By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, announced that 41 students out of a total of 1,863 were awarded first-class degrees at the university’s 8th convocation ceremony held over the weekend at the Felele main campus.
In his speech, Akinwumi detailed the academic achievements, revealing that 461 students received Second Class Upper degrees, 974 were awarded Second Class Lower, 384 obtained Third Class degrees, and 3 students received Pass degrees. Additionally, 117 students were conferred diplomas, while 216 received postgraduate degrees, including Ph.D., Master’s, and PGD.
Professor Akinwumi highlighted the institution’s recent accomplishments, including the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) approval for several new academic programs. These programs include LL.B. Law, D. Pharm (Doctor of Pharmacy), B. Agric, B.MLS (Medical Laboratory Science), and B.Ed. in Educational Management and Planning. He mentioned that admissions for these programs are ongoing for the 2024/2025 academic session, reflecting the university’s commitment to expanding academic opportunities.
He also noted the university’s collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency to provide reliable power generation through renewable energy solutions, such as campus-wide street lighting and the establishment of renewable energy training centers. Furthermore, the university has inaugurated the first-ever zoo and conservatory in Kogi State, which serves as a hub for research and education, while also promoting community engagement and environmental conservation.
Akinwumi stated, “Since my appointment in 2021, we have conducted a total of twenty-two inaugural lectures, a significant increase from just two held prior. We prioritize public lectures to engage with critical societal issues.” He mentioned that six impactful public lectures addressing various important topics have been organized since the last convocation.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University Governing Council, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, expressed concerns regarding the university’s ongoing security challenges, which have hindered development. He highlighted that two 500-capacity state-of-the-art TETfund hostels remain unoccupied due to fears of student kidnappings.
Senator Ndoma-Egba called for federal government intervention to enhance campus security, stating, “While the Council and management seek creative options for improving security, federal assistance would be appreciated.”
Grounded in the values imparted to students, the Pro-Chancellor encouraged graduates to contribute positively to Nigeria and the world, urging them to “always aim high, but do so with humility, integrity, and hard work as your guides.”
