Shun Vices, Provost Tells Students

The provost of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology (FCFMT), Dr. Onuoha Paul Chuks, has advised Nigerian students to shun all forms of vices and focus on their studies.

Chuks who stated this during the matriculation ceremony for the 2023/24 academic session of FCFMT in Victoria Island, emphasised that it could have negative consequences on their educational pursuits and jeopardize their chances of being responsible members of society.

He said, “It is imperative to uphold high standards of behaviour on this campus. The college administration will take a strong stance against any antisocial activities occurring here.

“Students involved in or considering involvement in secret societies, gangs, cybercrime, violence, intimidation, substance abuse, defiance of authority, prostitution, indecent dressing, or disrupting the academic calendar must either reform their ways or face disciplinary action.

“So, I urge you all to reject any invitations to join groups that advocate or endorse violence and other deviant behaviours.”

He said, “For the first time in the college’s history, 740 students matriculated, a significant increase from the 250 enrolled students during the 2019/2020 academic session when the current administration assumed office.

Chuks credited the increase to the college’s management effort, commending their dedicated efforts in implementing effective strategies to enhance the quantity and quality of academic programmes, and improving the necessary infrastructure.

He pointed out that the country is currently experiencing a severe shortage of skilled seafarers, saying, “This absence of qualified personnel to support fishing fleets, marine captains, and engineers operating these vessels has led to foreign individuals occupying local positions, contributing to the significant outflow of foreign currency from the country.”