In a powerful address to the newest alumni of Baze University, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed has charged the graduating class to approach the next chapter of their lives with a clear sense of purpose and unwavering courage.
A Call to Service and Compassion
The senior UN official delivered her message via a video recording during the institution's 12th convocation ceremony, which took place on Saturday, 8 November, at the university's main campus in Abuja. The event was a significant gathering, attended by a host of high-profile figures from politics, academia, and diplomacy.
Directly addressing the graduates, Ms. Mohammed reflected on the university's guiding principle. "Your motto, Learn to Live, is powerful," she stated. "Learning is not just about passing exams; it's about preparing to live with purpose, courage, and compassion." She emphasized that their hard-earned education should ultimately be used in the service of others.
A Landmark Convocation and Distinguished Honours
The 2025 convocation was a historic milestone for the private university, as it celebrated the graduation of its first-ever cohort of doctoral students. In total, 972 degrees were conferred across undergraduate, master's, and PhD programmes.
The convocation lecture was delivered by Sierra Leone's President and ECOWAS Chairman, Julius Maada Bio. He commended Baze University for its educational model that successfully merges rigorous academic training with a strong emphasis on social responsibility. In a major tribute to his leadership in education, the university's postgraduate school was officially renamed the Julius Maada Bio Postgraduate School.
In a further diplomatic gesture, the university's Chancellor and Founder, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, presented an honorary doctorate to Senegal's President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The award was collected on his behalf by Senegal's ambassador to Nigeria, Nicolas Auguste Nyouky. Other dignitaries in attendance included Katsina State Governor, Dr Dikko Umar Radda.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jamila Shu'ara, congratulated the graduating class and reaffirmed the institution's commitment to nurturing critical thinking and innovation in its students.
The ceremony also served to recognize the university's top academic performers. Mustapha Habib from the Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering was celebrated as the best overall graduating student, achieving an impressive CGPA of 3.93 on a 4.0 scale. At the postgraduate level, Simon Efosa Ebhojaiye (LL.M) and Loveth Abiere Ugele (M.Sc International Relations and Diplomacy) shared the award for academic excellence, both securing a perfect 5.0 CGPA.
Established in 2011, Baze University continues to expand its footprint within Nigeria's higher education landscape. The university's leadership has stated its goal is to bolster national development by enhancing research capabilities and professional standards among its graduates.
