The National University of Science and Technology (NUST)’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Eng. Mqhele Dlodlo welcomed first-year students enrolled for the 2018- 2019 academic year, during the Vice-Chancellor’s Address held at the Ceremonial Hall today.

In his welcome speech at his first ever orientation address since he commenced duty as the university’s VC in April, Prof Dlodlo congratulated the freshmen for their admission to the university and he urged them to prioritise their studies during their term of study.

“As students, your primary goal at NUST is the pursuit of your studies; all the other pursuits are secondary. You must not lose sight of that goal. We have qualified staff to help you in that direction,” said Prof Dlodlo. 

NUST conducts an orientation week at the beginning of every academic year to give students a better understanding of the university and a better chance of acquainting themselves to the university system, life on campus as well as their academic expectations at the institution.

 The Vice-Chancellor’s Address, which is the highlight of the orientation week, is the only time until graduation day that the Vice-Chancellor addresses students in such an assembly.

Prof Dlodlo also urged students not to engage in unhealthy sexual practices citing how a healthy body promotes a good learning environment and gives students the courage to look forward to a healthy future.

“There is the HIV/AIDS epidemic and I want you to be aware that there are many ways to contracting the deadly virus. Be wise, I urge you to abstain,” he said.

“If you cannot (abstain), then use the array of contraceptives and prevention methods that are available at our clinic,” he added.

The VC also told students to adhere to the University rules and regulations governing student code of conduct and discipline, which are in the year book, with special emphasis on ordinance 30.

Part of the VC’s address also touched on issues to do with the importance of time management; the university’s vision, mission and core values; and the expected student discipline on campus.

As a welcome token courtesy of the Vice-Chancellor, ten freshmen walked away with stationery gifts, which were awarded to them when they responded to questions after the VC’s speech.

The first year students said the orientation week has been beneficial to them as it has prepared them for their stay at the university, with some saying they are looking forward to being at their “home away from home”.