understand, respect, and align yourselves with the code of conduct governing life on this campus. If you do so, you can be assured of a safe, peaceful, and productive academic experience.
Let me assure you that the Management and Senate of this University are firmly committed to:
- Academic excellence through quality teaching, rigorous assessment, and relevant research;
- Sustained physical development, including improved classrooms, laboratories, hostels, clinics, and sporting facilities; and
- Peaceful and respectful town–gown relations, because we believe in good neighbourhood.
In recent years, the University has remained steadfast in safeguarding academic standards. Most of our programmes have full accreditation from the National Universities Commission. And we shall continue to strengthen quality assurance mechanisms across all faculties. Our duty is to train you with relevant and up-to-date curricula that will prepare you for a rapidly changing world.
My dear students, the future ahead of you is filled with opportunities, but it also comes with challenges. This is the time to build a strong foundation based on specialised knowledge, acceptable behaviour, digital competence, and clear focus. I urge you to read widely, ask questions, think critically, and remain curious. Regardless of your individual disciplines, acquire skills in information and communication technologies. In today’s world, digital literacy is no longer optional—it is essential.
However, let me sound a clear note of caution. You must avoid destructive behaviours such as examination malpractice, drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and all forms of antisocial conduct, including what is commonly referred to as “yahoo-yahoo.” These dangerous shortcuts may appear attractive, but they have ruined many promising lives. The University has zero tolerance for such acts, and offenders will face the full weight of our regulations.
My dear students, you are the leaders of tomorrow and contributors of today. Greatness is attained through hard work, academic integrity, moral discipline, and personal sacrifice. Nigeria needs a generation of young people who are honest, responsible, and corruption-free. We shall guide you, but you must choose the path of honour.
At this point, let me express our deep appreciation to our stakeholders and partners. We are grateful to the Federal Government of Nigeria, regulatory agencies, intervention agencies, development partners, and supportive institutions for their continued support, guidance and confidence.
This University has enjoyed excellent relationship with its host community at all levels. We have received, on a sustainable basis, the support and cooperation of the State Government, the Governor, Alh Muhammadu Inuwa Yahya, the Senator representing Gombe Central, Alh (Dr) Muhammadu Danjuma Goje, various security agencies, traditional leaders and community elders as well as the good people of the State and, particularly, people of Kashere, Pindiga, Tumu, Billiri, Kaltungo, Kumo and the surrounding districts for their cooperation, hospitality, and peaceful coexistence with the University
We remain committed to sustaining this cordial relationship for the benefit of all.
Accordingly, I urge our students to respect the culture, norms, and dignity of our host communities. Do not take the law into your hands under any circumstances. While the University will protect your legitimate interests, misconduct will attract sanctions without exception. Respect the law, honour your neighbours, dress decently, and live responsibly.
Let me also advise you to rely on credible sources of information. Listen to the FUK FM Radio and follow official University platforms for authentic updates. Avoid fake news, rumours, and misinformation. Be critical and responsible in your consumption and sharing of information.
Given the prevailing security situation in the country, I urge you to remain vigilant and security-conscious at all times. While we are grateful for the relative peace in Gombe State, security remains everybody’s responsibility. Help us to keep our campus and community safe. Avoid risky engagements that can expose you to unsafe situations on and off campus.
As part of our commitment to student welfare and access to education, I wish to encourage eligible students to take advantage of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme. This Federal Government initiative is designed to ease financial pressure and ensure that no qualified Nigerian is denied education due to lack of funds. I urge you to seek proper guidance, enrol appropriately, and use the opportunity responsibly. Already, over 8300 students in this University are enrolled into the scheme.
Parents and guardians, we thank you for the trust you have placed in us. We assure you that your children and wards are in capable hands.
Before I conclude, I must commend our academic and non-teaching staff for their dedication, resilience, and professionalism. I also appreciate our returning students for their discipline and cooperation, which continue to strengthen the University.
In conclusion, I once again congratulate all 3,368 matriculating students, and I extend special congratulations to our pioneer students of the Jibril Aminu College of Medical Sciences.
All of you are now full members of the Federal University of Kashere family and part of its unfolding story.
Thank you for your attention.
May God bless you all, and may God bless the Federal University of Kashere
