FUL 9th Convocation: VC charges graduands to be good ambassadors

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, has tasked graduating students of the University to be good ambassadors of the institution as they go into the wider world to explore and exploit opportunities.

Professor Akinwumi gave the charge at the 9th Convocation Ceremony of the institution held at its permanent site in Felele, Lokoja, on Saturday.

The Vice Chancellor admonished the graduands to hold fast to the values learned from the institution as the world they are about step into is according to him, filled with challenges and limited opportunities.

He urged them to remain committed to integrity, hard work, service to humanity, and innovation in their future endeavors as they bring to bear, values learned from the institution having been transformed in character and learning.

Prof. Akinwumi said, “Your success is not measured only by personal achievement but also by impact you make in lives of others. Be bold, be visionary, and let your alma mater be proud of you.”

He revealed that the university has embarked on the construction of a 1.72 Megawatt Solar Power Plant at a cost of N3 billion ($200 million) to boost electricity supply on campus.

He said that the project co-sponsored by the African Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank, aims to promote innovation and sustainability.

The Vice Chancellor noted that when completed, the project would not only reduce the university’s reliance on public electricity but would also provide a clean and renewable source of energy.

Akinwumi further disclosed that during the 9th Convocation ceremony, a total of 5,051 graduates of the 2024/2025 academic session would receive various degrees and diplomas.

He said that the total figure is broken down into 3,466 undergraduates, 747 diplomas, and 838 postgraduates adding that while 35 students bagged First Class, 760 got Second Class Upper; 2,287, Second Class Lower; 383, Third Class, and one pass.

Akinwumi, a Professor of History who assumed office as Vice Chancellor of the University in 2021, said the university under his watch had grown from a modest institution to a multi-faculty university with robust academic offerings.

He noted that despite limited funding, FUL has undergone significant infrastructural transformation, with 34 major projects either completed or ongoing.

Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdallah, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Federal University, Lokoja, congratulated the graduands on completing their academic journey with huge success and attributed the university’s achievements to the visionary leadership of Prof. Akinwumi.

The Pro-Chancellor appealed to the Federal Government to construct a pedestrian bridge across the expressway in front of the permanent campus at Felele to avert safety hazards. (Ends)