Abia State College of Health Science and Management Technology (ABSCOHMAT), Aba, Abia state, has matriculated over 2,000 students at its 16th matriculation ceremony held at the college pavilion, marking a historic milestone in the institution’s growth.
The event was notable for the introduction of new programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Hardware Engineering, expanding the college’s academic offerings into emerging technology fields. The management also described the turnout as the highest number of matriculants in the institution’s history.
In his address, the Rector, Mr. Aloysius Okezie, welcomed the new students and charged them to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to academic excellence. He urged them to pursue skills that would make them globally competitive while remaining locally relevant.
He also warned against social vices including cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, negative peer influence, and examination malpractice, stressing that offenders would face strict disciplinary action.
Commending the Abia State Government led by Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, the Rector lauded the ongoing reforms in the education sector, particularly the regular payment of salaries and infrastructural interventions. He noted that government support had enabled the retrofitting of 22 buildings, which has repositioned the institution for improved learning and expanded academic programmes, including Dialysis Technician Technology, Prosthetics and Orthotics Technology, and Biomedical Engineering Technology.
Okezie, however, appealed for government approval of a staff employment waiver, explaining that most of the college’s lecturers currently operate on contract and part-time arrangements. He said full-time recruitment would significantly enhance academic delivery and institutional performance.
Representing the governor, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, commended the Rector and management for transforming the institution into a hub for skills acquisition and professional development. He assured that the government and legislature would continue to support initiatives that strengthen the college.
Emeruwa charged the matriculating students to remain focused and avoid acts capable of damaging their future and the reputation of their families, the institution, and the state.
In their goodwill messages, Dr. Chriatopher K. Okoro of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba, the General Manager, Abia Newspapers and Publishing Corporation (ANPC), Hon. Jones Nnanna Ike, Dr. Francis Origa of the Institute of Humanitarian Studies, Hon. Ucheonye Okoro, Hon. Emeka Obioma, and Commander Odoemelam of the NDLEA, Abia State Command, all commended the achievements of the institution.
