The Federal University Gusau (FUGUS) in Zamfara State has officially ushered in a new cohort of scholars, matriculating a total of 2,123 fresh students for the 2025/2026 Academic Session. The ceremony, which marks the 12th since the institution's founding, was held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the Convocation Square on the main campus in Gusau.
A Ceremony of Commitment and Caution
During the event, the students, drawn from the university's seven faculties, were formally presented to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mu'azu Abubakar Gusau, by their respective Deans. The Registrar, Hajiya Nafisa Barau Sulaiman, coordinated the administration of the matriculation oath, binding the newcomers to the codes and ethos of the institution.
In his address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Abubakar highlighted the growing appeal of FUGUS, noting that 5,532 candidates initially applied for admission through UTME and Direct Entry. He attributed the competitive selection and increasing interest to the university's sterling reputation for academic excellence, high moral standards, and its firm stance against cultism and social vices.
"The Statistics of this Academic Session (2025/2026) shows that out of 5,532 candidates that applied for admission (UTME&DE), the University is matriculating 2,123 admitted and registered students," the VC stated.
He revealed that in line with federal government policy, the university gave priority to science-based programmes, achieving a 60:40 ratio in favour of science over humanities for the new intake.
VC's Scorecard and Stern Warning to Students
Professor Abubakar, who will complete his tenure in February 2026, used the occasion to outline his administration's achievements since he assumed office on February 10, 2021. Key accomplishments include:
- Consolidation of 28 fully accredited degree programmes.
- Establishment of the School of Postgraduate Studies and the College of Health Sciences.
- Significant improvement in security networks and physical infrastructure.
- Enhanced staff and student welfare and the creation of the FUGUS Staff School.
The Vice-Chancellor also issued a strong warning to the new students, urging them to shun all forms of misconduct. He specifically cautioned against examination malpractice, cultism, sexual harassment, theft, and drug abuse.
"The penalties for these vices are clearly spelt out in the 'Student Handbook', which is compulsory for you... to not only read but study very diligently," he advised, emphasizing that the handbook is a crucial guide for a successful academic journey at FUGUS.
Public Lecture Confronts Banditry's Threat to Education
A significant feature of the matriculation event was a public lecture addressing the pressing security challenges in the region. The lecture, titled "Banditry and its Associated Consequences on Tertiary Education: Strategies for Survival," was delivered by Professor Abubakar Sabo from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
Professor Sabo traced the history of banditry and related crimes in North-West Nigeria, detailing their devastating impact on tertiary institutions. He commended the FUGUS management and the government for the proactive steps taken to fortify the university, which have ensured the stability of its academic calendar.
Despite these measures, he charged the students to remain vigilant and security-conscious to guarantee the successful completion of their studies in a region grappling with security concerns.
This matriculation ceremony is notably the last to be overseen by Vice-Chancellor Professor Mu'azu Abubakar Gusau, concluding a chapter of substantial growth and development for the Federal University Gusau.
