By Taibat Ummi Yakubu & Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar – Katsina Times, May 15, 2025
Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina, has formally ushered in its newly admitted postgraduate students in a vibrant and intellectually engaging matriculation and orientation ceremony. The event, which took place at the university’s Main Auditorium, signified the beginning of an academic journey marked by high expectations and a renewed institutional commitment to excellence in research, innovation, and ethical scholarship.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Professor Salihu Shehu Muhammad, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Aliyu Mukhtar, delivered a keynote address that captured the essence of the occasion and the vision of the university for its postgraduate community.
“It is with great pleasure and honour that I stand before you today to deliver this address on behalf of the Vice Chancellor at this important event — the orientation ceremony for our newly admitted postgraduate students,” Professor Mukhtar stated, as he congratulated the fresh intakes.
He emphasized that their admission into the postgraduate school was not only a recognition of their prior academic accomplishments but also a reflection of the university's confidence in their future potential to drive research and development in Nigeria and beyond.
“Your presence here is a testament to your determination and readiness to pursue advanced knowledge,” he said, highlighting the students' responsibilities as both scholars and contributors to the academic community.
Professor Mukhtar explained that postgraduate education at UMYU goes beyond earning a degree, it is an intellectual commitment to critical thinking, innovation, and the generation of new knowledge. He assured the students of the university's unwavering support in creating a learning environment that fosters inquiry, collaboration, and scholarly excellence.
“At UMYU, we are dedicated to providing a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment, equipped with world-class facilities, expert mentorship, and comprehensive academic support,” he said.
He urged the students to fully leverage the university’s resources, including access to interdisciplinary collaborations, academic workshops, research symposia, and scholarly conferences. He also emphasized the need for academic integrity, cautioning students to uphold ethical standards in all research-related activities.
“The road ahead may be rigorous, but the personal and professional rewards are immense. We urge you to be diligent, innovative, and principled. Your actions reflect not just on you but on this great institution,” he advised.
In concluding his remarks, Professor Mukhtar reassured the students that the university remains committed to their success and academic wellbeing. He expressed optimism that they would emerge not only as successful graduates but as leaders and innovators in their respective fields.
“Once again, congratulations and welcome to Umaru Musa Yar’adua University,” he concluded to enthusiastic applause.
The matriculation and orientation event marks a major milestone in the academic calendar, setting a forward-looking tone for UMYU’s postgraduate students. It also reaffirms the university’s vision to nurture a new generation of scholars committed to excellence, research, and national development.