FUHSA warns against cultism as 1,448 students matriculate

The management of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA), Bauchi State, has warned newly matriculated students against cultism and other social vices, stressing that such acts will not be tolerated under any circumstance.

This is as the university matriculated a total of 1,448 new students into its various academic programmes for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The matriculation ceremony, held on Saturday,  January 31, 2026, at the temporary campus of the university in Azare, the headquarters of Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State, was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bala M. Audu.

In his address, Prof. Audu disclosed that 1,076 students were admitted into 20 departments under the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, 109 students into the Medicine and Surgery programme, and 49 students into the Dentistry programme.

He explained that the total intake of 1,448 students comprises 551 males and 937 females.

“Today, we officially welcome another set of young, vibrant, and promising students into the FUHSA community. Matriculation is a key requirement that confirms your status as registered students of this university,” he said.

Prof. Audu noted that the students were carefully selected from a large pool of qualified applicants, adding that many others could not be admitted due to limited available spaces.

While congratulating the new students on their admission, he assured them of the university’s commitment to providing academic support and character development to enable them to succeed.

He urged the students to be law-abiding, focused, and dedicated to their studies, noting that the university expects them to graduate successfully without delay and become a source of pride to their parents, the institution, and the nation.

The Vice-Chancellor advised the students to read and make proper use of the students’ handbook, which contains rules, regulations, and guidelines governing their conduct in the university.

According to him, FUHSA operates a zero-tolerance policy on cultism, examination malpractice, sexual harassment, drug abuse, indecent dressing, vandalism, truancy, and other misconduct, warning that offenders will face strict disciplinary action as outlined in the handbook.

“Our goal is not only to impart knowledge but also to mold students with good character and discipline who will represent the university positively and uphold national and international standards,” he stated.

He added that the oath taken by the students signifies their commitment to abide by the laws and standards of the university throughout their stay.

On security, Prof. Audu revealed that the university is working closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property on campus.

He disclosed that a military checkpoint would soon be mounted near the university’s main gate, with regular night patrols around the campus. He also said the Bauchi State Government has donated a patrol vehicle to support campus security operations.

The Vice-Chancellor further announced the commencement of a perimeter fence around the female hostel to improve privacy and security.

On students’ welfare, he acknowledged challenges such as inadequate hostel accommodation, limited lecture halls, and unstable power and water supply, assuring that management is taking steps to address them.

According to him, the university is working towards providing 24-hour electricity and water supply through solar energy, with support from the African Development Bank intervention project, facilitated by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.

He added that construction of additional classrooms and male hostels has commenced to ease infrastructural pressure.

Prof. Audu also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the introduction of the NELFUND programme, which he said has eased the financial burden on students.

He disclosed that 1,798 FUHSA students benefited from the scheme in the current academic session, with their registration fees fully paid.

The Vice-Chancellor appreciated the Bauchi State Government, under Governor Bala Mohammed, for allocating an additional 500 hectares of land at Dugunde Forest along the Azare–Potiskum Road, bringing the total land size of the university’s permanent site to 600 hectares.

He said part of the land has been set aside for future entrepreneurial activities for students.

He also expressed gratitude to the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, for constructing six units of three-bedroom staff houses at the university.

Prof. Audu further appreciated OPAY Digital Services for offering a 10-year scholarship scheme of N300,000 annually to 20 indigent students of the university.

He concluded by assuring students of the management’s commitment to providing a conducive learning environment and wishing them a successful academic journey.

FUHSA warns against cultism as 1,448 students matriculate