12,624 Students to Receive Degrees as UniAbuja Holds Week-Long Convocation Ceremony

By Comrade Emmanuel Ologun, Abuja

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, has revealed that a total of 12,624 students will graduate from the institution at its 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremony.

Speaking during a pre-convocation press briefing on Monday, Prof. Fawehinmi explained that the event will last for eight days and will celebrate graduates from the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions.
He noted that activities for the convocation have already commenced with a Juma’at prayer and an inter-denominational church service, setting the tone for a successful ceremony.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the university’s progress in academics and research, noting that it has sustained a high level of programme accreditation while maintaining a stable academic calendar.
According to him, the institution received approximately ₦4 billion from TETFund for the College of Health Sciences through the Provost, Professor Titus Ibekwe, alongside other research grants from partners supporting various initiatives. He added that the university hosts notable research centres, including the Cardiovascular Research Centre and the Centre for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training, both contributing to evidence-based healthcare delivery. He also noted that undergraduate research is gaining momentum, with students undertaking projects that address real-life challenges.
Prof. Fawehinmi further disclosed that infrastructure development is ongoing, with projects such as the Senate Chamber, Administrative Building, and Computer-Based Test Centre already completed. He added that partnerships with both national and international institutions are enhancing academic exchange and research collaboration.
On staff and student welfare, he stated that the university has prioritised promotions, recruitment, and professional development initiatives. Student welfare has also improved through better accommodation, healthcare services, and enhanced campus security.
Addressing financial management, the Vice-Chancellor said the system has been strengthened through improved internally generated revenue and transparency. He also emphasised that discipline is being enforced, with sanctions applied to students who violate institutional rules.
He added that security has been intensified through collaboration with military and other security agencies to ensure 24-hour surveillance across the university. The institution, he said, also maintains cordial relationships with its host communities.
Despite existing challenges, Prof. Fawehinmi reaffirmed the university’s commitment to attaining world-class status, noting that funding and infrastructure expansion remain key needs. However, he expressed confidence that strategic planning and partnerships will drive continued progress.
The Vice-Chancellor appreciated the support of the government, partners, and the media, expressing optimism for sustained collaboration in promoting the university’s achievements.
He described the combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies as significant, noting that they mark his first since assuming office as Vice-Chancellor.
A breakdown of the graduating students shows that for the 29th convocation (2022/2023 set), 48 students made First Class, 2,048 obtained Second Class Upper, 4,418 earned Second Class Lower, and 644 graduated with Third Class, bringing the total to 7,158.
For the 30th convocation (2023/2024 set), 29 students earned First Class, 1,395 obtained Second Class Upper, 3,091 had Second Class Lower, while 951 graduated with Third Class.
Prof. Fawehinmi also disclosed that the university currently has about 40,000 students enrolled, with projections indicating that enrolment could rise to 50,000 by the year 2030.