The orientation programme for first-year undergraduate students of the 2025–26 academic session was held at Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University (JKKNIU) on Wednesday.The programme, held for the first time at the newly built TSC auditorium, was presided over by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Musharof Hossain. UGC Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed attended as the chief guest and delivered the orientation address.Addressing the students, the UGC chairman congratulated all those who contributed to the establishment of the university, including former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He said the university offers a suitable environment for teaching, learning and research, alongside a green campus.He urged the freshers to excel not only in academics but also in extracurricular activities, saying all students are equal regardless of their backgrounds. He also said the University Grants Commission would prioritise resolving teacher shortages and other challenges at JKKNIU and that all public universities would be brought under a digital transformation initiative within the next two years.In his speech, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Musharof Hossain paid tribute to former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia for laying the foundation stone and inaugurating the university. He stressed that innovation and research are the benchmarks of a university's progress and said JKKNIU is moving towards becoming a smart university despite existing challenges.Member of Parliament for Mymensingh-7 (Trishal) and JKKNIU Syndicate member Dr Mahabubur Rahman attended as a special guest. He recalled the establishment of the university and called for annual convocations as well as accountability for contractors who fail to complete projects on time.The programme was also addressed by Dean of the Faculty of Arts Professor Dr Mohammad Imdadul Huda. Freshers were welcomed with tuberose flowers and received folders, notebooks, pens and academic calendars.