Hostel shortage: UNIABUJA appeals to investors as student population grows

The University of Abuja, now Yakubu Gowon University, on Friday graduated 12,624 students, including 77 First-Class degree holders, during its combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies held in Abuja.

This is as the institution’s Governing Council issued an urgent call to private investors and corporate organisations to address a critical shortage of student accommodation.

The event attracted top government officials, members of the academic community, parents, and other dignitaries.

The university also announced that 4,573 postgraduate students from the March 2024–2026 academic set are expected to graduate on Saturday.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, presented a breakdown of the graduating students across the two academic sessions.

According to him, 7,158 students from the 2022/2023 academic session graduated during the 29th convocation, with 48 earning First-Class honours, 2,048 obtaining second-class upper degrees, 4,418 second-class lower, and 644 third-class degrees.

For the 30th convocation, covering the 2023/2024 academic session, 5,466 students graduated. Of this number, 29 earned First-Class, 1,395 obtained second-class upper, 3,091 second-class lower, and 951 graduated with third-class degrees.

Fawehinmi stressed that the university’s mission extends beyond academic excellence, highlighting the importance of character and resilience.

“We celebrate not only your academic success, but also the character and resilience that have brought you here. Without character, education is incomplete,” he said.

He urged the graduates to remain worthy ambassadors of the institution.

“Your certificates may open doors, but it is your character, discipline, integrity, and steadfastness that will determine how far you go,” he added.

The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted ongoing developments, including the construction of new research facilities, the expansion of science laboratories, and partnerships with international institutions.

He disclosed that key projects such as a Senate chamber and a central research laboratory administrative building had been completed, while work continued on hostels and other infrastructure.

Fawehinmi further revealed that the institution had been selected as one of six Nigerian universities to benefit from a N4bn 2026 Special Intervention Programme.

In his address, the Chancellor and Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Dr Rilwanu Adamu, described the ceremony as a celebration of both academic achievement and the enduring power of knowledge.

“Convocation ceremonies are great university events. What we are celebrating today is not only the success of our students, but the powerful promise of knowledge itself,” he said.

Adamu highlighted the strategic importance of the university’s location in the Federal Capital Territory, noting its potential for partnerships with government agencies, international organisations, and the private sector.

He, however, acknowledged challenges facing the institution, particularly pressure on infrastructure due to the growing student population.

“At the same time, the increasing demand for admission and pressure on accommodation facilities show that much remains to be done,” he said.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr Olanrewaju Tejuoso, also congratulated the graduates while drawing attention to the institution’s infrastructure deficit.

“The rapid expansion in student enrolment has not been matched by corresponding growth in infrastructure, particularly student accommodation,” he said.

Describing the situation as unsustainable, Tejuoso appealed to investors and corporate organisations to support hostel development.

“A hostel is more than a building; it is a foundation for learning and dignity,” he added.

He also warned against illegal occupation of university land, urging offenders to regularise their status or vacate.

In his goodwill message, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for renaming the university in his honour.

“With profound gratitude, I appreciate Mr President for naming the university after me in recognition of my service to the nation,” he said.

Gowon urged the institution’s leadership to strengthen academic and administrative standards.

“I am confident the Vice-Chancellor has what it takes to move this university to a higher level of competitiveness,” he added.

Meanwhile, the overall best graduating student for the 2023/2024 academic session, Oyine James of the Department of Chemical Engineering, attributed her success to discipline and clear goal-setting.

“Before I gained admission, my goal was to graduate with a First Class. I put structures in place to achieve it. It was not easy, but I remained focused,” she said.

The combined convocation ceremonies, which began on April 10, are scheduled to conclude on April 18, 2026, featuring activities such as a Juma’at prayer, an interdenominational service, faculty exhibitions, and a convocation lecture on artificial intelligence in fintech.