By Ikenna Nwokedi 

The Pre-Science Unit, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka on Thursday, 15th August 2024 held her one-day orientation programme for the students. The orientation programme with the theme: "The Road and Journey to Academic Success: Envision the person you Choose to be," was held at the Pre-Science study centre Mbaukwu.

Declaring the event open, UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi stated that the 2024 orientation ceremony is aimed at easing the stay of the students in the programme. The Acting VC who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor (SAVC) on Legal Matters, Rev. Fr. Dr. Maurice Izunwa admonished the students to take their lectures seriously and avoid deviant behaviour while advising them to carry out any form of celebration in circumspection as they are not yet undergraduate students of the University.

Earlier in his opening remarks and motivational speech delivered by the ASUU Chairman, Prof. Kingsley Ubaorji charged the studens to develop their instincts beyond the trait of survival. The scholar stated that Pre-Science Programme offered them opportunity to gain admission into Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka but also to empower them both physically, socially and mentally to be courageous in excelling in not just their field of academic endeavour but other aspects of life.

The Union leader charged them to remain focused within the short period they are in Mbaukwu Community by developing their intellectual ability through their studies, obeying all existing rules and regulations, being prayerful and remaining security conscious at all times.

In her opening speech, the Director of Pre-Science Unit, Professor Edith Nwankwo informed that the essence of the orientation ceremony is to prepare the students for an academic life through the learning centre as they have the opportunity to determine the plot and the rhythm of their next few years.

The Pre-Science Director also disclosed that the centre trained 479 students in the previous year of which 408 were successful with 71 not meeting the benchmark. Prof. Nwankwo urged the students to prepare a budget on how to spend their life by having a time schedule, getting rid of unnecessary friends who are distractors, sticking to their routine and taking necessary action. The scholar affirmed that although the going may the tough, success can till be achieved by staying focused and remaining committed at all times.

On his part, the Chairman of the board of Pre-Science Programme, Prof. Frederick Odibo stated that the board is saddled with the responsibility of interfacing with the Pre-Science Programme management towards ensuring good teaching and welfare of students. Prof. Odibo reminded them that they are not yet students of the institution but through hardwork by reading their books, obeying all rules and regulations of the programme they stand a chance of becoming students of the institution.

Delivering her lecture on the theme, the guest lecturer and Director, UNIZIK 94.1 FM, Professor Ifeoma Dunu described the topic as germane as it affords all the opportunity to reflect on the many things that can lead to academic failure. The guest lecturer pointed out that many students with the potential to succeed do not because they fail to understand that success is not given but earned. 

The UNIZIK FM Radio Director stated that for any student to have academic success, they must work hard for it, be determined to succeed and focus exclusively on their academic pursuit. The Professor who majors in the field of Mass Communication defined academic success as a general way of achieving good grades by excelling in their coursework and examination.

The scholar highlighted seven ways a student can be successful such as the determination to Succeed against all odds by making their education their major priority and focus. Others are Developing a personal effective study strategy by training oneself to attend classes regularly, on time and paying attention in class and doing all assignments. Commitment to learning, reading and studying. Developing good time management skills. Being attentive in class, utilizing campus facilities well, eschewing abuse of phone and staying away from nefarious activities.

Prof. Dunu thanked the Director of PreScience, Prof. Edith Nwankwo for the opportunity to deliver the lecture while wishing the students the best in their academic endeavour in the course of their studies.

Others who spoke during the orientation programme were the Acting Registrar of the University represented by the Deputy Registrar, Barr. Okey Iloegbunam who spoke on the General Academic Regulations; Chief Emeka Nwaforajaka, the Chief Security Officer of Mbaukwu Community who talked about the community and there commitment towards the Pre-Science Programme; Dr. Azubuike Aniedu lectured on Admission Procedure of UNIZIK; Chief Ken Chukwurah talked about Safety Matters at the Centre and the institution while Dr. Emmanuel Umenweke who stood in for the institution's Chief Medical Director gave an insight on the Role of the University Medical Centre.

In a vote of thanks, the Deputy Director of the Pre-Science Programme, Dr. Njideka Mgbeledogu thanked the members of the University management who came to grace the occasion, she charged the students to make the best of the opportunity by ensuring that they excel at the end of their short stay at the centre.

Highlights of the occasion were musical and dance performances by the students, question and answer sessions, presentation of cash rewards and medal decorations of student-athletes who emerged victorious in the football and volleyball matches as well as the quiz competition.