By Victoria Okpanachi
Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has graduated a total of 26,160 first degree students across five academic sessions at its 7th Combined Convocation Ceremonies.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marietu Tenuche, disclosed this during a press briefing held at the institution.
The VC revealed that out of the 26,160 graduands, 178 students graduated with First Class honours, 5,653 obtained Second Class Upper, 15,266 earned Second Class Lower, 4,891 finished with Third Class degrees, while 72 students received Pass degrees.
She explained that the total figure was derived from the cumulative number of graduands across five academic sessions, comprising 4,884 for the 2020/2021 session, 4,151 for 2021/2022, 4,253 for 2022/2023, 7,548 for 2023/2024, and 5,324 for 2024/2025, reflecting a steady rise in enrolment and graduation output.
Professor Tenuche noted that as the first female Vice-Chancellor in the 25-year history of the university, she assumed office in 2020 at a defining moment when the institution was grappling with serious security challenges, cult-related violence, loss of lives, and infrastructural deficits.
She said with the support of the then Visitor, former Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, and as a pioneer staff member and three-time Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the administration identified challenges and was able to proffer solutions, anchoring its policies on campus security, institutional discipline, and the welfare of staff and students.
According to her, the restoration of security on campus paved the way for decisive action against academic and social misconduct, including examination malpractice, academic fraud, and other unethical practices, while students were redirected towards productive engagements under a stable academic environment.
Prof. Tenuche also announced the overall best graduating students for each session, noting exceptional academic performances with CGPAs ranging between 4.72 and 4.88.
She added that sustained government support under the current Visitor, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has improved infrastructure, academic excellence, ensured uninterrupted academic calendars, and enhanced research and international collaborations.

