By Sam Kayode
A total of 33,429 students from the 2018/2019, 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 academic sessions would graduate during the 24th convocation ceremony of the University of Maiduguri on Saturday.
This was made known by the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Aliyu Shugaba, while briefing newsmen in Maiduguri in the main campus.
Sugaba noted that: “Out of this figure, 20,048 are graduating from the regular undergraduate programmes, 6,940 from Affiliated Colleges, and 3,032 from Center for Distance Learning (CDL).
“A total of 147 students got First Class, out of which 86 came from the regular undergraduate programmes and 61 from Affiliated Colleges.
“The summary of statistics for recipients of Certificates and Diplomas shows that a total of 1,711 students are graduating. A total of 15 students are graduating with distinction.”
The VC described the 24th Convocation ceremony as “a significant milestone in the journey of our students, who have dedicated their years to acquiring knowledge and developing skills that will shape their futures.
“This grand occasion allows us to celebrate their remarkable achievements and honour their dedication to their chosen fields of study.
Speaking on the activities lined up for the occasion, Shugaba stated that the activities started on Friday the 10th of November with a Juma’at special prayer session at the University Central Mosque, followed by an InterDenominational Church service at the Chapel of Grace for the convocation on Sunday the 12th of November 2023.
The VC revealed that he and some other Principal Officers had on Monday the 12th inspected the venues and various project sites to be commissioned during the weekend.
“The convocation lecture will be delivered by Professor Attahiru Jega on the “Prospects and Challenges of Tertiary Education in Contemporary Nigeria” on Thursday 16th November 2023 at 4:00pm at the Muhammadu Indimi International Conference Centre.
” There will also be an Alumni Dinner/Award Night at 7.00pm at the El-Kanemi Hall On Friday the 17th of November 2023, the Chancellor will be invested at a convocation ceremony at the Convocation Square University of Maiduguri.
” Degrees, Diplomas Certificates and Prizes will be awarded to the graduands. On Saturday the 18th by 10.00am, the Abdul Samad Rabiu International Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will be commissioned, followed by a convocation ceremony for the award of Higher Degrees.
The Endowment Fund will be re-launched and Honorary Doctorate degrees will be conferred on four distinguished Personalities: The Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, His Royal Highness the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Ibn Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman BUA Group and Dahiru Bobbo the former Registrar of the University of Maiduguri for their remarkable contributions to the University and society.
Three Professors Emeriti, Abubakar Mustapha, Muhammad Balla and Bamidele Badejo, will also be appointed at the Muhammadu Indimi learning Centre.
“As we commemorate the 24th Combined Convocation ceremony, it is important to acknowledge the profound impact the University of Maiduguri has had on the educational landscape of our nation.
” We take immense pride in noting that our graduates have excelled not only in Nigeria but also globally, making significant contributions in diverse fields such as medicine, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all staff, and all those who have tirelessly worked behind the scenes to ensure the success of this convocation ceremony. Their dedication and commitment are invaluable to the growth and development of our esteemed institution.
“As we celebrate this convocation ceremony, we remain committed to further enhancing the quality of education and research offered by the University of Maiduguri. We are actively exploring partnerships and collaborations, both locally and internationally, to foster academic excellence, promote innovation, and address societal challenges,” said Shugaba.
