“Technology Addiction may cause Academic Failure” – Ritman University VC

 Vice Chancellor of Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene – Prof Celestine Ntuen – says that students fail in their studies because of addiction to technology, sleep and socializing.

Prof Ntuen who was speaking during an orientation programme for new students at the university’s campus in Akwa Ibom State noted that technology addiction makes students waste up to 24 hours per week on phones and other tech devices and this, in addition to poor sleep habits and time spent on social activities lead to poor academic performance.

Inability to delay gratification, poor motivation and ignorance of how education will lead to a rewarding life were other reasons the VC gave for student failure.

Prof Ntuen advised students to always attend classes, pay attention to lectures, ask questions and study in groups. They were also encouraged to work co-operatively with others and be persistent. He warned that cultism and shabby dressing would not be tolerated, while fighting attracts expulsion or heavy fine in Ritman University.

Ntuen encouraged students to make good use of the university’s resources which include a library having over 18,000 volumes of books, an e-library, a caring student life office and well-equipped medical centre. He disclosed that Ritman students will be trained to run businesses of their own by being made to manage business centres on the campus and getting involved in student creativity competitions.

The University’s Registrar – Tonny Dogun II – while making a presentation on Rules, Regulations and Student Registration listed acts regarded as examination misconduct to include giving or receiving assistance during examination, having unauthorized pre-knowledge of questions, influencing of results by any means, and collaboration of students with invigilators. Smuggling of prepared answers into exam hall, writing of projects or other reports for students by staff and offering sex or money in exchange for grades were also listed among examination-related offences in Ritman University, for which penalties range from disqualification (from exam) to rustication and expulsion.

Heads of faculties and departments also trained the new and returning students on skills for surviving rigours of training in the university as well as how to make good use of the facilities available in Ritman University which include the student counseling office, computer lab, library, medical centre, sports unit, entrepreneurship directorate and Student Life Department.