Abuja: The University of Abuja, recently renamed Yakubu Gowon University, announced that 77 students will graduate with First Class degrees during its 29th and 30th Convocation ceremonies scheduled for April 17th and 18th, 2026. This was disclosed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, at a pre-convocation press briefing in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Prof. Fawehinmi stated that the joint convocation will see a total of 12,624 undergraduate students graduating from the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions. The 29th convocation will include 7,158 students, with 48 earning First Class honors. Meanwhile, the 30th convocation will feature 5,466 students with 29 First Class graduates.
Prof. Fawehinmi emphasized the university’s dedication to nurturing well-rounded graduates, announcing that the top graduating students from both sessions will receive automatic employment at the institution. The convocation will also host the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees to distinguished Nigerians, including Prof. Yusuff Ali, Mr. Paul Odili, and Emmanuel Iza, for their contributions to various fields.
The university, established in 1988, currently enrolls nearly 40,000 students, with plans to increase to 50,000 by 2030. Infrastructure expansion is vital to support this growth. The institution has made significant strides in academic and research areas, securing substantial grants including a four billion Naira intervention from TETFund for the College of Health Science.
Additionally, the university hosts the Centre for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training, led by Prof. Obiageli Nnodu, which focuses on research and intervention for SCD in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. Efforts to enhance student accommodation include a 1,500-bed space project in partnership with Royal Dynasty Homes Ltd.
The university has also partnered with PLAN International Nigeria to promote education and gender inclusion, and students have been invited by the British Council to participate in a workshop on AI in weather prediction and climate change, with grant opportunities available.
Prof. Fawehinmi highlighted ongoing improvements in staff and student welfare, including promotions and recruitment initiatives. The university’s engagement with NSITF ensures support for workers, while student welfare has been enhanced through better accommodation and healthcare services.
The university maintains strict discipline, expelling 28 students for misconduct earlier this year. Despite full accreditation for all programs, challenges such as infrastructure needs and funding persist. The administration is committed to addressing these issues and protecting university land from encroachment to support future expansion and innovation.