UniAbuja Vice-Chancellor Stresses Character and Resilience as Pillars of Success
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, has powerfully emphasized that character and resilience are indispensable qualities for achieving enduring success, both in academic endeavors and in life beyond the university walls. He delivered this crucial message during the combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies of the institution held on Friday, underscoring a holistic approach to education.
Beyond Academic Excellence: The Role of Moral Values
Professor Fawehinmi articulated that while intellectual prowess and technical knowledge are undeniably critical, they must be firmly supported by strong moral values, unwavering discipline, and the capacity to persevere through adversity. He explained that students who actively cultivate resilience are significantly better prepared to navigate life's uncertainties, adapt to evolving circumstances, and emerge stronger from inevitable setbacks.
"We therefore celebrate not only your academic success, but also the character and resilience that have brought you here at this moment. Of course, without character, education is incomplete," the Vice-Chancellor stated. "Your certificates may open doors, but it is your character, discipline, integrity, and steadfastness that will determine how far you go and how well you endure."
Convocation Statistics Highlight Academic Achievements
The ceremonies celebrated the graduation of thousands of students. For the 29th convocation, covering the 2022/2023 academic session, a total of 7,158 students graduated. The breakdown of honors included 48 students earning first-class degrees, 2,048 obtaining second-class upper divisions, 4,418 graduating with second-class lower, and 644 receiving third-class degrees.
For the subsequent 30th convocation, which encompassed the 2023/2024 academic session, 5,466 students graduated. Among these, 29 achieved first-class honors, 1,395 earned second-class upper, 3,091 were awarded second-class lower, and 951 graduated with third-class degrees.
Infrastructure Challenges and Calls for Partnership
In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Lanre Tejuoso, congratulated the graduating students but also drew urgent attention to the university's mounting infrastructure challenges. He highlighted that the significant surge in student enrolment has not been matched by adequate infrastructure development, particularly in the critical area of student housing.
Dr. Tejuoso pointed out that despite the student population nearly doubling in recent years, there has been minimal to no expansion in hostel facilities. He described this growing disparity as untenable and issued a call to action for private investors and corporate bodies to partner with the institution to address the acute accommodation shortfall.
"Hostels go beyond mere structures; they are vital to the learning environment, essential for preserving students’ dignity, and critical to shaping future leaders," he stressed. Tejuoso further reiterated the Governing Council's commitment to enhancing institutional governance and ensuring the university's development aligns with global best practices.
Chancellor Highlights Strategic Location and Enduring Impact
The Chancellor and Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Adamu, remarked that the convocation signifies more than just the accomplishments of the graduating students; it is a tribute to the lasting and transformative impact of knowledge itself. He noted that such ceremonies are significant milestones in the life of any university, each carrying its own unique set of challenges and opportunities for reflection.
According to the Chancellor, the event celebrates not only the students' achievements but also the enduring promise that education holds for societal advancement. Dr. Adamu further highlighted the strategic advantage of the University of Abuja's location within the Federal Capital Territory, emphasizing its strong potential to foster valuable collaborations with government institutions, international bodies, and private sector organizations, thereby enriching the academic and professional landscape.
