Uturu – Prof. Uche Ikonne, Vice Chancellor, Abia State University, Uturu, has urged cultists in the institution to renounce their membership and embrace God during the forth-coming re-dedication of the university.
Ikonne, who made the request on Tuesday during a pre-convocation press conference at the University, also urged the students to shun social vices on campus and in the host community.
He said that the university management had concluded arrangements for the re-dedication service before the convocation.
“During the solemn service, members of different cult groups in the institution will be expected to openly renounce their membership.
“The Students’ Union Government will also hold anti-cultism rally to sensitise the students and host community on the dangers inherent in cultism.
“A security unit has been designated to provide security for those that denounced their membership against any attacks,’’ he said.
Ikonne said that a joint security committee, comprising ABSU management, Uturu vigilance group, private hostel owners and security agencies, had been formed to strengthen security and check cultism in the institution.
The VC said that activities lined up for the convocation included award of first degrees to 2,958 students and post-graduate degrees to 603 students.
He added that the university would confer honorary doctoral degree on the first Commissioner of Justice and Attorney-General of Abia, Chief Theo Nkire, during the convocation.
Others slated for the conferment of honorary doctoral degrees included, Dr Ernest Ndukwe, the former Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Telecommunications Commission and Chairman, Platinum Mortgage Bank, Chief Emmanuel Mbaka. (NAN)