ATBU VC Urges New Students to Focus, Avoid Drugs and Vices

Starting university is a fresh chapter full of opportunities and new students at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, are being reminded that how they start matters.

At the matriculation ceremony for the 2025/2026 session held at the Yelwa Campus, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ibrahim Hassan told the 4,355 newly admitted students to steer clear of drug abuse, cultism, examination malpractice, and other social vices that could derail their academic journey.

“I charge you to reject drugs, the poisonous tempests that drown brilliance in despair… Defy cultism, those dark illusions of power that fracture brotherhood… Banish examination malpractice, immorality, and every vice that whispers defeat,” he said.

Hassan described matriculation as the “dawn of greatness” — the start of a purposeful academic journey for students who overcame intense competition to secure admission.

He urged students to focus on studies, make full use of libraries, laboratories, and digital learning platforms, and cultivate discipline, punctuality, and diligence, which he said are essential for success.

“Make your studies the blazing core of your journey. Dive into lectures, pursue research with relentless curiosity, and utilise the world-class facilities provided by the university,” he added.

Parents and guardians were also called upon to support their wards, while staff were reminded to mentor and guide students throughout their academic journey.

Here’s how the 4,355 matriculants are distributed across faculties:
Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology – 231
Faculty of Computing – 526
Faculty of Engineering and Engineering Technology – 933
Faculty of Environmental Technology – 726
Faculty of Management Sciences – 356
Faculty of Science – 800
SPESSECE – 107
Faculty of Technology Education – 288
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine – 388
College of Medical Sciences – others

For students at ATBU, the Vice-Chancellor’s advice is clear: focus on learning, avoid shortcuts and distractions, and take full advantage of the opportunities university life offers.