No fewer than 17,200 students graduated at the combined convocation ceremony of the University of Abuja, now Yakubu Gowon University.

Three prominent Nigerians also received honorary doctorate degrees at the event.

The Vice-Chancellor, Hakeem Fawehinmi, said at the ceremony in Abuja on Saturday that the university was being repositioned through infrastructure expansion, staff development, and strategic partnerships.

He said the efforts were aimed at strengthening research capacity and improving learning outcomes across the institution.

Mr Fawehinmi said the 29th convocation (2022/2023 session) recorded 7,158 undergraduates, including 48 First Class, 2,048 Second Class Upper, 4,418 Second Class Lower, and 644 Third Class degrees.

He added that the 30th convocation (2023/2024 session) produced 5,466 undergraduates, comprising 29 First Class, 1,395 Second Class Upper, 3,091 Second Class Lower, and 951 Third Class degrees.

He said 4,573 postgraduate students graduated between March 2024 and March 2026, including PGDs, academic and professional master’s degrees, PhDs, and professional doctorates.

Mr Fawehinmi urged graduates to uphold integrity, discipline, and selflessness, noting that character would determine their success beyond academic certificates.

He also advised them to protect the reputation of the university wherever they go.

The vice-chancellor said the administration had prioritised stabilising academic activities, strengthening governance, and improving staff and student welfare since December.

He listed completed projects to include a Senate Chamber Complex, a research laboratory building, expanded science laboratories, an upgraded entrance road, and Phase One of a computer-based testing centre.

Mr Fawehinmi said ongoing projects include additional hostels, a Centre of Excellence in Public Leadership and Governance, and facilities for sickle cell research and training.

He added that the university was among six selected for the Federal Government’s four-billion-dollar intervention programme for health professional training.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor, Olanrewaju Tejuoso, called for stronger private sector collaboration to address infrastructure challenges, especially student accommodation.

He said student enrolment had nearly doubled without a corresponding increase in hostel facilities and urged investors to partner with the university.

Mr Tejuoso also warned against encroachment on university land, stressing that management would enforce its protection.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector through investment, improved infrastructure, and enhanced staff welfare.

Represented by the permanent secretary, Abel Enitan, he described education as critical to building prosperous and stable societies and driving innovation and sustainable development.

He said government intervention in the university’s leadership challenges was aimed at restoring peace, stability, and academic progress.

Mr Alausa added that the government would continue to invest in universities as key drivers of national development.

One of the honorary awardees, Paul Odili, pledged to support infrastructure development and address key challenges facing the institution.

Mr Odili urged graduates to remain hopeful and pursue their aspirations with determination and hard work.

The convocation highlighted ongoing reforms, infrastructure expansion, and collaboration with stakeholders.

Other honorary awardees are Yusuf Ali (SAN) and Emmanuel Iza. 

(NAN)