By Dada Ahmed, Lokoja.
The Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Kogi State, says it has recorded 32 Inaugural Lectures, 20 Distinguished Lectures, and remarkable academic progress within the last four years as it prepares to graduate 5,051 students on Friday.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, disclosed this on Monday during a press conference at the institution’s permanent site in the Felele area of Lokoja, marking the commencement of activities for the 9th Convocation Ceremony of the university.
Prof. Akinwumi, who assumed leadership of the university in 2021 and is expected to complete his tenure in 2026, said the institution has witnessed landmark achievements across several fronts, including the expansion of facilities and academic programmes.
According to him, the university has grown from a modest institution into a multi-faculty university with robust academic offerings, following the establishment of new faculties such as Agriculture, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Allied Medical Sciences, and Environmental Sciences, among others.
He added that the university has also established institutes and specialized centres to enhance research, innovation, and community service, including the International Centre for Climate Change, Flood and Environmental Sustainability, as well as the Centre for Safety and Risk Management.
“Conferences and workshops have been regularly organized across faculties, providing platforms for knowledge exchange and fostering collaboration with government agencies, industries, and international partners.
“Staff development has also been a top priority, with many sponsored for postgraduate training and professional development programmes both locally and abroad,” he said.
On staff welfare, the Vice-Chancellor said it has been one of the major priorities of his administration, adding that the success of the university largely depends on the motivation and well-being of its workforce.
“Furthermore, the university gives due consideration to the admission of biological children of staff into our programmes, including competitive courses such as Medicine and Nursing.
“Hazard and responsibility allowances have been restored, and a framework for awards and commendations has been instituted to reward excellence and commitment,” he stated.
Speaking on infrastructural transformation, Prof. Akinwumi said that despite limited funding, the university has undergone visible changes, citing the construction of a four-storey Senate Building, an Entrepreneurship Development and Skills Acquisition Centre, and a University Health Centre at the permanent site (Phases I & II), among others.
On the forthcoming convocation, the Vice-Chancellor revealed that out of the 5,051 graduating students, 35 made First Class, 760 earned Second Class Upper Division, 2,287 obtained Second Class Lower, and 383 graduated with Third Class Honours, bringing the total number of undergraduates to 3,456.
He announced that Sherif Ohieku Haruna of the Department of Geology emerged as the overall best graduating student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.77.
According to him, activities lined up for the convocation include a Special Public Lecture in commemoration of the Founder’s Day, Distinguished Awards to Alumni and other personalities, a Musical Concert, Convocation Lecture, Chancellor’s Night, and the Convocation Ceremony scheduled for Saturday.
Our correspondent reports that the Vice Chancellor led journalists on inspection of the new FM Radio of the university and the rural electrification to boost electricity and check insecurity in the institution.
