Abuja: The University of Abuja, recently renamed Yakubu Gowon University, has awarded automatic employment to its overall best graduating students as part of its commitment to fostering academic excellence.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Vice-Chancellor of UniAbuja, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, announced the initiative during the institution’s combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremony. The employment offer aims to encourage the best graduates to further their academic careers within the university. The convocation celebrated 12,624 graduands from the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions.
Prof. Fawehinmi detailed the academic achievements of the graduates, noting that the 29th convocation included 48 First Class, 2,048 Second Class Upper, 4,418 Second Class Lower, and 644 Third Class graduates, totaling 7,158 students. The 30th convocation featured 29 First Class, 1,395 Second Class Upper, 3,091 Second Class Lower, and 951 Third Class graduates, totaling 5,466 students.
During the event, Prof. Fawehinmi congratulated the graduates, acknowledging their academic efforts and resilience over the years. He emphasized the importance of character alongside educational achievements, advising graduates to maintain the university’s reputation in their future endeavors.
Prof. Fawehinmi also highlighted efforts to stabilize and enhance the university since he assumed office in 2025, calling for continued support from partners and alumni. Earlier, Sen. Olanrewaju Tejuoso, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, urged graduates to uphold the university’s values of integrity, excellence, and service.
The Chancellor, Alhaji Rilwanu Adamu, emphasized the importance of applying knowledge responsibly and contributing positively to society. He urged graduates to strive for excellence across various sectors, highlighting the need for energy, creativity, and integrity in Nigeria.
The event also saw Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Former Head of State, encouraging university leadership to demonstrate exemplary governance and advance the institution’s growth. One of the top graduates, Ms. Phebe James, attributed her success to hard work, achieving a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.85 without engaging in social activities during her studies.