University accommodation crisis: UNIABUJA seeks investment help amid rising student enrollment

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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.

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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.

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

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

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

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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.

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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.

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

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“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.

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

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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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