Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has announced plans to graduate 8,157 students during its 2023/2024 academic session convocation, which is set to commence on Wednesday, March 25. The ceremony will begin with a convocation lecture to be delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the university’s conference hall, the acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, confirmed that students across various faculties will be conferred with degrees. As part of the event, the university will also bestow honorary degrees on three distinguished individuals in recognition of their contributions to society and the institution. The honorees include the Minister of Health, Dr. Ali Pate; President Bola Tinubu’s son, Oluwaseyi Tinubu; and renowned industrialist, Chief Chika Emenike.
“We want to give God the glory for an opportunity like this. About 8,157 students will be graduating from the 2023/2024 academic session, and they will receive various degrees,” Ikechebelu stated.
Reflecting on the institution’s journey, he emphasized UNIZIK’s evolution from a state-owned institution to a federal university, leading to its 19th convocation ceremony. He acknowledged the challenges the institution faced in the past year and credited President Bola Tinubu’s administration for fostering stability.
“UNIZIK is noted for excellence, and we have been pursuing it in three spheres: academic excellence, infrastructural excellence, and administrative excellence. My job as vice-chancellor is to create an environment that enables staff and students to excel,” he said.
Ikechebelu assured students, faculty, and guests of adequate security throughout the convocation period, noting that internal security measures had been strengthened to combat vandalism and unauthorized activities on campus. He highlighted the university’s digital transformation efforts, which have streamlined operations and enhanced productivity.
“Our staff and students are happy because we have been meeting their needs. This is a public university owned by the Federal Government, and we are running it with the mindset of productivity. What has changed since I took over is the mindset—everybody is now focused on productivity,” he added.
Addressing the institution’s financial and infrastructural challenges, Ikechebelu revealed that UNIZIK receives monthly electricity bills ranging from N80 million to N100 million due to its classification under Band A. However, through strategic partnerships, the university has managed to maintain a steady power supply and curb unnecessary expenditures.
“The school now has a steady electricity supply. It was difficult for the university to shoulder this responsibility alone, so we partnered with those who offered services at the institution, and that has been a success for us,” he explained.
Speaking on the honorary degree recipients, Ikechebelu affirmed that the selection was based on merit. “The institution will confer honorary degrees on the Minister of Health, Dr. Ali Pate; Oluwaseyi Tinubu; and an industrialist, Chief Chika Emenike. These men have been selected because of their track record and the impact they have made in our university and society at large.”
He also disclosed that several infrastructural projects are currently underway across the campus, reaffirming the university’s commitment to continuous development. “We actually have various projects that are ongoing on campus. All these projects are still under construction, and they are progressing well.”
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