The Federal College of Education, Obudu in Cross River State has matriculated 1,110 fresh students for the 2020/2021 academic session.

This was as the institution held its 38th NCE matriculation ceremony.

Acting Provost, Alhaji Ladan Chado, urged the students to focus on their studies and play their role in moving the College forward by working hard for their individual successes.

He also urged them to overcome distractions that may prevent them from achieving their goal.

He advised them to eschew examination malpractices, cultism, stealing, sexual immorality, and inability to abide by established approved dress codes among others.

On behalf of the Governing Council of the College, he promised the commitment of the Management towards the creation of an enabling and conducive environment for effective teaching and learning.

He highlighted a number of projects that has been attracted, completed and handed over to the Management for the use of both staff and students.

They are the Technical Education Department Building at the Bebi Campus, Technical Education Workshop also at the Bebi campus, School of Early Childhood Care Education Building, School of Adult, Non-formal and Special Education Building, Science Complex and the College Pavilion.

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He said both the Theatre Arts auditorium and the 250 capacity lecture Tltheatre that was abandoned over the years would soon be completed and handed over as well.

He added that the ground breaking ceremony for both the School of Languages Building and the New Library Complex at the Bebi Campus had taken place and the projects would soon be completed.

He lauded the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari for sponsoring the projects through TETFUND.

He noted the delay in the conduct of the matriculation exercise for the academic session.

He attributed the delay to the long period of lockdown caused by the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic which led to the shutdown of the College between March and October, 2020.

He said the prolonged closure affected the academic programmes of the institution.

However, he said the lecturers and staff showed uncommon resilience and perseverance in the performance of their duties.

He lauded them for their efforts to successfully navigate the past session and be able to hold the matriculation.

Alhaji Chado explained that the present administration has evolved a workable arrangement that would ensure that certificates are issued to deserving students at the end of their studies.

He also conveyed the goodwill of the Chairman of the 7th Governing Council of the College, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, who expressed commitment and enthusiasm towards moving the College forward.