The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, said on Monday that the management of the university has offered automatic employment to the overall best graduating students of the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions.

The Vice-Chancellor told journalists at a press conference to herald activities for the 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremony in Abuja that the decision was to encourage academic excellence and provide opportunities for the benefiting students to further their careers.

He further disclosed that a total of 12,624 students will participate in the combined convocation ceremony scheduled to hold this weekend at the university campus in Abuja.

He said: “For the 29th convocation (2022/2023 set), a total of 7,158 students will be graduated, and the breakdown is as follows: first class: 48; second class upper: 2,048; second class lower: 4,418; and third class: 644.

“For the 30th convocation (2023/2024 set), 5,466 students will be graduated, and the breakdown includes: first class: 29; second class upper: 1,395; second class lower: 3,091; and third class: 951.”

The Vice-Chancellor confirmed that, aside from being found worthy in character and learning, the graduating students successfully completed all their academic and non-academic work, hence their qualification to participate in the convocation ceremony.

Similarly, he noted that the university will confer honorary doctorate degrees (honoris causa) on Prof. Yusuff Olaolu Ali (SAN), Mr Paul Odili, and Mr Emmanuel Ayuba Iza, in recognition of their contributions to their various fields of endeavour and humanity.

The Vice-Chancellor appreciated the Federal Government for the peace and stability that had returned to the university after a period of leadership challenges.

“The University was faced with leadership and administrative turbulence, marked by tension, disunity, rancour and mudslinging, all of which were unwholesome for our image. The fact that we had three Acting VCs within a short period explains this crisis.

“We are glad that the storm is over. We would like to thank the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, for working with the Visitor to stabilise this University.”

He also commended the Governing Council and management for working peacefully with the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

“The Council and Management have resolved the long-standing issue of stagnation among academic staff.

“The Chairman of the Council, Dr Olanrewaju Tejuoso, has been particularly proactive in this regard. He is the brain behind the peace and stability we now enjoy in the University.

“Doubtless, universities, by their evolution, philosophy, essence and character, are universal institutions established to provide solutions to problems that confront humanity. The brightest and the best in learning and character are therefore called upon to run such citadels of learning where destinies are shaped for national development,” he said. (The Sun)