The Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, recently held its 2025/2026 Induction Ceremony. The event officially welcomed first-year students into their various academic options amid celebration, advice, and inspiration.
The ceremony commenced with an opening introduction by the Master of Ceremonies, followed by a welcome address from the Departmental President,comrade Chinemelum Nwobu who urged the freshers to remain open-minded and committed to learning throughout their university journey.
Delivering the keynote address, the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Kingsley Ubaorji, congratulated the students on their admission into the academic community. He emphasized the realities of unemployment in the country and encouraged them to make effective use of their years at UNIZIK by preparing for meaningful and productive futures.
Speaking on the theme of success, Professor Ubaorji advised the students to embrace godly values, stressing that true success cannot be achieved without God.
A highlight of the ceremony was the traditional breaking of kola nuts performed by the student traditional rulers, which added a cultural touch to the event.
The Head of Department, Dr. Ugochukwu Offor, officially welcomed the freshers, describing them as “the change the environment wants.” She encouraged them to embrace positive transformation and reminded them that while the standard duration of study is four years, their academic decisions would largely determine their graduation timeline. She also assured students of the department’s support and urged them to seek guidance whenever academic challenges arise.
The Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Anthony Ikenna, Labour Party flag bearer aspiring for the House of Representatives, Nnewi North and South Federal Constituency, delivered a lecture titled “Trade After School.”
He highlighted the importance of management skills, passion, determination, and customer relations in business, while encouraging students to develop entrepreneurial mindsets alongside their academic pursuits.
The event also featured dance performances, solo presentations, and the oath-taking session for the newly inducted students. Awards were presented to the Head of Department, Staff Adviser, and past departmental executives in recognition of their contributions to the department.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks by the NESA President and a vote of thanks delivered by the Departmental President. As the programme came to an end, students celebrated the occasion with enthusiasm and excitement.
The induction ceremony was widely regarded as a memorable and significant milestone for the newest members of the Department of Educational Foundations.