The Vice-Chancellor of the Salem University, Lokoja, Kogi State, Prof. Joseph Fuwape, has urged its fresh students to be instruments of positive change and development.

He stated this during the institution’s matriculation.

The university admitted no fewer than 188 students on the occasion.

Stressing the need for positive values, Fuwape urged the fresh students to join the university in contributing to the nation’s education growth and development.

According to him, the sure way to accomplishing this is to shun vices and other distractions to their academic pursuit.

Administering the oath of matriculation on the students, Fuwape said the institution, had risen to be a centre of excellence for training global leaders.

Fuwape said, “The transformation and academic revolution of the institution is focused on spiritual and character formation in leadership development to equip students to make positive impact in the society.”

Meanwhile, some graduates of the school have called for entrepreneurial and leadership training in nation’s education curricula.

They made the call during the institution’s annual Testimony Night. According to them, with the alarming rate of youth unemployment, inculcating entrepreneurship and leadership skills in undergraduates will go a long way in making them self-reliant.

One of the alumni, Mercy Tokula, who graduated from the institution’s Department of Economics, said her service year in Kaduna State was hitch-free as it marked her year of financial independence.

She noted that the opportunity the university provided her enabled her to acquire vocational skills.

“I thank God for his unspeakable gifts to me in teaching, guidance and counselling. By His grace I am excelling. Thanks to Salem University,” she stated.

For Nnanna Yvonne, the institution’s Total Leadership Training Concept exposed them to courses and programmes in leadership and entrepreneurship, she added, “I am happier now that I am able to create jobs and not seek such.”

The graduate of Accounting, who now owns a supermarket, expressed joy that she can now run a thriving venture less than two years after graduation.

Also, the Chancellor of the university, Archbishop Sam Amaga, said the testimony of the ex-students would further reinforce the institution’s drive to lead the way in producing globally competitive graduates that will turn the fortunes of the country.

He added that efforts were on to improve upon the university’s infrastructure as well as provide the academic and non-academic staff with necessary incentives to make the university a world class institution.

He added, “SU will continue to churn out godly, global leaders who will dazzle the world with their academic prowess as well as impeccable character.”