By Felix Khanoba
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), now renamed Yakubu Gowon University, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, has urged graduating students to serve as worthy ambassadors of the institution wherever they find themselves.
Fawehinmi made the call on Friday in Abuja during the university’s combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremony, where he also emphasised the importance of character in shaping future success.
He advised the graduands to protect the institution’s reputation as they transition into the next phase of their lives.
“As you graduate and move into the next phase of your lives, know that the world will not ask only what you have studied but what you can contribute to its development.
“Your certificate may open doors but it is your character, discipline, integrity and steadfastness that will determine how far you go and how well you endure,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also announced automatic employment for the overall best graduating students to enable them further their academic careers within the university, describing the gesture as part of efforts to promote academic excellence.
He congratulated the graduating students, commending their resilience and commitment throughout their academic journey.
“Over the past several years, you have embarked upon thorough academic work, navigate periods of uncertainty and balance multiple responsibilities.
“You have done all these with discipline and respect for the rules and regulations that govern the university without yielding to undue pressure.
“We, therefore celebrate, not only your academic success, but also the character and resilence that have brought you this far. Of course, without character education is incomplete,” he said.
Fawehinmi noted that since assuming office in 2025, his administration had taken deliberate steps to stabilise the institution, strengthen its academic profile, promote fairness and improve the welfare of staff and students.
He called for sustained support from stakeholders, alumni and partners to advance the university’s mandate in teaching, research and community service.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Sen. Olanrewaju Tejuoso, also urged the graduates to uphold the values of integrity, excellence and service.
He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to ensuring accountability, stability and academic excellence within the institution, while highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance staff welfare and institutional growth.
Tejuoso, however, raised concerns over inadequate infrastructure, noting that rising student enrolment had not been matched by corresponding expansion in facilities.
“No significant new hostel development has taken place in recent years, yet student population has doubled,” he said.
In his address, the Chancellor and Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Dr Rilwanu Adamu, described the convocation as a celebration of both academic achievement and the enduring value of knowledge.
Adamu said, “Convocation ceremonies are great university events, and every convocation comes with its own inequities. What we are celebrating today, therefore, is not only the success of our students, but the powerful promise of knowledge itself.”
He highlighted the university’s strategic location in the Federal Capital Territory as an opportunity for partnerships with government agencies, international organisations and the private sector.
“The University of Abuja occupies a unique and strategic position within our nation’s capital. Its location presents opportunities for collaboration with government institutions, international organisations, and the private sector,” the chancellor said.
He also acknowledged challenges posed by demand for more admission.
Adamu said, “At the same time, the increasing demand for admission, the pressure on accommodation facilities, and the need to develop more resourceful infrastructure convince us that much remains to be done.
“In our case, what we ask for is not charity, but a strengthening partnership in the noble acts of building a stronger institution.”
He further charged the graduates to apply their knowledge for national development.
He said, “As we step beyond the grasp of this university, remember that mere accumulation of knowledge is not enough. What you have received here must guide not only your intellect, but also your character and sense of responsibility to society.”
In a goodwill message, former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for naming the institution after him.
Gowon said, “With profound gratitude to Mr President, I publicly appreciate him for naming the university in the FCT in my name in appreciation of my privileged service to our nation for nine years as the Head of State.”
He also urged the university’s leadership to demonstrate strong academic and administrative standards.
“May I use this opportunity to urge the leadership of this university to turn around the fortunes of this university through demonstration of exemplary leadership in academic and administrative standards.
“I am confident that the VC has all it takes to move this university to a new higher level of competitiveness.”
One of the best graduating students, Ms Phebe James, attributed her academic success to discipline and focus, revealing that she graduated with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.85.
James said that her Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.85 was based on hard work, adding that she never socialised all through her stay in school.
A total of 12,624 students graduated across the two academic sessions. For the 2022/2023 session, 7,158 students graduated, including 48 First Class, 2,048 Second Class Upper, 4,418 Second Class Lower and 644 Third Class degrees.
For the 2023/2024 session, 5,466 students graduated, comprising 29 First Class, 1,395 Second Class Upper, 3,091 Second Class Lower and 951 Third Class degrees.
