The Federal College of Education Technical Isu, Ebonyi State, on Friday, 19th June, 2026, successfully held its 4th Matriculation Ceremony, which formally admitted over 250 students into various academic programmes of the institution. The historic event was remarkable as the newly admitted students benefitted from the College Scholarship Initiative, a programme aimed at expanding access to quality teacher education.

The ceremony commenced with a colourful academic procession led by the Provost, principal officers, Deans, Heads of Departments, Directors, staff members, invited guests, and the matriculating students, all adorned in their academic regalia. The procession set the tone for the significance and grandeur of the occasion.

The opening prayer was offered by Rev. Fr. Richard Igwe, who thanked God for His faithfulness to the institution and prayed for the success, protection, and academic excellence of the newly admitted students throughout their stay in the College.

In his matriculation address, the Provost, Dr. Francis N. Azunku, warmly welcomed guests and congratulated the matriculating students for successfully meeting the requirements for admission into the College. He explained that matriculation is a solemn academic exercise through which students formally pledge to abide by the rules, regulations, and ethical standards governing the institution.

Dr. Azunku described the ceremony as a landmark event in the history of the College. According to him, it was not only the fourth matriculation ceremony of the institution but also the first to be conducted under his administration. He further noted that it was the first time the College would matriculate over 250 students at once, most of whom were beneficiaries of scholarship opportunities.

The Provost attributed this achievement to the commitment of his administration and the invaluable support received from the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, as well as Dr. Kelechi Ubochi, Managing Director of Rexous Technologies Limited. He commended both personalities for their contributions towards educational development and youth empowerment.

Speaking further, Dr. Azunku disclosed that the College had provided free hostel accommodation for students and reiterated the institution's commitment to creating a conducive learning environment. He appealed to other public-spirited individuals, corporate organizations, and development partners to emulate the generosity of the Governor and Rexous Technologies Limited by supporting the educational aspirations of Nigerian youths.

Addressing the matriculating students, the Provost urged them to embrace discipline, hard work, integrity, and good moral conduct. He cautioned them against involvement in activities capable of jeopardizing their academic pursuits and future aspirations, while encouraging them to remain focused on achieving excellence.

The high lights of the ceremony was good will messages and the administration of the Matriculation Oath by the Registrar of the College, Dr. Nnenna Eucharia Nnochiri. The Registrar formally presented the students to the Provost, who thereafter received and declared them bona fide students of the Federal College of Education Technical, Isu.

GOOD WILL MESSAGES In his goodwill message, Dr. Kelechi Ubochi, Managing Director Rexous Technologies Limited one of the major sponsors of the College Scholarship Initiative, commended the Provost and the Management team for their visionary leadership and commitment to educational development. He praised the remarkable progress recorded by the institution and reaffirmed his support for initiatives aimed at empowering young people through education.

Also speaking, Chief Akpukwa E. S., Registrar of Ebonyi State College of Education, Ikwo, congratulated the matriculating students on their successful admission into the College. In an interactive session, he asked the students why they were in the institution and reminded them to remain conscious of the purpose for which they had come. He advised them to focus on their studies, avoid distractions, and remain committed to achieving their academic goals. He equally commended the Provost and Management for their dedication and outstanding service to the institution.

In her goodwill message, the former Chairman of Onicha Local Government Area Hon. Barr. (Mrs) Chinyere Nwanoke expressed her delight at the remarkable progress and transformation taking place in the College. She stated that, having witnessed developments in many places, what she saw at FCET Isu was exceptional and beyond comparison. According to her, the positive expressions on the faces of members of the College community clearly showed that the right people had been entrusted with leadership responsibilities, describing it as "putting a round peg in a round hole."

She commended the host community and traditional rulers for their continuous support, noting that the long-awaited change they desired had finally arrived. She further expressed optimism that even greater achievements and development would continue to unfold in the institution.

Addressing the students, she reminded them that the future was in their hands and urged them to take their studies seriously. She emphasized that success depends largely on their commitment to learning and acquiring knowledge, adding that failure to perform well academically would be a result of their own lack of dedication.

She concluded by appreciating the Provost for his visionary leadership and outstanding efforts in advancing the College. She encouraged him to remain steadfast in his good work, assuring him of the continued support and goodwill of the host community and traditional rulers.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of His Royal Highness, Eze John C. Uzoigwe (Eze Ntumoke Ugota II of Isuokoma), Chief Michael Udii commended the leadership of the Provost and Management for the visible transformation and rapid progress recorded in the institution within a relatively short period.

Similarly, Rev. Fr. Richard Igwe, Parish Priest of St. Michael's Parish, Umuniko Isu, praised the developmental strides of the present administration. He encouraged the Management to sustain the momentum and reminded the Provost of his commitment towards establishing a worship station of the Parish within the College community.

Speaking on behalf of the matriculating students, Miss Igwe Paulina expressed profound gratitude to the Provost and Management for their efforts in making quality education accessible through the scholarship initiative and other student-friendly policies. She assured the College authorities that the new students would remain committed to academic excellence and good conduct.

Adding colour and excitement to the ceremony, the Angelic Choir from Enugu State thrilled the audience with melodious songs of congratulations and celebration in honour of the matriculating students. Their inspiring performance further enriched the atmosphere of joy and accomplishment that characterized the event.

Following the musical presentation, a few announcements were made to guide students and guests on subsequent activities. Thereafter, the Registrar invited the Provost to formally declare the ceremony closed.. He then officially declared the 4th Matriculation Ceremony of the Federal College of Education Technical, Isu, closed.

The closing prayer was thereafter said by Mall Suleiman Audu HOD automobile Tech. followed by the rendition of the College Anthem by the entire assembly.

The ceremony ended with a final academic procession led by the Provost and members of Management back to the administrative block, while students and guests remained standing in observance of academic tradition.

The successful conduct of the matriculation ceremony once again demonstrated the commitment of the College Management to academic excellence, institutional growth, and the advancement of quality teacher education. Indeed, the event marked another significant milestone in the journey of the Federal College of Education Technical, Isu, towards becoming a leading institution of learning and innovation..