A GRAND RITE OF PASSAGE: BMU SETS THE INTELLECTUAL COMPASS FOR A NEW GENERATION UNDER THE ASPIRE AGENDA DURING THE 2025/2026 ACADEMIC SESSION ORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR FRESH STUDENTS- RECORDS A HUGE SUCCESS. – 14TH – 15TH JANUARY, 2026.

During the ceremony, Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) once again demonstrated its commitment to structured excellence, disciplined scholarship, and visionary leadership at the 2025/2026 Academic Session Orientation Programme for fresh students which unfolded with resounding success on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th January 2026. The two-day programme was a carefully curated intellectual initiation, designed to induct new students into the ethos, values, standards, and strategic direction of the University. DAY 1 STRATEGIC DIRECTION BY THE VC The orientation commenced with a strategic address by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Dimie Ogoina, who set a solemn yet inspiring tone for the programme. He reminded students that the orientation was not ceremonial but foundational-meant to acquaint them with the operational culture, governance structure, and leadership of the University. Emphasizing the University’s transformative ASPIRE Agenda, the Vice Chancellor reaffirmed BMU’s resolve to produce globally competitive professionals whose character and competence would stand the test of time. He charged the students to uphold the University’s standards,warning firmly against examination malpractice, drug abuse, violence, and all forms of misconduct, while assuring them of management’s unwavering commitment to student welfare and support. In his words, students remain the very heart of the University. ADVICE FROM THE REGISTAR In her deeply maternal yet firm counsel, the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Felicia E. Akusu, urged students to recognise the privilege of admission into BMU as a rare opportunity that must not be trivialized. She admonished them to resist negative peer influence, remain focused on their studies, and strictly comply with institutional rules to avoid disciplinary sanctions that could derail their academic futures. ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE SUG PRESIDENT The SUG President, Ms. Solomon Princess in her address urged the new students to follow the students Union Channel, to join Students Committees and to be part and active members of the Student Union. PRESENTATIONS DR. INETIMITULA A. ETEBU, UNIVERSITY LIBRARIAN, REPRESENTED BY Dr. OJI BLESSING. Academic support systems were further reinforced by Dr. Oji Blessing, who speaking on behalf of the University Librarian presented “The Library: Your Best Academic Partner.” She described the University Library as an indispensable hub for research, learning, and community service, drawing attention to its robust e-library resources and stressing adherence to library ethics and regulations. PROF. CHIDINMA DAOKORU-OLUKOYE, DIR.ECTOR OF ACADEMIC PLANNING, RESEARCH AND INNOVATION (DAPRI). A major intellectual highlight of the day was the series of presentations delivered by Professor Chidinma Daokoru-Olukoye, Director of Academic Planning, Research and Innovation (DAPRI). In her first lecture, “Designing Your Student Identity: What Do You Want to Become?”, she challenged students to consciously shape their academic and personal identities through defined values, disciplined habits, purposeful relationships, and passionate pursuit of excellence. Her second presentation, “Academic Survival Hacks: Learning How to Learn,” offered practical, evidence-based strategies for effective learning, time management, active reading, and overcoming procrastination. In her third session on Academic Regulations in Nigerian Universities, she underscored the imperatives of credit accumulation, class attendance, and academic diligence as non-negotiable requirements for graduation. DR. GODWIN ANGAYE, DEAN, STUDENTS AFFAIRS. The Dean of Students Affairs, Dr. Godwin Angaye, delivered an engaging lecture on “Social Intelligence: Navigating Campus Relationships and Networks.” He encouraged students to cultivate interpersonal skills, embrace mentorship, engage in extracurricular activities, and consciously develop social intelligence as a tool for academic and professional success. Dr. EFIRI TAMARADENYEFA , SA DIGITAL. The digital future of education at BMU was unveiled by Dr. Efiri Tamaradenyefa, who spoke on “Digital Technology and University Education for Students.” He presented technology as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and skill acquisition, highlighting ongoing initiatives such as the Virtual Reality Studio, Personal AI Tutor, Learning Management Systems, and other AI-driven applications aimed at redefining teaching and learning at BMU. He focused on how technology affects education inside and outside the classroom, stating that technology is a tool for collaboration that will give the students relevant skill sets, and encouraged them to hunger for learning and improvement, via the support for innovation through the existing Virtual Reality studio. He informed the students that the ICT department, under the directive of the Vice Chancellor are actively working to establish various innovative applications like the Personal AI tutor, Profile Management App, Staff Attendance App, Digital Attendance App for Students, Lecture Management App, Large language model Artificial Intelligence machine learning, aimed at Learning how to interact with AI model, Learning Management System as well as BMUWATCH to share insightful information and suggestions. SUG PRESIDENT, MS. SOLOMON PRINCESS The voice of student leadership was brought forth by the SUG President, Ms. Solomon Princess, who encouraged the new entrants to actively engage with the Student Union, participate in committees, and embrace responsible student governance as part of their holistic university experience. DAY 2 - THURSDAY 15TH JANUARY, 2026. The second day focused on institutional systems, personal responsibility, and holistic development. PRESENTATIONS Mr. EBIPUODO OMBU, BURSAR The financial obligations of students were clearly outlined by the Bursar, Mr. Ebipuodo Ombu, in his presentation on Understanding the Landscape of Students’ Fees. He emphasised early payment of fees, proper documentation, and the availability of financial guidance through the Bursary Department. He encouraged the students to pay their fees early, adding that they would not be allow to graduate without paying their complete fees. He also encouraged the students to visit the bursary department for further information. Mr. OYEINDIEPREYE SOLOMON, DEPUTY REGISTRAR, HOD STUDENT AFFAIRS DEPT. Non-academic life at BMU was comprehensively addressed by Mr. Solomon Oyeindiepreye, Deputy Registrar and Head of Student Affairs Unit, in his presentation on Students’ Non-Academic Matters. He highlighted the Students’ Handbook as a compass for responsible conduct, outlining the roles of the Student Affairs Division in counselling, welfare, identification, NYSC mobilization, and regulation of student activities. MR. TEBEPAH EDIPOU KULEPERE, ICT DEPARTMENT Mr. Tebepah Edipou Kulepere enlightened students on the Application of ICT in the University, stressing the importance of official BMU communication channels, digital ethics, cybersecurity, and the availability of platforms such as NELFUND for student financial support. MR. RICHMAN PEREKIMI FAMOUS, CHIEF SECURITY OFFICER Campus safety took centre stage in a compelling presentation by the Chief Security Officer, Mr. Richman Perekimi Famous, who reminded students that the medical profession leaves no room for carelessness. He outlined security protocols, curfew regulations, the role of surveillance systems, and the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in maintaining a safe learning environment. Dr. MARY DONALD ASE, HOD HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS Health and wellness were passionately addressed by Dr. Mary Donald Ase, Head of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, who spoke on “Healthy Lifestyle for Academic Success.” She advocated balanced nutrition, adequate rest, stress management, regular exercise, and the avoidance of substance abuse as foundations for sustained academic performance. DR. DEBEKEME WILLIAM, HOD TECHNOLOGY The indispensability of laboratory work was emphasised by Dr. Debekeme William, who underscored laboratory practicals as the crucible in which professional competence is forged. He stressed safety consciousness, attendance, discipline, and mastery of practical skills as prerequisites for academic progression. CONCLUSION Under purposeful leadership and guided by the ASPIRE Agenda, the 2025/2026 Orientation Programme was more than an introduction-it was a declaration of standards, a transmission of values, and a strategic alignment of students with the mission of the University. BMU GOING GLOBAL!