In a stern warning, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, admonished university students in the state to steer clear of cultism, examination malpractice, and other social vices. This caution was delivered during an event commemorating the International Students Day in Abakaliki. The theme of the ceremony was ‘Nurturing Ebonyi Students Welfare through the People’s Charter of Needs’.

Addressing the students, the governor, represented by his Special Assistant on Internally Generated Revenue, Mr Martin Okwuegbu, emphasized the need for the students to shun cultism, indecent dressing, and other social vices. He highlighted the fundamental purpose of parents sending their children to university – to equip them to graduate and create substantial positive impacts on themselves, their families, and the society at large.

He expressed, “There are many social vices prevalent in today’s society, and they often originate from tertiary institutions. We must resist the lure of peer pressure. The issue of cultism and indecent dressing is camouflaged under various guises, propagated in the name of content creation and to amass a fan base. This is not the path to follow.”

Continuing, he said, “There has been an evolution in student unionism from the previous administration to the current one. This year’s commemoration is exceptional as we are dedicated to nurturing Ebonyi Students through the People’s Charter of Needs.”

During the event, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, Comrade Joshua Nwafor, asserted that the students hold the mantle of leadership for today and tomorrow. He urged them to seize available opportunities to make a significant impact on society.