STRIKE ACTION COULD NOT TAME MATRICULATION

3,520 fresh students admitted into Federal University of Technology Minna Niger State for 2011/2012 academic session toke their oath of allegiance to abide with the school rules and regulation throughout their 5 years on campus, the event which took place amidst the on going strike action by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) which had been on since last week Monday.

The 25th matriculation ceremony of the university took place at the school auditorium at the Gidan Kwano despite the on going strike action saw in attendance was The Vice Chancellor accompanied by all the principal officers of the school. Also in attendance were all Deans for the six Schools and HODs of various departments in the school.

Though the decision of the union was conveyed to the school management but a source close to the Vice Chancellor Professor M.S. Audu said that the management told the striking lecturers that it will be difficult to postpone the matriculation ceremony. ASUU local Chapter in Federal University of Technology Minna Niger State showed there dissatisfaction about the principal officers attending the ceremony as it was seen as a move against the association.

At the event the Vice-Chancellor said the university only awarded degrees to students that excelled both in character and in learning, reminding them to sustain the enviable record of responsible studentship which the university was well known for, he went further to urged the students to make use of the facilities as learning had been made simple by upgrading information technology services, adding that laboratories and workshops had been equipped to function and services the needs of students.

He want them to live peacefully with the host communities and do their best to sustain their confidence and understanding at all time, stressing the respect for their custom and traditional values which would help go a long way in ensuring their peaceful co-existence.

According to the telephone interview held with FUT Minna ASUU Chairman Dr. Bolaji Adeniji who described the attendance of some senior staffs to the occasion as unfortunate according to the ASUU chairman he was surprised that the ceremony still took place and also attendance of ASUU Members but that the issue will be looked at.
Many students have stories to tell of how they gained a
dmission into higher institutions, but no matter how they secured admission the joy of being adorned the matriculation gown is indescribable. Despite the fact that the occasion lasted only 30mins the newly admitted came out in there gowns to grace the occasion.

It was gathered that most of the matriculating students got to the venue long after they have finished the event while some were in the school conveying them from the Bosso Campus of the school. Despite all the high tensions about the strike and some of the missing the main action, they were seen having fun with their families and friends and having snapshots.

Temitope Dada a matriculating student of quantity surveying Department said he considers himself lucky been admitted by the university and also believes the ongoing industrial action by ASUU would soon be called off.