The Margaret Lawrence University (MLU), on Monday, matriculated a total of 262 fresh students into its 2025/2026 academic year.
At the event held simultaneously in the University’s Delta State and Abuja campuses, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Ernest Izevbigie, urged the students to focus on academic excellence.
Speaking after formally admitting the new intakes, Prof Izevbigie stated that from inception, matriculation at MLU has also served as an occasion to inaugurate major developmental projects.
The Vice Chancellor disclosed that during the maiden matriculation, several projects were commissioned, while during the second matriculation, the phase 2 of the Margaret Lawrence University Teaching Hospital (MLUTH) in Abuja was flagged off.
Today being “the third matriculation, we have witnessed the unveiling of the state-of-the-art ultra-modem International Conference Centre (Fountain of Joy International Conference Centre) by Bishop David Abioye; where we are all seated this morning! An edifice and a master piece of human artistry, Praise God”.
Prof Izevbigie stated that MLU is the product of a divine vision revealed to its Founder, Mr Paul Odili, on January 27, 2011, to establish a university, “now-an Oasis of academic excellence and intelligentsia”.
“Matriculation is a special day at MLU for traditional student-oath taking, ceremony, and signing of the Matriculation Register signifying allegiance to the University and commitment to its rules and regulations, the VC said.
With “Exceptionalism” as its watchword, the VC noted that the Paul Odili College of Medicine is poised to become a model medical school and a major hub for medical education in Nigeria.
Highlighting the exceptionalism of MLU, Prof Izevbigie hinted that MLU is the fastest growing university in Nigeria according to NUC as well as amongst the very few private universities to own its own teaching hospital, at least de novo.
“It is the first university to purchase the Anatomage Table – Series 12 in West Africa (as confirmed by the manufacturer distributor, Schultz Healthcare). The Anatomage Table is a 3D, touch-screen virtual dissection tool that promotes in-depth, life-sized investigation/exploration of the human and animal anatomy, ranging from virtual human cadavers, while also providing valuable insights into the functions of biological systems.
“Equally noteworthy is the Faculty of Law, which is fast emerging as a benchmark for excellence in the study of jurisprudence. Other faculties are also carving niches for themselves, the VC said.
With the theme: “The Oasis of Academic Excellence and Intelligence” Prof Izevbigie stressed that private universities play an important role in strengthening academic standards in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Founder of Margaret Lawrence University, Mr Paul Odili, expressed satisfaction with the successful conduct of the institution’s third matriculation ceremony, describing the event as a moment of joy for the university community.
While encouraging parents seeking quality education for their children to consider the university, he assured that the institution is committed to shaping students for future leadership, success and a generation of global achievers.
“What I have to tell them is that we can remodel your children. We can deliver on the potential they already have and prepare them for today and tomorrow.
“You can bring them here and trust us to handle them and see that they become what they believe they should achieve in life,” the founder said.
He added that the institution aims to produce a new generation of global achievers.
“We are ready to bring to the world a different set of tomorrow’s champions, and that’s what we are doing here,” Odili said.
Speaking as the special guest of honour, former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Abubakar Rasheed, congratulated the newly admitted students and described them as fortunate to study at the institution.
Rasheed noted that matriculation marks the official beginning of a student’s academic life.
“You know, there are only two very important ceremonies for any university student. One is matriculation, the other is convocation. One is birth, the other is death. One is the beginning, the other is the end,” he said.
He explained that once students take the matriculation oath, they are formally admitted into the university community.
The former NUC chief also encouraged the students to remain disciplined and focused on their studies.
“There are two requirements. You have to be academically serious, and you have to also be ethically responsible,” he said.
Rasheed warned the students against negative social influences, urging them to maintain high moral standards.
He expressed confidence that the students would successfully complete their studies and return for their convocation in the coming years.