Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo, on Saturday, graduated 1,050 students, including 67, who earned first-class honours.

Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice-Chancellor of the university, announced this at the 23rd Convocation ceremony of the university.

According to him, the surge in first-class graduates reflects the institution’s rising academic standards, the resilience of its students, and the dedication of its faculties.

He noted that 408 students earned Second-Class Upper Division, and 162 made Second-Class Lower Division.

He added that 225 others were awarded various distinguished categories, including Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degrees.

Three of these, he said, earned distinctions each in Community Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Bachelor of Pharmacy.

Mr Ezemonye explained that in all, 862 candidates received first degrees, representing a significant improvement over previous years.

He added that the university  conferred 188 higher degrees, comprising 59 Doctor of Philosophy (PhDs), 103 Master’s degrees, and 26 Postgraduate Diplomas.

“This demonstrates our commitment to advancing knowledge and producing specialists who can drive development at the highest levels,” he said.

In his address, Ahmed Tijani-Mora, Pro-Chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council of the university, charged the graduates to uphold the values of the institution and project excellence wherever they go.

“Without being immodest, we are proud of our accomplishments over the past 26 years as a productive training ground for Nigeria’s much-needed manpower to drive national governance and the economy,” he said. 

(NAN)