By Dada Ahmed, Lokoja.
The Vice Chancellor of FUL,Prof.Olayemi Akinwumi.
The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, celebrated significant strides made by the university under his leadership during its 8th Convocation ceremony on Saturday at the permanent site of the university at Felele.
Prof. Akinwumi, a distinguished historian, presented his score card before the mammoth crowd on FUL’s achievements since the last convocation in October 2023.
He disclosed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved several new programmes, including LL.B. Law, Pharm.D. (Doctor of Pharmacy), B.Agric, B.MLS (Medical Laboratory Science), and B.Ed. Educational Management and Planning, which will open for the 2024/2025 session.
FUL, he further announced,has partnered with Federal Polytechnic Auchi and the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies to expand its offerings.
“The university achieved full accreditation for 34 programs and interim accreditation for 8 more. Visits from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and the Council for Legal Education are anticipated to further advance FUL’s academic quality.
Highlighting campus development, Akinwumi detailed infrastructure projects, such as a Senate building, Faculty of Engineering, state-of-the-art lecture theaters, and an assembly hall.
According to the VC, FUL has partnered with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to introduce renewable energy to the campus.
He his leadership has also made significant impact in area of staff welfare initiatives include hazard and responsibility allowances, support for next of kin in employment considerations, preferential admissions for staff’s children, and opportunities for foreign training and workshops.
The university also introduced shuttle services, tuition waivers, and TETFund-sponsored training to enhance staff development.
Prof.Akinwumi said FUL recently launched a zoo and conservatory—the first in Kogi State—supporting research and tourism, as well as a Centre for Distance and E-learning and an Institute of Gender Studies to promote inclusive and flexible education.
On the athletic front, FUL celebrated students’ achievements at the 2024 All-Africa University Games, where they won three bronze medals. Scholarships and rewards were provided to support their future goals, he added .
Prof. Akinwumi announced the establishment of an endowment fund to support FUL’s continued growth, acknowledging generous donations from patrons such as BUA Cement, Dr. Gladys Makoju, and Dr. Uche Nwankwo.
Prof. Akinwumi urged the graduating class of 2,196 to carry forward FUL’s values of integrity, hard work, and excellence, emphasizing the importance of giving back to society and upholding the university’s reputation.
Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, congratulated the graduates and commended their resilience and commitment.
“Convocation is a rite of passage that reflects the quality of education received,” he said, encouraging them to become successful ambassadors of FUL.
The ceremony was attended by the Maigeri of Lokoja, HRH Alhaji Muhammed Gambo Kabir, traditional rulers, industry leaders, and families.
Some notable figures were also awarded honorary doctorate degrees for their contributions to FUL’s development.
