Government assures calm as Yakubu Gowon university confers honours on three individuals

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The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector through sustained investment, improved infrastructure and enhanced staff welfare.

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He gave the assurance at the 29th and 30th Combined Convocation of the University of Abuja, now Yakubu Gowon University, held on Saturday at the institution’s main campus.

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At the ceremony, 4,573 postgraduate students from the March 2024–2026 academic session graduated.

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The university also conferred honorary doctorate degrees on Dr Paul Odili, Prof. Yusuf Ali, SAN, and Emmanuel Iza at the combined convocation.

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Odili was specifically awarded a Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa), while the other recipients were also recognised with honorary doctorate degrees by the institution.

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Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Abel Enitan, the minister said education remains central to national development and stability.

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He said countries that prioritise education position themselves for leadership, innovation, and sustainable growth, adding that the FG will continue to strengthen the sector.

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“As a government that recognises the central importance of education, we will continue to invest in our universities. We serve as the intellectual engines of national development.

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“In exercising the statutory responsibility, the federal government intervened in the internal leadership challenges in the university in the recent past to ensure peace, stability and the academic progress of the students.

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“The stability of our university is non-negotiable, and it is essential for the credibility of our education and for the future of our young people. President Tinubu’s administration will continue to invest in universities as intellectual engines of national growth,” he said.

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The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Hakeem Fawehunmi, stated that the honorary award recipients were chosen in recognition of their outstanding contributions to their respective fields and to humanity.

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“This is a well-deserved honour and great achievement,” Fawehinmi stated.

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He also disclosed that between March 2024 and March 2026, the university produced 815 Postgraduate Diploma holders, 1,724 Academic Master’s degree graduates, 1,244 Professional Master’s graduates, 729 PhD holders, and 61 Professional Doctorate graduates.

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The VC urged graduating students to uphold integrity, discipline, and service to humanity as they move forward in their careers.

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Speaking to journalists after receiving the honour, Founder and Pro-Chancellor of Margaret Lawrence University Delta/Abuja, Dr Paul Odili, described the recognition as a reflection of his journey and a call to greater service.

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“I want to dedicate this honour to all Nigerians who dare to dream, because I have seen the power of belief and dream. When you dream, believe it is possible.

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“For a village boy like me to stand before you today to be honoured, I want to tell Nigerians, irrespective of where you come from or what you do, to keep dreaming.

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“It is a new level of service and giving back to society,” Odili stated.

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He expressed gratitude to the university for the honour, saying it strengthened his commitment to national development.

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Odili also pledged to work with the university’s leadership to support its development and address its challenges.

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“I will do all within my power to see that this university is not where it used to be again.

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“I am going to work with the Governing Council, the Vice Chancellor and Management of the University, so that in the next two years, most of these challenges I have heard today will be tackled,” he said.

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The combined convocation ceremonies, which began on April 10, 2026, concluded today, April 18, 2026.

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The week-long programme opened with a Juma’at prayer and an interdenominational church service. It also featured a range of academic, environmental, and public engagement activities, including a faculty innovation exhibition, a drug awareness lecture, a climate change dialogue, and a convocation lecture on artificial intelligence in fintech.

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