Amidst distinguished and eminent personalities, proud parents and well-wishers, Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU) celebrated its 7th Matriculation Ceremony at the Power of Faith Building, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State.

Michael and Cecilia Ibru University’s matriculation ceremony also doubles as the institution’s Founder’s Day in honour of its Co-founder and Visitor, Dr Cecilia Ibru who celebrates her birthday on the same day.

The ceremony kicked off at 9:15 am, with the academic procession as the registrar of the university, Dr Thomas Kolo led the matriculating students into the Power of Faith auditorium along with members of the institution’s Governing Council.

The Provost of the Michael and Cecilia Foundation College of Education (MCFCOE), Dr D. D Whawo gave the opening prayer.

The Master of Ceremony of the day, Mr Abel Otache, started with a brief introduction of the dignitaries such as the Visitor and Chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Dr Mrs Cecilia Ibru, OFR, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Gbewa Hugbo, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ibiyinka Fuwape, FNIP, the Guest Speaker of the event Prof Leslie Eyesan Dabor and other guests such as renowned media consultant Dr Peter Igho, MFR and financial expert and respected consultant, Dr Benson Uwheru.

The Matriculation Ceremony was declared open by the Visitor, Dr Cecilia Ibru, OFR. In her welcome address, the Visitor said it is a great pleasure to welcome this new set of hopeful faces and eager minds who make up the graduating class of 2026 into the hallowed spaces of this prestigious citadel of higher learning and character building.

She reiterated that the vision of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University is to produce well-rounded graduates that would be innovation drivers, problem solvers, and productive entrepreneurs for the Nigerian economy and the advancement of the African continent.

The guest lecturer, Prof Leslie Eyesan Dabor gave a lecture on “The Value of Vision”. He said Helen Keller once said that “the only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” He urged the matriculating students to be focused and never relent in their pursuit of academic excellence. They were also charged to never let any form of distractions stop them from striking the gold that they seek. “Be determined to be different and set that in your heart to be outstanding. It starts from the mind”, he instructed.

Dr Benson Uwheru, a partner at Ernst and Young, gave an inspirational talk to the matriculating students. He urged them to set goals and targets for themselves and to have a positive mindset at all times.

Renowned Media Consultant, Dr Peter Igho, MFR told the matriculating students to learn how to balance study and leisure. As young students, they were urged to learn to network and develop their hidden potentials and God-given ideas to achieve a balanced academic life cycle.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ibiyinka Fuwape, FNIP in her address said the university is matriculating a total of over a hundred and fifteen (115) students. While explaining some of the achievements the university has made over the last academic session. The university has employed some of her first-class and second-class upper graduates as Graduate Assistants (GA) in their various departments. She admonished the matriculating students to know that this is an enlistment to hard work for intellectual development and strongly advised them to shun vices like examination malpractice, cultism, sexual harassment, drug addiction, stealing, fighting and truancy as they attract sanctions that can lead to either rustication or expulsion.

The Matriculation Oath was administered by the University Registrar, Dr Thomas N Kolo as the students stood up to pledge their allegiance to the university rules and regulations.

Highlights of the ceremony included the cutting of the birthday cake by the Visitor, Dr Cecilia Ibru, as staff and students had one or two words of praise and prayer for her. An elated Dr Cecilia Ibru was full of Joy as matriculating students and MCF Demonstration Schools Scholars thrilled her with some melodious performances and beautiful choreography.

Dr Thomas N Kolo gave the vote of thanks while Dr Victor Aladeselu gave the closing prayer as the national anthem and school anthem were sung in quick succession.