The Alvan Ikoku Federal University (AIFU), Owerri, Imo State, on Friday 22nd March, 2024, held a landmark matriculation exercise.
It is a remarkable event, because it is the first, since the University status of the institution was restored, and by implication, it will be the last matriculation for National Certificate of Education (NCE) programme, in the institution.
The second generation institution has admitted over 1,300 students during its matriculation ceremony held at the school premises on Friday.
The event had, in attendance, the Vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, Prof. Charles Igwe, ably represented by Prof. Joachim Omeje, Dean, Faculty of Education, UNN, the Registrar of UNN, Dr. Mrs C.N Nnebedum and the Chief executive officer of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Prof. Mrs Stella Ngozi Lemchi, the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin).
Speaking during the event, the acting Deputy Vice Chancellor of the institution, professor Stella Lemchi described the matriculation as “historical” as she noted that it will be the last time the institution will admit students in affiliation with the University of Nigeria Nssuka (UNN) because of its new status.
She said “For forty years, our institution had collaborated with UNN to admit and produce Bachelor of Education graduates but with our upgrade to a university of education ,this cohort of freshmen becomes the last matriculants in affiliation with the UNN.
“Last year, in our jubilee year, our dream was fulfilled as the Federal Government upgraded the erstwhile College into a university. Still in transition, we received the 2023/2024 intake under the banner of the UNN and by next year, we would matriculate the first batch of students under the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri seal.
Reeling out some of its achievements, Lemchi said some of the school hostels have received a major uplift. She said “Thanks to the Federal Government Revitalisation fund ,we have massively renovated the male hostel and one female hostel.” She disclosed that plans are under way to the other hostels in the school.
She also noted that they have made adequate efforts to improve the security situation of the school with highly trained professionals.
Among the matriculants were students in NCE, Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) and Degree Students.