The Vice-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education (AIFUE), Stella Ngozi Lemchi, has expressed gratitude to the Visitor of the institution and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the timely approval and release of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) to staff of the university.

She said the development has ushered in academic peace and stability in the newly upgraded university.

Lemchi made this known on Thursday during the second matriculation ceremony of 2,121 fresh students of the institution, held at the university pavilion in Owerri, Imo State. She disclosed that AIFUE staff were among the first beneficiaries of the allowance following the institution’s upgrade, noting that the payment had boosted morale, service delivery and productivity among both academic and non-academic staff.

At the ceremony, which marked the formal admission of 2,066 Bachelor’s degree students and 55 Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) candidates through the administration of the matriculation oath, the Vice-Chancellor also commended the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, for his role in ensuring the payment of the allowance and for facilitating infrastructural development within the university.

She cited the recent completion and upgrade of student hostels through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), which she said has provided modern and comfortable accommodation for students, addressing deficits that had persisted for over 15 years.

Lemchi further paid tribute to the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, for his interest in the growth of the institution, describing his support, advice and “fatherly guidance” as instrumental in strengthening ties between the university and its host state. She also highlighted the recent award of N10 million prize money to a student of the institution, Ebubenna Clinton Amaefula of the English Department, who emerged second in the “Imo at 50” Quiz Competition organised by the Imo State Government to mark the state’s 50th anniversary.

On discipline, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated the university’s zero-tolerance stance on social vices, warning students against examination malpractice, cybercrime, drug abuse, cultism and other acts capable of undermining academic integrity. She cautioned that any student found culpable would face expulsion.

She disclosed that since her appointment last July, the newly upgraded university has expanded its academic offerings to 45 degree programmes across six faculties.

Addressing the new students, Lemchi said: “Success is not a miracle; it is a daily habit. You build it by attending every lecture and studying in the library long before examinations arrive. Examination malpractice is a complete ‘no, no’. If you are caught, you will be expelled.