By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja (FUL), Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, has charged the institution’s graduating students to uphold integrity, diligence, and service as they step into the next phase of their lives.
Professor Akinwumi gave the advice on Saturday during the university’s 9th Convocation Ceremony held at its permanent site in Felele, Lokoja. He urged the 2024/2025 graduating class to be worthy ambassadors of their alma mater and make positive contributions to society.
“The world you are stepping into is filled with challenges and limited opportunities. Your success is not measured only by personal achievements but by the impact you make in the lives of others,” he said. “Integrity, hard work, service to humanity, and innovation should remain your guiding principles wherever you find yourselves.”
Highlighting the university’s progress, Professor Akinwumi announced the ongoing construction of a 1.72-megawatt solar power plant worth ₦3 billion (approximately $200 million) to enhance electricity supply across the campus. The project, he said, is supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank under the Energising Education Programme.
“This landmark project demonstrates the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability and operational independence,” he noted. “We strongly believe the 1.72-megawatt solar power system will enable the university to achieve energy self-sufficiency and benefit students and staff for generations to come.”
The Vice Chancellor added that the solar power project would significantly reduce FUL’s dependence on public electricity while promoting renewable energy use within the institution.
Providing details of the 2024/2025 graduating class, Professor Akinwumi disclosed that a total of 5,051 students earned various degrees and diplomas. These include 3,466 undergraduates, 747 diploma holders, and 838 postgraduates. Of the total number, 35 students graduated with First Class honours, 760 with Second Class Upper Division, 2,287 with Second Class Lower, 383 with Third Class, and one with a Pass.
He noted that the institution has evolved from a modest beginning into a multi-faculty university with strong academic programmes and visible infrastructural growth. According to him, despite financial constraints, the university has completed or is currently executing 34 major projects.
In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University Council, Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdallah, congratulated the graduands for successfully completing their academic journey. He commended the steady progress made by the university in academics, infrastructure, and research.
“Over the past few years, we have witnessed consistent advancement in our academic programmes, infrastructural development, and research endeavours,” Abdallah said.
He also appealed to the Federal Government to construct a pedestrian bridge across the expressway in front of the Felele campus to protect students, staff, and community members from accidents caused by heavy vehicular traffic.
The 9th Convocation Ceremony marked another milestone in FUL’s pursuit of academic excellence, innovation, and sustainable development.
