By Ahmed Rufa’i | Dutse
The Federal University Dutse (FUD) in Jigawa State has grown exponentially in its 13 years of existence, increasing its academic programmes from just five at inception in 2011/2012 to 45 programmes by 2025.
Vice Chancellor Professor Abdulkarim Sabo Muhammad made this known on Tuesday during a pre-convocation press briefing held at the university’s Senate Building. He also announced that the combined 8th and 9th Convocation Ceremony will take place on July 5, 2025, with a total of 4,277 graduates set to receive degrees.
“Student enrollment has surged from 202 in our maiden session to over 18,000 today. This is a testament to the rapid growth and academic reputation of our university,” the VC said.
According to Prof. Abdulkarim, 209 students will graduate with First Class Honours, while 1,271 earned Second Class Upper, 2,034 secured Second Class Lower, and 559 will graduate with Third Class degrees.
He further revealed that the Convocation Lecture will be delivered by FUD’s pioneer Vice Chancellor, Professor Jibrilla Dahiru Amin, OFR, on the topic:
“Harnessing Research and Innovation for Sustainable Development in Nigeria: The Role of Higher Education Institutions.”
A major academic milestone for FUD is the completion of the Faculty of Law building, with the university set to admit its first set of Law students next academic session.
Additionally, plans are in advanced stages for establishing the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the VC said.
Prof. Abdulkarim highlighted several research and technology milestones, including:
Over ₦800 million in research grants attracted in the last four years, A ₦113 million Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab funded by Google — the first of its kind among higher institutions in Nigeria’s Northwest, A ₦1.2 billion broadband internet project sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, now providing free Wi-Fi campus-wide.
“This facility has significantly improved research and learning capacity among both staff and students,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor also announced that the university has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Education and the Rural Electrification Agency to build a 1.6 megawatt solar grid to provide clean, uninterrupted power supply to the campus.
He listed other completed infrastructure projects, to include, New Senate Building, Faculty of Law Building, Twin 250-Seater Lecture Theatres, New University Library, STEM Classrooms and Two Female Hostels
Prof. Abdulkarim expressed gratitude to working journalists in Jigawa and across Nigeria for their support in publicizing the university’s milestones.
“I also deeply appreciate the dedication of our staff. Without their hard work and commitment, these achievements would not have been possible,” he concluded.
