By Ikenna Nwokedi 

The Continuing Education Programme (CEP), Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka on Friday, 15th September 2023 held a one-day orientation programme for her fresh CEP Students for the 2022/2023 academic session.

The orientation programme with the theme: "Sustaining the spirit of Project 200"  held at the University Auditorium was designed to empower the freshers to fully acquint themselves with life in the University environment, initiate and catalyze the process of higher learning as well as integrate students into the campus culture.

In his address, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS congratulated the fresh CEP students on gaining admission into the prestigious institution. The Vice-Chancellor ably represented by the Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor (SAVC) on Academic Matters, Prof. Frederick Odibo affirmed that the institution took pains in organizing the programme as part of actions to give parity to the CEP and regular academic programmes of the University.

Esimone informed that as bona fide students of the University, they will be exposed to the same curricula in their various disciplines as the regular full-time students and are bound by the same academic regulations. The Chief Executive of the institution stated that the only difference is in the mode of study which is part-time for the CEP at the weekends and longer period while the regular students study full time. 

The Vice-Chancellor also disclosed that the format of the certificate issued to regular and CEP graduands is same for both programmes. He highlighted the responsibility of students as payment of fees, attendance to lectures and eschewing negative practices such as examination misconduct, certificate forgery and cultism.

In her opening remarks titled 'Why we are here' by the Director of CEP, Professor Ngozi Agu welcomed the fresh and newly admitted CEP students. Prof. Agu stated that the foundation of her welcome speech is laid on her experiences as a student and as adult anchored on lessons which she tagged three 'Ps' - Perseverance, Pain and Prayer.

Agu buttressing the point on perseverance stated that no successful person has ever started something and given up despite the challenges they must face in life. She admonished the students to be persistent if they want to succeed in their academic pursuit in the institution. On the second lesson of pain, the scholar reminded the students that to pass an exam, they must study and most times forfeit their sleep. She pointed out that to triumph, they must leave the 'Trying Avenue' and get to 'Triumph Close' which they should do by putting in a little 'umph' at the back of 'try' to 'triumph' of which the 'umph' may be painful or stressful but yields wonderful results. She also highlighted the final lesson which is the importance of Prayer. 

The scholar urged them to shun negative mentalities such as excuse mentality and entitlement mentality, the CEP Director assured that the unit will do everything possible to equip them with the best possible teaching resources, practical exposure and training methods in order to shape their life and career for a challenging world out there.

In his lecture titled 'Students' Affairs and Behaviour' by the Dean of Student Affairs, Engr. Professor Chinonso Achebe emphasized that the Student Affairs Department is established to attend to the welfare of the students of the institution and to ensure successful and fruitful stay on campus. Prof. Achebe disclosed that the Student Affairs Department has three units as General office and ICT/Protocol, Residency and Hostels, Graduation and NYSC all of which are headed by Deputy Registrars who report to the Dean of Student Affairs.

Achebe highlighted the services offered by the Student Affairs Department to include Orientation for fresh students, hostel management and accommodation for students, supervision of the transportation system, supervision of associations/clubs and supervision of Students Union Government (SUG).

In a vote of thanks by one of the first year students delivered by the Assistant Course Representative of Department of Public Administration, Miracle Nwankwo, she disclosed that the Orientation programme has enlightened their minds and engendered strong desire to come out good in their academic endeavours. Nwankwo thanked the management of the CEP and the institution at large for the opportunity while promising that they will make the best out of their academic sojourn. 

On her part, the Deputy Director of the CEP, Dr. Florence Amaka Akudo in her vote of thanks eulogized the management of the institution for the opportunity to serve and for the support in organizing the programme. The scholar promised the students that the CEP Unit is poised in ensuring that their quest for academic excellence will be achieved in the course of their stay in the institution. She also advised them to study hard in order to achieve success in their academic pursuit.

Other lectures delivered by members of the University Management and principal officers of the institution were on General Academic Regulations of the University by the SAVC Academic matters, Prof. Frederick Odibo; Administrative Structure and Channels of Communications by the Registrar, Barr. Philomena Okoye represented by the Deputy Director of CEP, Mrs Ifeoma Omeokachie; Use of Library and E-Library Resources by the University Librarian, Dr. Stella Ngozi Anasi represented by Dr. Oliver Onwudinjo; Financial Guidelines for Students delivered by the University Bursar, Mr. Gozie Egwatu represented by the Deputy Bursar and Head of Finance of the CEP, Mrs Angela Chika Nneji.

There were lectures also on Dress Code in the University by the Coordinator, Prof. Loyce Onyali represented by Dr. Gloria Eziuzo; Entrepreneurship by the Director COCES, Prof. Ada Sam Omenyi represented by the Deputy Director 3, Dr. Taiwo Abdullahi and Security Issues in and around the University by the Chief Safety Officer, Chief Ken Chukwurah.