Four thousand, nine hundred and thirty-seven students of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University were formally admitted on Tuesday, as the Niger government reaffirmed its commitment to education, innovation and youth development.

Speaking at the matriculation ceremony on behalf of Governor Umaru Muhammad Bago, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Surajo Sa’id, said the matriculation “marks not only your admission into the university but your induction into a community committed to excellence, innovation and knowledge”.

He urged the students to uphold discipline and integrity, stressing that the matriculation oath should be treated as a solemn commitment to academic excellence.

The government, he said, would continue to invest in tertiary education through improved infrastructure, modern facilities, and support for research in areas such as food security, technology and renewable energy.

The vice-chancellor, Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, described the ceremony as the beginning of a critical academic journey. He urged the students to justify the confidence their parents reposed in them through hard work and discipline.

The vice-chancellor further highlighted the institution’s ongoing expansion, including the establishment of new academic units.

“These include the College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Faculty of Law, which have created more opportunities for students,” he said, warning that universities have zero tolerance for misconduct.

“The university will not condone examination malpractice, cultism, cybercrime, drug abuse and other forms of indiscipline,” he added.

Mr Sulaiman explained that the institution promotes inclusivity and does not tolerate discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, gender or social status.

The vice-chancellor also disclosed that work was ongoing on key projects, including the university’s teaching hospital, while assuring that student and staff welfare remained a priority.