By Victoria Okpanachi
A total of 1,863 students will be awarded first Degree certificates as Federal University Lokoja prepares to hold its 8th convocation ceremony on October 26, 2024 at the Convocation Arena, Felele Campus.
Vice Chancellor of the University Professor Olayemi Akinwumi disclosed this at a pre-convocation press conference held on Monday at the University’s Felele Campus.
He said the University would be graduating a total of 2,196 students that includes1,863 first degrees, 117 diplomas, 216 postgraduates including PhDs, Master’s degrees, and Postgraduate Diplomas.
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According to him, 41 students bagged 1st Class, 461 bagged Second class upper, 974 bagged Second class lower, 384 bagged Third class while 03 had pass degree in various fields offered by the university,
He also said described the occasion as a joyous moment not just for the University but for the graduands and their families. Stressing that their achievements are a source of immense pride to the University and the Nation at large.
The VC said academic programs have received the expected success as the University has received approval from the National University Commission (NUC) for the introduction of several new Academic programs, which include LL.B Law, D Pharm(Doctor of Pharmacy), B.Agric, B.MLS (Medical Laboratory Science), B.Ed. Educational Management and Planning
Prof. Akinwumi stated that NUC has approved the full time delivery of eight academic programmes, namely B.Sc Microbiology, Biochemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Public Administration, Banking and Finance, Mass Communication, Computer Science and Statistics which will be in affiliation with Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, while also collaborating with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, National Assembly, for postgraduate studies.
He stressed that the academic excellence of the university is evident as over 17,000 candidates chose the University as first choice for the 2024/2025 academic session, while more than 11,000 scored 160 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.” We plan to admit 9,000, “ he added”.
Prof. Akinwumi emphasised that from the recent accreditation exercise, the school received an overwhelming positive outcome as out of the 42 programs submitted 34 received full accreditation. He stated that the remaining 8 were granted interim accreditation.
According to him, this achievement highlights the University’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards and delivering quality education to the students of the institution.
He stressed that the university is expecting the second accreditation visit by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) by November and also NUC adding that accreditation is crucial to the continued growth of academic programs in the University particularly in the fields of Medicine and Law.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted other achievements of the University as partnership with Rural Electrification Agency, under the Energising Education Programme (EEP). He added that this Initiative will ensure reliable power generation from renewable energy solutions that will enhance the University’s capacity for research and specialised training in renewable energy and also the establishment of FUL Zoo and Conservatory
He added that the university has held two inaugural lectures before his assumption as the Vice Chancellor, however there is a total number of twenty two inaugural lectures as of today. Similarly the establishment of Centre for Distance and E-learning by the management as well as the Institute of Gender Studies to prevent sexual misconduct and promote equality.
The VC highlighted some of the Infrastructural development despite the economic challenges as the ongoing construction at the University, ranging from the 4 story Senate building, Faculty of Engineering, Auditorium, Assembly hall and a host of others
While expressing gratitude for the contributions from philanthropic individuals, he acknowledged several ongoing projects. These include the construction of the Central Laboratory Building by BUA Cement, the construction of lecture theatre through the contributions of Dr. (Mrs.) Gladys Makoju and her family.
He also recognized the donation of multi-million naira worth of medical equipment, books, and computer systems from Dr. Uche Nwankwo in partnership with International Hope, Canada. Additionally, the construction of a lawn tennis court by Honourable Asiwaju Idris, Commissioner of Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, was acknowledged, alongside the contribution of a Faculty of Pharmacy complex by Alhaji Ahmadu Saleh, the Madaki of Lokoja.
The Vice Chancellor appealed to the stakeholders as well as political leaders to support the University in its Endowment Fund which was launched at the last convocation.
Meanwhile, according to a programme of events announced during the preconvocation press conference,the ceremony is expected to end on Sunday with an Interdenominational thanksgiving service at the College of Health Sciences Adankolo.
