By Salisu Ibrahim
A total of 10,054 fresh students have officially taken the matriculation oath of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, for the 2025/2026 session, pledging to abide by the institution’s laws and uphold its traditions.
The matriculation oath marks the completion of formalities for their admission and membership of the university community.
The newly admitted students applied for various degree programmes through the UTME and DE for the 2025/2026 session.
A statement from the office of Director, Public Affairs Directorate, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Malam Auwàl Umar said, a total of 39,239 candidates had earlier applied to the university but the quota allocated to the institution by JAMB for the admission exercise was 16,183. However, the university only admitted 10,054 applicants.
The matriculation ceremony was held on Tuesday, the 17th February, 2026 at Mamman Kontagora Square, Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria, as the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, congratulated the fresh students on being among the few fortunate candidates selected from a large pool of applicants for ABU.
“The Matriculation Oath you have just taken officially marks your entry into and membership of the university community. You are now expected to follow all its rules and regulations”, he said.
He advised them to familiarise themselves with the Student Handbook that provides valuable information to support meaningful studentship at the university.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that university education is typically an inspiring experience, it also entails a considerable degree of social responsibility, he stressed.
Prof Ahmed told the matriculating students that their primary purpose of attending university is to acquire knowledge, skills, and character that will prepare them for a productive life and good citizenship.
“Nonetheless, achieving these lofty objectives requires peace, stability, and a supportive environment. “Consequently, a significant challenge is to help maintain a peaceful, stable, and harmonious environment that fosters effective teaching, leaning, and character development”, he further said.
He advised them to avoid social vices such as examination misconduct, cultism, drug abuse, indecent dress, and all forms of antisocial behavior.
According to him, the aim of ABU and its affiliated institutions is to produce students who are not only receptive to knowledge but also capable of creating it.
He said the university strives to cultivate students with curious and highly creative minds, preparing them to engage effectively with a rapidly changing and complex world.
Prof Ahmed particularly urged the female students to take compass from the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonja-Iweala, that the future is open to suggestions from their dreams and efforts.
While wishing them a successful and joyful academic journey, the Vice-Chancellor encouraged the new students to remain vigilant about security in their daily routines.