By Usman Shuaibu
Recently, the academics and the non-teaching staff of the University of Abuja Community, now Yakubu Gowon University, came together to celebrate the 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies in a grand style at the Main campus of the University.
The colourful ceremonies were attended by important dignitaries within and outside the Federal Capital Territory. Indeed, the eight days convocation event started with a Juma’at prayer, inter-denominational church service, press briefing, convocation lecture among others.
The Vice-chancellor of the University, Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, who presented his address at the occasion, disclosed that 12, 624 students graduated during the 29th and 30th combined convocations, cut across the First Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, Master’s Degrees and postgraduate studies (Ph.D).
He said 7, 158 students graduated from the 2022/2023 set, which included 48 First Class, 2, 048 Second Class Upper, 4, 418 Second Class Lower and 644 Third Class Graduates.
For the 2023/2024 set, he revealed that 5, 466 students’ graduates comprised of 29 First Class, 1, 395 Second Class Upper, 3, 091 Second Class Lower and 951 Third Class. He said the management of the University had concluded arrangements to offer automatic jobs for the overall best students.
The Vice-Chancellor commended Presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership role in stabilizing the University despite crisis, as he expressed gratitude to the government of the day, partners and the press for their support, saying that he was looking forward to continuing collaborations in protecting the University’s positive strides to the public.
His words: “The 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies are particularly significance to the University as they celebrate the achievements of our 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 graduating sets, and to me personally as my first since assuming office as Vice-Chancellor.
He pointed out that the University had made important progress in academic and research activities, sustaining a high level of programme accreditation and maintaining a stable academic calendar.
Continuing, he said the University had received approximately N4 billion from TETFund for the College of Health Science through the provost of the College, Prof. Titus Ibekwe and his team with other research grants from partners who supported various initiatives.
He said: “Despite challenges the University remains committed to becoming a world class institution but funding and infrastructure expansion are pressing needs, although strategic planning and partnerships will drive progress”.
While fielding questions from newsmen, the University of Abuja boss said, he has a good relationship with ASUU.
The Pro-chancellor of the university, Senator Dr. Olanrewaju Tejuoso, who spoke also at the graduation ceremonies, said “the governing council remains committed to providing strategic direction and ensuring the university operates within the highest standards of accountability, stability and academic excellence”.
According to him, I am pleased to note the sustained stability of our academic calendar, a reflection of growing institutional discipline and maturity.
Tejuoso said: “In line with the mandate, council has prioritized staff welfare and development. The approval of promotions across various cadres demonstrates our commitment to merit, fairness and institutional growth”.
He, however, called on the investors as well as corporate leaders to partner with the University in addressing one of most pressing needs, especially the development of modern student hostels, and advised the graduating students to be good ambassadors of the University anywhere they go.
“Let me therefore state clearly, University of Abuja will take full charge of its land, ensure its proper development and protection.
“All forms of encroachment, illegal occupation and unauthorized use of the University land will no longer be tolerated” the Pro-chancellor said.
To this end, he said: “Those currently occupying University land unlawfully are hereby advised to desist and regularize their positions where applicable or vacate accordingly. This will be pursued firmly, lawfully and in the best interest of the institution. This is not a matter of conflict. It is a matter of responsibility”
On his part, the Chancellor of the University, his Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, who is also the Emir of Bauchi, accompanied by the members of the Emirate Council, congratulated the University community and the graduating students for the successful convocations.
The visitor to the University, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented at the occasion on his remarks, said his leadership would remain committed to the development of education in the country.
However, speaker after speaker in their good will messages congratulated the vice-chancellor of the University on his achievements recorded so far.
Meanwhile, the 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremonies featured the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees on the following personalities which included: Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN); Honorary Doctor of Laws, Mr. Paul Odili; Honorary Doctor of Business and Mr. Emmanuel Ayuba Iza received Honorary Doctor of Science.
