Francis Ogbonnaya Otunta, vice chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State, has threatened to show any student the way out of the institution found to be involved in any form of examination mal-practice or cultism or other anti-social vices.
Otunta, who gave the warning during the 24th matriculation ceremony of the school, said the University had zero tolerance for cult activities and anti-social behaviors, noting that cultism was a social menace that had eaten deep into the fabric of the society.
“This informal grouping has become a breeding ground for criminal elements. Those who kowtow to their sects do unleash havoc in the society in obedience to superior orders. No parent would be proud to be identified with a child tabooed as a cultist,” said the VC.
He admonished the matriculating students to make their parents proud by facing their business in the University squarely, noting that no matter the coloration of the cultists, the act was evil.
The Vice Chancellor observed that university should be a community of decency and moral decorum and not a society of rascals or hub of prostitution.
“It is a virtue for the female folk and even the male, to dress modestly. Moving around half naked in the name of fashion makes one a temptation. Immodest dressing exposes one as prey for rapists and other sexual abuses. A lady is not judged by how sexy she looks, but by her characters,” Otunta admonished.
He hinted that the management had just resolved that every student should hang his or her identity card to be able to be distinguished from touts who come into the university in dissimulation with a motive to influence the chaste orientation of students.
The Vice Chancellor also disclosed that most students were culpable of sexual trade tagged “runs” indulged in either for pecuniary interest or practiced to hoodwink lecturers into awarding undeserved marks, adding that a certificate obtained under false pretenses had repercussion.
Otunta noted that the University community was a society of people of diverse tribes, race, cultures and creed and that man as a social animal had the tendency to associate and interact with others.
“A person’s character is molded through the influence of the character of others. This is why you must be discreet in the choice of your friends. Avoid those who are not focused and who exhibit evidence of lack of parental orientation,” he advised.
About 5,615 students matriculated for the 2016/2017 academic session.
