IDRIS AHMED, Lokoja.
The Federal University Lokoja (FUL), will hold its 6th Convocation ceremony on Saturday to graduate a total a total number of 2,1961 students of which 41 will bag first Class degrees.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi disclosed on Monday in Lokoja while briefing Journalists at the Felele permanent site of the institution to mark the commencement of the 8th convocation ceremony of the institution.
Giving a breakdown of the Student’s performances, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that 461 Students bag Second Class upper, 974, second class lower, 384, third class, while 3 get pass.
“In this year’s convocation ceremony, a total of 1,863 students will be conferred with degrees, 117 students with Diploma, and 216 with Postgraduate comprising PhD, Master’s and PGD totalling 2,196 Students that will be graduating from our institution.
“This is a significant moment not just for the university but for the graduates and their families, as It marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
” We are also proud to announce that, as part of this year’s ceremony, Honorary Degrees will be conferred on eminent personalities who have contributed immensely to the development of the university and the nation at large.
” I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate our students. Their achievements are a source of immense pride for all of us at the University. As they prepare to embark on the next phase of their journey, we encourage them to carry with them the values they have learned here at FUL, respect, integrity, innovation, dedication and diligence” he said.
Prof Akinwumi disclosed that the University has received approval from the National Universities Commission, (NUC) for the introduction of several new academic programmes.
They include LL.B. Law, D. Pharm (Doctor of Pharmacy), B Agric, B.MLS (Medical Laboratory Science), and B.Ed. Educational Management and Planning.
He announced that admissions for these programmes are ongoing for the 2024/2025 academic session, which under scores the commitment to broadening the academic opportunities available at the institution.
The VC added that the NUC has approved full time 8 new academic programmes to be run in affiliation with Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, such as B.Sc. Microbiology, Biochemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Public Administration, Banking and Finance, Mass Communication, Computer Science, and Statistics.
As part of expansion of academic programmes and strategic partnership, the University has gone into collaboration with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, National Assembly, Abuja, for
postgraduate studies, the VC also announced.
“As we celebrate the successes of our graduands, I am excited to share that the Federal University Lokoja is gearing up for the 2024/2025 academic session. We are proud to offer 58 undergraduate programs across 10 faculties, providing a diverse range of academic opportunities for our students.”
Prof Akinwumi said that though over 17,000 candidates chose FUL as their first choice, with more than 11,000 scoring 160 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and participating in our Post-UTME Screening exercise, the school plan to admit 9,000 students into these programs, as the new academic session is scheduled to commence on November 10, 2024.
He also announced that of the 42 programs submitted the NUC for accreditation, 34 have received full accreditation, while 8 were granted interim accreditation, confirming the University’s unwavering commitment to maintaining high academic standards and delivering quality education to students.
For a reliable power generation, the VC said the University has entered a landmark collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency (RISA) under the Energizing Education Programme (EP) to provide the campus street lighting and the establishment of renewable energy training centres.
“This partnership marks a significant step towards ensuring a sustainable energy future for our university, while also enhancing our capacity for research and specialized training in renewable energy “, he stated.
On Tourism, research, and community service, the VC announced that the Federal University Lokoja has established the first-ever Zoo and Conservatory in Kogi State to serve as a significant hub for research and education.
According to Prof Akinwumi the facility will also provide a unique platform for community engagement and environmental conservation as a testament to the institution’s dedication to enriching both the academic and cultural landscape of the State.
“I am excited to share that the Centre for Distance and E-learning has been established by the Management to promote flexible learning through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to facilitate modern educational needs and providing diverse learning pathways for our students.
Among other achievements are the establishment of the Institute of Gender Studies by the University Management to prevent sexual misconduct and to promote gender equality.
Construction of 4 Storey Senate Building in progress, Construction of Faculty of Engineering (Phase 1) Procurement, Installation, Testing and commissioning of furniture and Equipment for 12 Nrs of Laboratories at the Faculty of Science.
Construction of Assembly Hall in progress, Construction and furnishing of Faculty of Law Building ( ongoing), Construction of Auditorium in progress, on-going construction of a state-of-the-art Lecture Theatre made possible through the philanthropic contribution of Dr (Mrs) Gladys Makoju and her family, Construction of Perimeter Fencing at the University Permanent Site (Ongoing).
