University of Abuja graduates over 12,000 students as officials appeal for investor support to address hostel shortage

The University of Abuja, now Yakubu Gowon University, held its combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies, graduating 12,624 students, including 77 First-Class degree holders. The institution's Governing Council issued an urgent appeal to private investors and corporate organizations to address a critical shortage of student accommodation. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, detailed the graduating classes, with 7,158 students from the 2022/2023 session and 5,466 from the 2023/2024 session. He emphasized the university's commitment to character and resilience alongside academic excellence, and highlighted ongoing developments such as new research facilities and partnerships. The university was also selected for a N4bn 2026 Special Intervention Programme. The Chancellor and Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Dr Rilwanu Adamu, and the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr Olanrewaju Tejuoso, both acknowledged the pressure on infrastructure due to the growing student population and called for support in hostel development. Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon retd., expressed gratitude for the university being renamed in his honor. Oyine James of the Department of Chemical Engineering was recognized as the overall best graduating student for the 2023/2024 academic session. The ceremonies, which began on April 10, are set to conclude on April 18, 2026, with various events including a lecture on artificial intelligence in fintech.