The Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara State, on Wednesday, matriculated 2,865 students for the 2022/23 academic session.
This year’s student intake by the university is higher than the 1,945 who matriculated for the 2020/21 academic session, and the 1,453 students who matriculated for the 2019/2020 academic session.
The increase in student enrollment is despite heightening insecurity in the North-West state, which is battling bandits, who continually attack villages and schools, killing and abducting residents, including students.
In his convocation speech, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Muazu Abubakar, prayed for the quick release of some of the students of the institution who were abducted by bandits and are still in captivity.
He commended the security personnel for their untiring efforts as the search for the abducted students continued.
The vice chancellor advised the new students to be extra vigilant and security conscious as they go about their daily activities.
He said, “I am calling on all the students to be extra vigilant and security conscious as you go about your daily activities.
“Kindly report any suspicious movement of persons or groups to the nearest security agents or appropriate university authorities.
“And to our abducted students, I want to assure them that they are always in our hearts and we are always praying for their safety and quick release.
“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the following respected dignities who were with us during the difficult times we faced when our dear students were kidnapped.
“My appreciation goes to Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State; the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Betta Odu; the Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu; and Sharu Sheriff Nastura, Convener, Coalition of Northern Group”.
The VC equally thanked the Kano State government and the Sultan of Sokoto, among others.
