EDUCATION

UNN holds 54Th convocation ,July 25-26, confers 616 Ph.D, 167 first class

Maureen Ikpeama8 months ago8 months ago4936 mins

University of Nigeria, Nsukka ( UNN) will on Friday and Saturday, July 25, 26 hold it’s 54Th Convocation ceremonies , conferring 616 post graduates with the Doctor of Philosophy Degree and 167 graduates with first class.

Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Oguejiofor Ujam, disclosed this to newsmen in a pre- convocation briefing held on Tuesday July 22, 2025, at the Enugu campus of the University.

He gave the breakdown of the figures as follows, “First Class Honours: 167; Second Class Honours (Upper Division): 3,485; Second Class Honours (Lower Division): 5,217; Third Class Honours: 739; Pass: 33 and Unclassified: 180, total 9,821.

Prof Ujam added that the University will award higher degrees and postgraduate diplomas to 1,892 students who successfully completed their studies. The breakdown is 616 Doctor of Philosophy graduates, 1,101 Master of Science graduates, and 133 Master of Business Administration graduates.

The Vice- Chancellor attributed the figures to hard work and dedication, saying, “these figures reflect the dedication and hard work of our students as well as the commitment of our faculty and staff”.

According to him, the convocation lecture will hold on July 24, 2025, with the topic, “Educated to Rise: From Struggle to Global Strength,” to be delivered by the MD/CEO of Firstcap Limited and Chairman of First City Monument Bank, Ukandu Eme Ukandu.

Pix: UN management

Prof Ujam whose six months tenure will elapse in August, 2025, highlighted some of the achievements of his administration, which included , the establishment of the Directorate of Grants and Scholarships, which aims to enhance the university’s capacity to attract and manage external funding for research and student scholarships.

The establishment of this directorate he said, ” is a clear demonstration of our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering groundbreaking research, ensuring that our university remains at the forefront of knowledge creation and dissemination.”

He announced that the University recently received an ICT Development Grant of 3million,USDollars from the French Development Agency, stressing that it was a boost to the infrastructural upgrade of the school.

On electricity he said the University spent N200 million monthly to power its operations across its three campuses in Nsukka, Enugu, and Ituku-Ozalla.

He lamented that the escalating electricity costs had increased the institution’s financial burden and significantly impacted its operational capacity and resource allocation.

To tackle the electricity challenges, the Vice Chancellor said his administration had embarked on a comprehensive strategy to mitigate electricity costs and transition towards more sustainable energy sources.

“We are rigorously implementing energy-saving measures across all campuses, optimising our energy consumption patterns, and promoting energy-efficient practices among staff and students,” he said.

He added that the University was actively exploring and investing in alternative energy solutions, including solar and hybrid systems, stressing that he recently signed a memorandum of understanding with The Rural Electrification Agency for the provision of 10 megawatts of electricity in the university.

“These initiatives are not merely about cost reduction; they are about ensuring a stable and uninterrupted power supply, which is fundamental to supporting our academic, research, and administrative functions. Our commitment to energy transition reflects our dedication to environmental sustainability and fiscal responsibility, paving the way for a more resilient and self-sufficient University,” he said.

Other areas of his achievements were water supply restoration projects to provide portable water supply to the members of the University community at Nsukka, Ituku- Ozalla and Enugu campuses, environmental sanitation and campus beautification, , road and hostel infrastructure rehabilitation, constructive engagement with different tiers of government among others

He attributed his successes to teamwork, dedication , strategic planning and unwavering commitment to advancing the University ‘s mission of academic excellence, research and community service. ” We have strived to create an environment conducive for learning , innovation and holistic development,” he said.

Maureen Ikpeama