Varsity seeks increased quota for students’ admission in universities  

The Peaceland University, Enugu, has urged the National Universities Commission (NUC) to increase the quota given to universities for admission of students.

The Pro Chancellor, Peaceland University, Prof. Felix Ugwuozor, made the call during the 2nd Matriculation Ceremony of the university in Enugu on Friday.

700 new students participated in the matriculation.

Acknowledging the huge developmental strides by the university within two years, Ugwuozor said that more students would have been admitted, but were hindered due to the quota by the NUC.

“We admitted over 600 students within the four faculties of the university and the number would have been more, but because of the NUC policy, faculties admitted limited numbers.

“There is need for NUC to increase the number because there are many students on the list who could not be admitted.

“The manpower in medical sciences is lowering because many of our doctors and nurses are leaving the country, so there is need for universities like ours to admit more students in its programmes,” he said.

The Pro Chancellor said that as a young university, the school was moving so fast in academics, social and others, as well as providing students with what they needed in technology and staff wise.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Chidi Ilechukwu, said that the university engaged in skill acquisition to empower students, besides their academic programmes and extra curriculum activities.

Ilechukwu said it was compulsory for all the students to acquire one or more skills before graduation, to make them self-reliance and job ready.

“This is why we want to partner with Innoson Motors, Peace Mass Transit and Enugu Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), to give them the necessary skills,” he said.

The VC commended NUC, which through its instrumentality, Peaceland University came into legal existence in 2023/2024 academic session, with four faculties and 33 departments.

He also thanked Mama Pia, a Switzerland woman, who founded and funded the university through her Education Foundation, the FredyPia Education.

“It was the seed that she brought from Switzerland and committed into the hand of a young visionary, dynamic and pragmatic priest, that has metamorphosed and floriated into a full-fledged university.

“We are assuring students, parents and guardians that their choice is a worthwhile one and they will never regret choosing Peaceland University, Enugu,” Ilechukwu said.

A matriculating student, Pamela Nwobodo, promised to do her best in  academics, to make her parents and the school proud.

“Today is my best day and I feel so excited and happy,” Nwobodo said. (NAN)