Karu: Bingham University, located in Karu, Nasarawa State, celebrated the graduation of 1,576 students during its 6th Convocation ceremony for the 2024/2025 sessions, with 82 students achieving First Class degrees.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the ceremony saw 464 students graduating with Second Class Upper degrees, while 260 obtained Second Class Lower degrees. Additionally, 40 students graduated with Third Class degrees, two with Pass degrees, and 268 obtained unclassified degrees in Bachelor of Pharmacy, MBBS, and OD programs, bringing the total number of undergraduate degrees to 1,116. The postgraduate programs produced an additional 460 graduates, including 44 Doctors of Philosophy (PhD), 158 Academic Masters, 200 Professional Masters, and 58 Postgraduate Diplomas.
Prof. Haruna Ayuba, Vice-Chancellor of the university, highlighted that this convocation also marked the institution’s 20th anniversary. He noted that the total number of graduates, including both undergraduate and postgraduate students, amounted to 1,576. Ayuba reflected that the occasion was not only a celebration of academic achievements but also a testament to two decades of dedication to educational excellence, spiritual growth, institutional development, and societal impact.
The Vice-Chancellor reminisced about the university’s founding vision of delivering quality higher education rooted in Christian values. He emphasized the university’s ongoing commitment to transforming lives and communities, having built a reputation as an institution nurturing leaders and change-makers across Nigeria and beyond.
Prof. Ayuba shared that the university’s infrastructure had expanded significantly, including the construction of student hostels, laboratories, classrooms, and learning facilities. He further disclosed a N220 million grant from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for the construction of a Faculty of Law library.
He also mentioned that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had released results from six accredited undergraduate programs and approved eight new undergraduate and 19 postgraduate programs. Notably, the NUC approved the first joint postgraduate degree program between Bingham University and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, providing an enriching academic collaboration in public health.
Prof. Ayuba reported the induction of 133 medical doctors, 89 nurses, 68 pharmacists, 134 medical laboratory scientists, and five guidance counselors by their respective professional councils. He expressed gratitude towards donors for their continued support and highlighted improvements in the university’s environment and academic culture.
The Vice-Chancellor revealed that the institution subsidized tuition fees for certain ECWA members and granted N250 million in scholarships to 868 students for the 2024/2025 session. On the infrastructure front, Ayuba mentioned the university’s connection to a direct Band A electricity supply line, ensuring regular power availability. However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges and called for support to enhance access to quality education.
Dr. Job Bagat, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, commended the university for maintaining a vibrant academic culture and encouraged graduands to embody the values of integrity and positive change. Retired Justice James Ogebe also praised the university’s commitment to excellence over its 20-year history.
Graduands and their families expressed joy and gratitude during the ceremony. Ms. Glory Ogunleye, a graduand from Communication and Media Studies, advised youths to focus on their studies and avoid negative trends. Parents like Mrs. Olayinka Adeyemi applauded the institution’s efforts and urged reliance on divine guidance in raising children.
NAN reported attendance by several Vice-Chancellors, members of the Board of Trustees, and other dignitaries, making the occasion a memorable event.