35 Students get First Class As varsity Graduates 5,051

Thirty-five students of the Federal University Lokoja, in Kogi State, have graduated with first class honours.

The vice-chancellor of the university, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, disclosed this yesterday during a press conference marking the commencement of activities for the 9th Convocation Ceremony of the university.

Giving a breakdown of students’ performance, Professor Akinwumi explained that 760 students graduated with Second Class (Upper Division), 2,287 with Second Class (Lower Division), 383 with Third Class, and one student with a Pass, bringing the total number of graduates to 3,466.

He added that 838 students graduated from the postgraduate programmes, while 747 completed the diploma programmes.

According to him, Sherif Ohieku from the Department of Geology emerged as the overall best graduating student, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.77.

Professor Akinwumi noted that the university has made remarkable strides in academics, research, innovation, and infrastructure since the last convocation, in line with its vision of becoming a world-class institution.

“Since our last convocation, the University has continued to make tremendous progress in academics, infrastructure, research, innovation, and partnerships, consistent with our vision of transforming the Federal University Lokoja into a world-class institution,” he said.

He expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to the advancement of tertiary education in Nigeria,” and also appreciated the minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, for his continuous support.

The vice-chancellor further acknowledged the Kogi State governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his friendship and cooperation, as well as the executive secretaries of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu and Arc. Sonny S.T. Echono, respectively, for their “unwavering support and interventions” that have enhanced the university’s growth.

He also commended the institution’s chancellor, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idriss, emir of Fika; the pro-chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdallah; and members of the Council for their exemplary leadership and support.

Professor Akinwumi disclosed that under his leadership, the university had expanded significantly with the establishment of new faculties and programmes, including Agriculture, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Allied Medical Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Law, Medicine and Surgery, Medical Laboratory Science, and Educational Management.

“This expansion has repositioned FUL as a comprehensive university addressing critical national manpower needs while aligning with global educational trends,” he said.

He revealed that most of the newly introduced programmes have been resource-verified and accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other professional bodies, adding that the MBBS programme is at the final stage of accreditation by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

The vice-chancellor also highlighted several affiliations and partnerships with reputable institutions, including Auchi Polytechnic (Edo State), Kogi State Polytechnic (Lokoja), and the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), National Assembly, Abuja.

To promote research, innovation, and community service, the university, he said, had established specialized centres such as the International Centre for Climate Change, Food and Environmental Sustainability; Centre for Safety and Risk Management; Institute of Governance and Development Studies; Institute of Gender Studies; Centre for Affiliation, Distance and E-Learning; and the International Centre of Excellence in Environmental Humanities.

He stated that when he assumed office, only two inaugural lectures had been delivered in the university, but under his tenure, that number has risen to 32, a testament to the renewed intellectual vibrancy on campus.

Professor Akinwumi further emphasised that staff welfare remained a top priority of his administration, noting that regular promotions, improved facilities, and infrastructural transformation have been achieved during his tenure.

“As this 9th Convocation marks the final one under my administration, I stand fulfilled that we have collectively moved the Federal University Lokoja forward. Our progress is evident in the expansion of programmes, infrastructural growth, and the strengthening of our academic and ethical culture,” he concluded.