University of Abuja to Graduate 12,624 Students at Combined Convocation Ceremonies
The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) is poised to celebrate the academic achievements of 12,624 students as it hosts its combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies for the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions. This significant event marks a milestone for the institution and its graduating cohort.
Breakdown of Graduating Students
At a press conference held at the university's permanent site, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi provided a detailed breakdown of the graduating students. For the 2022/2023 academic session (29th convocation), 7,158 students will graduate, including 48 First Class, 2,048 Second Class Upper, 4,418 Second Class Lower, and 644 Third Class degree holders.
For the 2023/2024 academic session (30th convocation), 5,466 students will receive their degrees, comprising 29 First Class, 1,395 Second Class Upper, 3,091 Second Class Lower, and 951 Third Class graduates. Prof. Fawehinmi emphasized that this convocation is particularly significant as it marks his first since assuming office late last year, celebrating not only academic excellence but also the resilience and accomplishments of the students.
Convocation Activities and Schedule
The convocation activities commenced over the weekend with a Juma'at prayer at the University Mosque and an inter-denominational church service at the Chapel of Love in Gwagwalada, setting a reflective tone for the ceremonies. The proceedings continue on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, with a Faculty Innovation Showcase at the Faculty of Law Lecture Theatre, highlighting research outputs, patents, and projects that demonstrate student and community impact.
Later on Tuesday, a Drug Awareness and Sensitisation Lecture titled "High Today, Low Tomorrow: The Real Cost of Drug Abuse on Campus" will be delivered by the Director-General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), at the same venue.
On Wednesday, April 15, outstanding graduating students will lead a tree-planting exercise to promote environmental sustainability, followed by a lecture on climate change by the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Omotenioye Majekodunmi. A convocation play by the Department of Theatre Arts will also be featured.
Key Events and Honorees
The Convocation Lecture is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, and will be delivered by the Chief Executive Officer of Flutterwave, Olugbenga Agboola, OON. Titled "Graduating into an AI-Powered Fintech World: Opportunities, Challenges and Responsibilities," the lecture will take place at the Faculty of Law Lecture Theatre.
A Chancellor's Dinner will be held on Friday at Transcorp Hotel in Abuja, preceding the main convocation events. The core ceremonies will occur at the Convocation Square, with first degrees awarded on Friday, April 17, and higher degrees and honorary doctorate degrees conferred on Saturday, April 18.
The university will also honor distinguished Nigerians with Honorary Doctorate Degrees (Honoris Causa), including Professor Yusuff Olaolu Ali (SAN), Paul Odili, and Emmanuel Ayuba Iza, in recognition of their contributions to their respective fields and humanity. Prof. Fawehinmi noted that these ceremonies reinforce the university's commitment to excellence, innovation, and societal impact.
