Federal University Lokoja, FUL matriculates 1,371 students for the 2016/2017 academic session. Out of the 2,727 applications received, the University has offered admissions to 1,371 candidates, which is 50.2% of the total number of applicants.
Members of the University Management, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments, Directors and Deputy Directors present, Distinguished Staff and the Matriculating Students of Federal University Lokoja, today marks another important milestone in the annals of this University as we formally enrol the 2016/2017 set; this event marks the formal admission of this set, the fifth since the establishment of Federal University Lokoja, by the Federal Government in 2011.
I begin this welcome address by heartily congratulating the 2016/2017 intake into Federal University Lokoja. Out of the 2,727 applications received, the University has offered admissions to 1,371 candidates, which is 50.2% of the total number of applicants. I therefore, congratulate you for being among those who have been found qualified and have been offered admission to various programmes run by the University. Let me also quickly add here that in Federal University Lokoja we strictly adhered to the guidelines stipulated by JAMB in considering the candidates that were admitted to ensure high academic standards, fairness, equity and justice. Therefore, the applicants/candidates were painstakingly screened during the admission screening exercise; the pre-admission screening exercise had involved the verification of original certificates presented by the candidates as well as physical interaction with them. A face- to- face contact with the candidates was imperative as we needed to, first meet with the prospective students to know the quality of students we were offering the admissions and to counsel them especially on the need for good conduct when eventually they are admitted. I am quite sure that you all underwent this seemingly cumbersome but crucial procedure before you were issued your admission letters to study in this highly rated citadel of learning – Federal University Lokoja. Statistics of the Matriculating Students are as follows:
FACULTY OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
| S/No | Department | No. of Students |
| 1 | Economics | 145 |
| 2 | English & Literary Studies | 130 |
| 3 | Geography | 80 |
| 4 | History & International Studies | 146 |
| 5 | Political Science | 152 |
|
| Subtotal | 655 |
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
| S/No | Department | No. of Students |
| 1 | Biological sciences | 159 |
| 2 | Chemistry | 109 |
| 3 | Computer Science | 156 |
| 4 | Geology | 114 |
| 5 | Mathematical Sciences | 103 |
| 6 | Physics | 75 |
|
| Subtotal | 716 |
|
| GRAND TOTAL (655 + 716) | 1,371 |
The award of degrees from this University is subject to passing all the courses registered for and obeying school rules and regulations. I do not have any iota of doubt, based on the reports received after the screening, that you are all good boys and girls and worthy ambassadors of your respective families. I wish to urge you not to bring the name of your family to disrepute; Shun bad company, especially from outside the University as this may lead to your downfall and subsequently dishonour to your parents who have invested so much in your training.
You all have dreams and you are at the verge of realising these dreams. By dint of hard work, the goals you have set for yourselves will be achieved. My candid advice to you all is to remain focused, committed and determined to realise the noble objective of your choice of Federal University Lokoja to undergo your undergraduate study programmes. All that is needed to enhance your success here in Federal University Lokoja have been put in place. We have the needed manpower and they are poised to give every assistance you may require. I therefore, urge you to avail yourself of this rare opportunity given to you through JAMB by working extra hard to guard against any failure. Your parents and the University authorities urge you to work hard so as not to spend extra years which of course means extra fees/charges. The environment has been made conducive for learning. You therefore have no excuse not to perform beyond our expectations.
It is gratifying to note that the Maiden Convocation of the University recently took place at which we graduated the first set of students and installed our first Chancellor, His Royal Highness Alh (Dr) Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idriss CON the Emir of Fika and Chairman Yobe State Council of Chiefs. It will also interest you to know that at the Convocation ceremony 15 students graduated with first class division, 75 students bagged second class upper division and 90 students graduated with second class lower division, while 24 came out with third class. Thus, a record has been set and we expect you to really work hard to beat the high standard set by these pioneer students. I am also delighted to inform you that our pioneer students have been mobilized and are now participating in the NYSC programme for 2017.
The matriculation of this great number of students is a confirmation that our University is fast growing into a formidable citadel of learning in Nigeria. Our vision is to be the best among the twelve (12) newly established Federal Universities by the Federal Government of Nigeria. This is a motivating factor to take the University to enviable heights.
To the Parents and Guardians of the matriculating students, I congratulate you on this memorable occasion of the matriculation of your wards into Federal University Lokoja. The training of these students should not be left to the staff of Federal University Lokoja alone. All hands must be on deck to ensure that the students do not only graduate in record time but also successfully graduate with the desired knowledge and degrees. It is in this respect that we solicit your maximum cooperation with respect to proper guardianship so that the students do not go astray. The University management in conjunction with the staff will play the noble role of training the students to be worthy not only in learning but ensure that they are morally upright. To my dear members of staff and the Organising Committee of the event, I extend my sincere appreciation and pray that the Almighty God bless you all as you commence the task of moulding the new intakes as well as the returning students.