THE UNIVERSITY of Abuja (UNIABUJA) (now Yakubu Gowon University), has awarded automatic employment to its overall best graduating students to further their academic career in the university.
The Vice-Chancellor, UNIABUJA, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, made this known during the combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremony of the university on Friday in Abuja
Fawehinmi said that the employment was part of the university’s commitment to the development and advancement of academic excellence.
There were 12,624 graduands drawn from the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions.
The Vice-Chancellor gave the breakdown to include 48 First Class, 2,048 Second Class Upper, 4,418 Second Class Lower and 644 Third class, totalling 7,158 students for the 29th convocation which involves the 2022/2023 set.
He said that the 30th convocation which involves the 2023/2024 set, had 29 First class, 1,395 Second Class Upper, 3,091 Second Class Lower and 951 Third Class, totalling 5,466 students.
He congratulated the graduands, and celebrated their efforts and academic success during their stay in the university.
“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 resilience that have brought you this far. Of course, without character education is incomplete,” he said.
He advised the graduands to always guard the reputation of the university jealously wherever they found themselves in future.
“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.
Fawehinmi said that his administration, since assuming office in 2025, had taken deliberate steps to stabilise the institution, strengthen its academic profile, promote fairness and enhance the welfare of staff and students.
He appealed for continued support and collaboration from all partners, alumni and well-wishers to enable the university achieve its mission of delivering excellence in teaching, research and community service.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, UNIABUJA, Sen. Olanrewaju Tejuoso, urged the graduands to remain worthy ambassadors of the institution.
Tejuoso advised them to uphold the values of integrity, excellence and service for which the institution is renowned.
He said that the governing council remained committed to providing strategic direction and ensuring that the university operates within the highest standards of accountability, stability and academic excellence.
According to him, the council has prioritised staff welfare and development, adding that the approval of promotions across various cadres demonstrates commitment to merit, fairness and Institutional growth.
He said that the council was working closely with management to strengthen governance structures, reposition the university and advance its vision as a leading centre of learning.
He said that the rapid expansion in student enrolment, which was partly driven by new academic programmes, had not been matched by a corresponding expansion in infrastructure.
“No significant new hostel development has taken place in recent years, yet student population has doubled,” he said.
He appreciated the Federal Government for its continued support, which has made many ongoing developments in the institution possible.
On his part, the Chancellor, Alhaji Rilwanu Adamu, congratulated the graduands on their achievements, urging them to apply their knowledge responsibly and contribute meaningfully to the society.
“As you step beyond the gates of this University, remember that mere accumulation of knowledge is not enough. As the great philosopher Aristotle once observed, educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.
“What you have received here must guide not only your intellect but also your character and sense of responsibility to society.
“Our beloved country, Nigeria, needs your energy, creativity, and integrity more than ever before.
‘Wherever you find yourselves, be it in public service, private enterprise, technology, agriculture, education, or the creative industries, please strive for excellence and remain conscious of your responsibility to contribute positively to society.”
The Chancellor also commended parents and guardians for their sacrifices and support, describing their success as a collective achievement.
He called for sustained government support and stronger partnerships to enhance infrastructure, research capacity, and student welfare in Nigerian universities.
He said that the university occupied a unique and strategic position within the nation’s capital, adding that its location presents big opportunities for collaboration with government institutions, international organisations, and the private sector.
“Like many great institutions, this university has passed through moments of challenge; pressures on infrastructure, growing student numbers, and the complexities that naturally accompany institutional growth.
“Through all these, the university has remained resilient, steadily advancing its contribution to national development,” he said
He said that the university would continue to strengthen teaching, research, and collaboration to remain competitive in the global knowledge economy.
The Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, called on the leadership of the university to turnaround the fortunes of the institution through the demonstration of exemplary leadership.
One of the best graduating students, Ms Phebe James, said that her success was born out of the goal she set before coming into the school.
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. (NAN)
