By Our Correspondent
“I solemnly undertake to observe and respect the provisions of the Karl Kumm University Laws and Statutes, Ordinance and Regulations clearly written here under which are now in force and which shall from time to time be brought into force. I also solemnly undertake not to belong or participate in the activities of any secret cult or society and that if I violate this undertaking, I make myself liable to be expelled from the University. So, help me God.”
That was the matriculation oath undertaken by the pioneer students of Karl Kumm University at the matriculation exercise held at the university’s permanent site in Vom, Plateau State.
The exercise which had in attendance parents, guardians, friends, well-wishers, COCIN clergy drawn from the various Regional and Provincial Church Councils (RCC and PCCs) of COCIN, prominent sons and daughters of COCIN, traditional leaders and members of Vwang community. In attendance were retired and serving COCIN leaders.
In his address at the matriculation exercise held at the permanent site of the institution in Vom, Plateau State, Vice Chancellor of the KKU, Prof. Audu Nanven Gambo said “ We are witnessing today, the formal enrolment of 61 young, enthusiastic and promising set of pioneer students into Karl Kumm University to pursue their various academic goals and aspirations.”
The Vice Chancellor, who described the exercise as marking the commencement of the conversion process of their “vague universality into specific craftsmen and women of global recognition and strategic relevance.”
As faith-based university, Prof. Gambo emphasized that KKU was committed to developing godly character and promoting scientific knowledge for the benefit of humanity stating that the University was not leaving no stone unturned in its determination to produce top class graduates in different field with competitive skills to find relevance in the global space.
While urging the new students to be sensitive and responsive to anything that would make them compromise their sense of godliness, industry, integrity, discipline and tolerance of diversity, Prof. Gambo reminded them that they were being trained to become global citizens after graduation.
He warned reminded them that the University has zero-tolerance for cultism and other conducts that were capable of threatening their persons and the University.
Said he: “The management of the university is not compromising on the strict enforcement of the Students’ Code of Conduct. Remember the Motto of the University which is ‘Knowledge, Character and Service.’ You should exemplify these values at all time and you must also uphold the matriculation oath.”
While charging the new students to pursue their studies with faith, resilience and determination, the Vice Chancellor assured that the management would continue to ensure a conducive environment for them to realize their aspirations in life.
He however, enjoined parents and guardians to joined hands with the University authority in ensuring the proper upbringing of the students stating that the support of parents became necessary because, the students alternate between the home and the University.
Prof. Gambo, while applauding parents, strategic partners and stakeholders for their efforts towards growing and developing the University, the VC also expressed gratitude to parents for choosing KKU for their sons and daughters.
While acknowledging the commitment of the Proprietor for supporting the building of the University, the VC commended the critical roles played by the Board of Trustees and the Governing Council in shaping the future of the Institution.
“Our host community is also deserving of special recognition in the enterprise of establishing the University. We have received and still receiving tangible and intangible support from our host community. Worthy of mention is the donation of a 22KVA Generating set on the 11 of September 2023 and the massive financial support by Rt. Hon. Bagos Musa Dachung who supported us with N3.5 million through the Gwom Rwey of Vwang District and who is a worthy member of the first Governing Council of KKU representing the host community.”
In his goodwill message, Chairman, Board of Trustee of KKU and former Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Prof. Suleiman Elias Bogoro paid glowing tributes to the current and past leaders of COCIN for the initiative that gave birth to the KKU as well laying the foundation for its take-off the efforts that gave birth to the University.
While congratulating the new students, the KKU BOT Chairman said matriculation is the first traditional ceremony and the very first in the life of any undergraduate or student that comes into a University adding that the matriculation gives the license to the student to proceed and take lectures.
Also speaking, COCIN President, Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo who went down memory lane described the matriculation exercise as the “culmination of a long and challenging journey that began with a cry for a Christ-centered University.”
He traced the beginning of the KKU to the visionary mind of onetime COCIN President late Dr. Alexander Lar and his management team who recognized the need for COCIN to established its own university.
Dr. Mohzo added that birth of KKU was driven by the denomination’s firm commitment to providing a Christ centred education as according to him, the church envisioned a tertiary institution that would provide quality education and foster spiritual growth in its youths.
Goodwill message also came from the Pro-chancellor of KKU, Prof. Ochapa Onazi.
Highpoint of the occasion was the administering of the matriculation oath by the Registrar of Kar Kumm University on the matriculating student.
Speaking to Today’s Challenge, Alhaji Hadi Dankishiya whose child, Yusuf Dankishiya, was among the matriculants said he decided to send his son to KKU to acquire good education.
“This my son passed through Federal Government Jos and if at the moulding stage in secondary education I allowed my child to be mentored by a Christian, then why will I now hesitate not to bring my child into this university.
“For me I don’t see bringing my son to Karl Kumm University, a faith-based University, as anything spectacular. If one is looking for good education, then good education has no barrier.
The matriculation exercise marks the commencement of academic exercise in KKU, exactly 14 years after then COCIN President Rev. Dr. Pandang Yamsat performed the official foundation laying at Vom in November 2009.
The maiden matriculation exercise marked the formal enrolment of 61 young Nigerians into various academic programmes for the 2023/2024 academic session.