The Vice-Chancellor of University of Abuja, now officially known as Yakubu Gowon University, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, has announced that a total of 12,624 students will graduate during the institution’s combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies.
Speaking to journalists at the university’s main campus, the VC described the upcoming event as particularly significant, as it will be his first convocation since taking office.
The ceremonies, which commenced on April 10 and will conclude on April 18, 2026, began with religious activities and will feature a wide range of engagements, including academic showcases, environmental discussions, and lectures on emerging topics such as artificial intelligence in financial technology.
Fawehinmi also disclosed that the university will confer honorary doctorate degrees on three distinguished Nigerians in recognition of their impact across various fields.
He provided a detailed breakdown of the graduating students, noting that 7,158 students are from the 2022/2023 academic session, while 5,466 are from the 2023/2024 session.
“We are indeed very proud of our graduands, whom we have trained not only in knowledge and skills but also in character.”
He further revealed that the best graduating students from both sets will be offered automatic employment within the university as part of efforts to support their career development.
Beyond the convocation, the VC highlighted the institution’s steady growth, noting that student population is approaching 40,000, with projections to reach 50,000 by 2030.
However, he stressed that this growth comes with significant challenges, particularly the urgent need for expanded infrastructure.
“There is a sense in which we can tell Nigerians that this federal university needs massive expansion of infrastructure to become the University of our dreams,” he said.
Reflecting on past difficulties, Fawehinmi acknowledged that the university had previously experienced leadership instability but expressed confidence that the situation has now improved.
“In recent times, the university was faced with leadership and administrative turbulence, marked by tension, disunity, rancour, and mudslinging, all of which were unwholesome for our image.
“The fact that we had three Acting Vice-Chancellors within a short period explains this crisis. We are glad that now, the storm is over,” he said.
On academic and institutional development, he highlighted ongoing research advancements, improved infrastructure, and increased staff promotions, including over 100 academic staff elevated to professorial rank the highest in the university’s history.
He also pointed to improved global engagement, noting that students have been selected to represent Nigeria in international competitions.
Despite these achievements, the VC identified key challenges such as funding constraints and land encroachment, warning that they could hinder the university’s long-term expansion plans.
“Funding remains a challenge, even though we cannot rely on the government entirely as we continue to strengthen our internally generated revenue and block leakages.
“Encroachment on University land from all fronts is also a serious challenge,” he said.
Nevertheless, Fawehinmi expressed optimism about the future, stating that with proper planning, partnerships, and effective management, the university is on track to achieve its goal of becoming a world-class institution.
