Forestry and Wildlife Department Unizik Holds Induction, Award Ceremony

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

It was a moment of joy, as the Forestry and Wildlife Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, marked the induction of their new students and the fourth award of the students' association, Forestry and Wildlife Students Association (FOWSA).

The event which held at Faculty of Agriculture Hall 1 inside Unizik main school, drew the participation of both the new and old students of the department, as well as a lecturers and other top management officers.

Speaking at the event, the the Head of Department, Dr. Anselm E. Egwuatum who heartily welcome the new students reminded them it was God's decision that they would be there in the department as bonafide students at such a time, and hence congratulated them for making it into the department.

Describing the department as one of the best in the world, and Forestry, as the only solution to world's climate change problem; he advised the students to make good grades.

"Once you make first class or any other good grade, governments and top organisations will look forward you. The only thing you can do for yourself now is to be focus-minded and study your books, knowing fully well that it is the reason your parents sent you here. So, aspire to be the best; and you will see yourself at the top,"  he advised.

Speaking, a lecturer in the department, Prof. E.A. Ibe who appreciated the intelligence of the students urged them to always listen to and follow instructions and guidelines, to avoid any form of mistakes, regrets or 'had I known', even as he advised them to pray always and chun exam malpractice, lying and other bad acts that are capable of ruining their image and studentship in the school; challenging them to target nothing below second-class upper.

On his own part, the students' staff adviser, Mr. Chukwu Onyekachi counted himself a living testimony of how far Forestry can take someone in life, and the exposure it gives, also reminded the students that they would be given double certificates on their graduation —one in Forestry, and the other, in Wildlife.

Onyekachi, who is an award-winning lecturer further exposed the students to the various national and international career/job opportunities that abound in Forestry, and advised them to start loving the course earlier, and to start being focus-mind, to be able to make good grades.

Earlier in an Address of Welcome, President of Forestry and Wildlife Students Association (FOWSA), Comrade Abonyi Edith Amuche, congratulated the new students on their admission into the department, which, she said, was a privilege and as a result of their passion for learning. While wishing them a happy stay and successful study years in the department, Abonyi, who advised them to study harder, also assured them of the association's readiness to protect their interest throughout their study years.

Speaking on behalf of the new students, the Course Rep., Miss Ogu Stacy Nneoma said the event did not only enlighten them, but also rekindled and charged up her spirit and that of her fellow students. While appreciating the organisers, she pledged to henceforth, study harder than ever, so as to graduate with First Class; even as she advised her colleagues to also study hard and maintain good conduct, so that they and their set would have good record, even after their graduation from the department

Among others, highpoints of the event include administration of oath of allegiance to the new students, cutting of the induction cake, dancing performance by the students, as well as presentations of awards and certificates to some deserving students, lecturers and alumni of the department.

Some of the award recipients include: Prof. Ernest Chukwusoro Igwe (Outstanding Achiever Award); Dr. Anselm E. Egwuatum (Award of Excellence); Jacinta A. Ezenwenyi (Award of Honour); Onyekachi Chukwu (Lecturer of the Year Award); Ozomma Linda Chidimma (Merit Award, as the student with highest CGPA in the department); Comr. Urama, Jude Odirachukwu (Outstanding FOWSA President Award); Comr. Okafor, Tochukwu ThankGod (Achiever FOWSA President Award); Comr. KeneChukwu, Toochukwu Vivian (Award of Selfless Service); Nwadinobi, Emmanuel Vincent (Rare-gem Award); and Kenechi, Emmanuel Anthony (Distinguished Service Award), among many others.