Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University (DHLTU) has officially marked a historic 2025/2026 matriculation ceremony, recording a 17% increase in admissions while announcing a groundbreaking financial initiative for differently-abled students.

Addressing the newly admitted students, the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Hamidatu Saaka Darimani revealed that for the first time in the institution's history, the university has admitted 17 differently-abled students into various academic programs.

In a major step toward inclusive higher education, the educational expenses for all 17 students will be fully absorbed under the free tertiary and persons with disabilities policy.

The university experienced a massive influx of interest this academic year, receiving a total of 2,575 applications. Out of that applicant pool, 1,967 candidates were offered admission.

Breaking down the admissions data, the university admitted:

* 768 students into Higher National Diploma (HND) programs.

* 665 students into BTech/MSc programs.

* 487 students into BTech/BSc programs.

* 35 students into postgraduate programs.

Addressing the economic hurdles of tertiary education, the Vice-Chancellor noted that 906 of the newly admitted Level 100 students have already successfully enrolled under the government's "no fees stress policy," with others still undergoing documentation scrutiny.

To accommodate this 17% surge in the student population and ease the burden of off-campus housing, the university has commenced the construction of a 400-bed hostel facility aimed at providing a safe, conducive on-campus residential environment.

Other major campus upgrades are currently underway to support the growing student body. The vice chancellor highlighted the ongoing construction of the main entrance and access roads, the installation of solar street lights to boost campus security, and the outfitting of state-of-the-art laboratories to strengthen practical, industry-relevant training.

In a major demonstration of this commitment to practical skills, the matriculation ceremony was followed by the official commissioning of a state-of-the-art cosmetology laboratory.

The facility stands as the first of its kind in the entire region, specifically established to create direct employment pathways and equip students with high-level cosmetic science and practical skills.

The cosmetology department, currently operating with three staff members, is designed to offer specialised BTech and certificate courses. University management indicated that intensive recruitment efforts are underway to secure additional cosmetology faculty, allowing for the full enrollment of students into the program by the start of the next academic year.

Beyond student training, the laboratory has been outfitted to offer premium, first-class cosmetology services to the general public, serving as both an educational hub and a revenue-generating enterprise for the university.

Closing the ceremony, university management issued a stern warning regarding campus discipline and the student code of conduct.

Stressing that "ignorance of these regulations would not be accepted as an excuse”, Prof. Hamidatu urged matriculants to familiarise themselves with the rules and prioritise moral character alongside their studies.

"Remember that character and competence must go hand in hand," the Vice-Chancellor stated, reminding the students that "academic excellence without integrity is incomplete".