By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, is set to mark a milestone as it awards certificates to 26,160 graduates, including 178 First Class honorees, during its 7th Combined Convocation Ceremony this Saturday.
Speaking at a pre-convocation briefing, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Marietu Ohunene Tenuche said the graduates span five academic sessions (2020/2021 – 2024/2025). Among them, 5,653 earned Second Class Upper, 15,266 Second Class Lower, 4,891 Third Class, and 172 Pass degrees. Additionally, 1,139 postgraduate students will also receive their certificates.
Highlighting academic excellence, Prof. Tenuche singled out Emmanuel Shaibu, President of the Students Union Government, who emerged Overall Best Graduating Student for the 2024/2025 session with an impressive 4.88 CGPA in Economics.
Reflecting on her tenure as the first female Vice-Chancellor in PAAU’s 25-year history, Prof. Tenuche noted she inherited a University facing security challenges, cult-related violence, and infrastructural deficits.
“We chose to see challenges not as setbacks but as opportunities for reform,” she said, outlining the administration’s focus on campus security, institutional discipline, and staff and student welfare.
Her leadership has seen peace and stability restored, with no gunshots recorded on campus since 2020, while academic integrity has been strengthened through combating fraud, examination malpractice, and indecent conduct.
The Vice-Chancellor also announced the revival of the MBBS programme after 12 years, the introduction of 12 new academic programmes, and successful accreditation across all faculties. The Mass Communication programme has been updated to meet global best practices.
On infrastructure, Prof. Tenuche highlighted improvements funded through TETFund, IGR, FERMA, and state support, noting that 2,938 hostel beds are currently available and urging private investment to expand student accommodation.
The University has maintained uninterrupted academic calendars, achieved research milestones including the $205,000 Arise Grant won by Dr. Emmanuel Amulabu, and fostered international collaboration with St. Petersburg Mining University, Russia.
Prof. Tenuche credited these achievements to clear vision, institutional discipline, and strong political support from both the past and current state governors, describing their backing as the bridge “between vision and reality.”
The 7th Combined Convocation promises not just a celebration of numbers, but of academic excellence, resilience, and transformation—a defining moment for PAAU and its community.
