UniAbuja graduates 17,200, honours Odili, others at combined convocation

ABUJA, Nigeria — 18 April 2026 (Agency Report) — The University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University, has graduated no fewer than 17,200 students at its combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies held in the nation’s capital.

The event also featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on three distinguished Nigerians, including Paul Odili, Prof. Yusuf Ali (SAN), and Emmanuel Iza.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, said the institution is undergoing strategic repositioning through infrastructure expansion, staff development, and partnerships aimed at strengthening research capacity and improving learning outcomes.

Providing a breakdown, Fawehinmi said 7,158 undergraduates graduated in the 2022/2023 session, including 48 First Class degrees, 2,048 Second Class Upper, 4,418 Second Class Lower, and 644 Third Class. For the 2023/2024 session, 5,466 undergraduates were produced, comprising 29 First Class, 1,395 Second Class Upper, 3,091 Second Class Lower, and 951 Third Class degrees.

He added that 4,573 postgraduate students graduated between March 2024 and March 2026, covering postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, PhDs, and professional doctorates.

The vice-chancellor urged graduates to uphold integrity, discipline, and selflessness, stressing that character would define their success beyond academic achievements. He also charged them to protect the reputation of the university.

Fawehinmi noted that since December, the administration has prioritised stabilising academic activities, strengthening governance, and improving staff and student welfare. He listed completed projects to include a Senate chamber complex, research laboratories, upgraded science facilities, an improved entrance road, and Phase One of a computer-based testing centre.

Ongoing projects, he said, include additional student hostels, a Centre of Excellence in Public Leadership and Governance, and facilities for sickle cell research and training. He added that the university is among six selected for the Federal Government’s $4 billion intervention programme for health professional training.

Earlier, Pro-Chancellor, Sen. Olanrewaju Tejuoso, called for increased private sector collaboration to address infrastructure deficits, particularly student accommodation, noting that enrolment has nearly doubled without corresponding hostel expansion.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, represented by Permanent Secretary Abel Enitan, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector through investment, infrastructure, and improved welfare.

Speaking on behalf of the honorary awardees, Odili pledged support for the institution’s development and expressed optimism that key challenges would be addressed through collaboration with the university’s leadership.