For thousands of young Nigerians, gaining admission into a university is more than a statistic — it’s a hard-earned entry into a new phase of life. That moment became official on Wednesday as 4,024 students were formally welcomed into Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi, for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The students were matriculated during the university’s 13th matriculation ceremony held at its Yuli Campus, marking their formal acceptance as members of the institution after taking the oath of allegiance.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Fatima Tahir, made it clear that while the university is opening its doors to new students, it is closing them firmly against cultism and other social vices.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Bala Ma’aji, Tahir described the event as the fourth matriculation conducted under her leadership since assuming office.
Out of 9,378 applicants shortlisted for admission, only 4,024 secured a place, while over 4,000 qualified candidates could not be accommodated — a reminder of how competitive university admission has become.
“I therefore use this medium to congratulate the successful candidates for gaining admission in the 2025/2026 academic session,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
She assured parents and guardians that the university remains committed to academic integrity and the welfare of students, but issued a strong warning to the freshers about life on campus.
According to her, the university operates zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractice, sexual harassment, drug abuse, indecent dressing, truancy, vandalism, and the practice of students “sorting” lecturers.
“The university will not hesitate to take necessary disciplinary measures against any student found wanting,” she said, reminding students that the oath they took binds them to the university’s rules and regulations
Beyond discipline, the Vice-Chancellor also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve learning conditions. She commended the Bauchi State Government under Governor Bala Mohammed for its support to education, alongside Shell Petroleum Development Company for constructing an ICT centre at the Gadau Campus and TETFund for building 48 female hostels at the Yuli Campus.
She also called on host communities to help strengthen security around the university, noting that the institution experienced security challenges during the previous academic session.
A breakdown of admissions shows that the Faculty of Science admitted the highest number of students with 935, followed by Social Sciences (877) and Management Sciences (587). Other faculties include Basic Medical Sciences (507), Education (461), Agriculture (335), Arts (205), Law (59) and Pharmaceutical Sciences (58).
Of the total intake, 1,434 are female, while 2,590 are male, reflecting ongoing gender gaps that many Nigerian universities are still grappling with.
The warnings at Sa’adu Zungur University echo similar messages across Nigerian campuses. In May 2025, the Vice-Chancellor of Wesley University, Ondo State, Samuel Obeka, also cautioned new students against indiscipline and social vices that could cut their academic journey short.
For fresh students stepping into campus life, admission is just the beginning. How they navigate discipline, responsibility, and opportunity will determine whether they graduate with memories or regrets.
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