The Vice-Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Prof. Ibrahim Hassan, has warned newly admitted students of the institution against engaging in drug abuse and other social vices. Hassan gave the warning on Friday during the matriculation ceremony for newly admitted students held at the Yelwa Campus of the university. The Vice-Chancellor described the matriculation ceremony as the beginning of a new journey for the students admitted for the 2025/2026 academic session. According to him, the event symbolises the “dawn of greatness” and the start of a purposeful academic journey for the students who secured admission into the institution after intense competition. “You, our matriculants, have conquered mountains of competition to claim your place in the illustrious halls of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University,” he said. Hassan, however, cautioned the students against indulging in drug abuse, cultism, examination malpractice and other immoral acts that could jeopardise their academic future. “I charge you to reject drugs, the poisonous tempests that drown brilliance in despair and snuff out lives before they blaze. Defy cultism, those dark illusions of power that fracture brotherhood into bloodshed and shatter futures. “Banish examination malpractice, immorality and every vice that whispers defeat,” he stated. He urged the students to remain focused on their studies and make good use of the university’s academic resources, including libraries, laboratories and digital learning platforms. The Vice-Chancellor also encouraged them to cultivate discipline, punctuality and diligence, noting that these virtues are essential for academic success and personal development. “Make your studies the blazing core of your journey. Dive into lectures, pursue research with relentless curiosity and utilise the world-class facilities provided by the university,” he added. Hassan further called on parents and guardians to continue supporting the students throughout their academic journey, while urging staff of the university to remain committed to mentoring and guiding them. He announced that a total of 4,355 students were matriculated into various faculties of the university for the 2025/2026 academic session. The breakdown of the admitted students showed that 231 were admitted into the Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, 526 into the Faculty of Computing, 933 into the Faculty of Engineering and Engineering Technology, 726 into the Faculty of Environmental Technology and 356 into the Faculty of Management Sciences. Others include 800 students admitted into the Faculty of Science, 107 into SPESSECE, 288 into the Faculty of Technology Education, and 388 into the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, as well as others admitted into the College of Medical Sciences.