UniAbuja to Graduate 12,624 Students at Combined Convocation

The University of Abuja, recently renamed Yakubu Gowon University, is set to celebrate a significant milestone with its 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremonies. Vice-Chancellor Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi announced that a total of 12,624 students will be conferred with degrees during the week-long event, which commenced on April 10 and will conclude on April 18, 2026. This marks Professor Fawehinmi's first convocation since assuming office, adding a personal significance to the occasion.

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The main convocation ceremonies will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, for first degrees, and on Saturday, April 18, 2026, for Higher degrees and the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees, all at the Convocation Square.

The convocation week is designed to be a comprehensive celebration of academic achievement and community engagement. It began with religious observances, including Juma’at prayers and an inter-denominational church service. The schedule also includes a faculty innovation showcase, a lecture on drug awareness, a discussion on climate change, and a key convocation lecture focusing on the impact of artificial intelligence in fintech. This diverse program highlights the university's commitment to addressing contemporary issues and fostering innovation among its students.

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It is noteworthy that this year, the University will confer Honorary Doctorate Degrees (Honoris Causa) on distinguished Nigerians, including Professor Yusuff Olaolu Ali, SAN, Mr Paul Odili, and Mr Emmanuel Ayuba Iza, in recognition of their contributions to their various fields of endeavours and humanity.

In recognition of outstanding contributions to society, the university will confer honorary doctorate degrees upon three distinguished Nigerians: Professor Yusuff Olaolu Ali, SAN, Mr. Paul Odili, and Mr. Emmanuel Ayuba Iza. This honor celebrates their significant impact across various fields and their dedication to humanity. The main convocation ceremonies for first degrees are scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2026, followed by the conferment of higher degrees and honorary doctorates on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

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We are indeed very proud of our graduands, whom we have trained not only in knowledge and skills but also in character.

Professor Fawehinmi expressed immense pride in the graduating students, emphasizing that they have been equipped not only with knowledge and skills but also with strong character. A special incentive for academic excellence has been introduced: the overall best graduating students from both the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions will be offered automatic employment within the university, a move aimed at retaining talent and encouraging continued academic pursuit. The university also shared its growth projections, anticipating an increase in student population from nearly 40,000 to 50,000 by 2030, underscoring the need for infrastructural expansion.

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As part of our commitment to the development and advancement of our graduates, the overall best graduating students of both will be given automatic employment in the university to further their careers.