ABUJA, FCT– The University of Abuja, now officially transitioning under its new identity as Yakubu Gowon University, held its combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies on Friday, April 17, 2026.
The landmark event saw the graduation of 12,624 trainees, consisting of 77 First-rate degree holders, in the middle of a high-powered require economic sector intervention to resolve the institution’s mounting real estate crisis.
The event, participated in by former President General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), acted as both an event of scholastic quality and a tactical online forum for the university’s future developmental roadmap.
Vice-Chancellor Teacher Hakeem Fawehinmi supplied a detailed breakdown of the 2 scholastic sets. He noted that while the 2022/2023 session produced a larger volume of graduates, the 2023/2024 session preserved a high standard of competitive quality.
The university also announced that over 4,500 postgraduate trainees are slated for their own graduation ceremony on Saturday, April 18.
Read also: UniAbuja VC Fawehinmi Unveils Vision for Global Excellence at Maiden Parish, Seeks Personnel Unity.
The Lodging Deficit Challenge
Despite the celebratory environment, the university’s leadership was candid about the infrastructure traffic jams threatening the student experience.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. Olanrewaju Tejuoso, explained the present lodging scarcity as “unsustainable.”
The Governing Council issued an urgent appeal to private investors and business companies to participate in Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for the building of contemporary hostels.
“A hostel is more than a building, it is a foundation for finding out and dignity,” Tejuoso mentioned.
In his charge to the graduates, Prof. Fawehinmi stressed that academic certificates are merely “door openers,” while character and integrity are the true engines of career durability.
He highlighted a number of ongoing jobs targeted at keeping the university internationally competitive, including:
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Special Intervention: Choice for a 4 billion 2026 Unique Intervention Program.
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Facilities: Completion of a new Senate Chamber and a Central Research Laboratory.
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Research study: Expansion of science laboratories and international research study collaborations.
A Legacy Honored
General Yakubu Gowon (retd.) revealed his extensive thankfulness to President Bola Tinubu for the renaming of the organization, viewing it as a recognition of his long-lasting service to Nigerian unity.
He urged the management to continue pushing the university toward a higher level of worldwide competitiveness.
The total finest finishing student for the 2023/2024 session, Oyine James (Department of Chemical Engineering), used a word of inspiration to present trainees.
She attributed her success to early goal-setting and a disciplined “structure” that saw her preserve focus throughout her engineering journey.
As the university concludes its week-long activities on Saturday, the focus moves to the award of higher degrees and an extremely anticipated lecture on Expert system in Fintech.
With its new name and a clear required to expand its infrastructure, Yakubu Gowon University stands at a crossroads of custom and modern technological aspiration.