Yakubu Gowon University (UniAbuja) Graduates 17,200 Students at Combined Convocation

The University of Abuja, now officially known as Yakubu Gowon University, held its combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies over the weekend, graduating a total of 17,200 students. The events, which took place at the university’s Main Campus Convocation Square on Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, 2026, marked a significant milestone for the institution.  

According to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, the graduating class included 12,624 undergraduate students and 4,573 postgraduate students. A closer look at the academic performance reveals that 77 students achieved First Class honors across the two academic sessions (2022/2023 and 2023/2024). In a move to encourage academic excellence, the university announced that it has granted automatic employment to the overall best-graduating students from both sets to help them begin their academic careers.  

The ceremony also featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on three distinguished Nigerians: Paul Odili, Prof. Yusuf Ali (SAN), and Emmanuel Iza. These awards were given in recognition of their significant contributions to national development and humanity.  

Speaking at the event, former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for renaming the institution in his honor. He urged the university leadership to maintain high academic and administrative standards to ensure the institution remains competitive on a global scale.

Prof. Fawehinmi highlighted that the university is currently undergoing a massive transformation, including the expansion of infrastructure like the new Senate chamber, modern laboratories, and improved road networks. He also noted that while student enrollment is projected to reach 50,000 by 2030, there is an urgent need for more hostel facilities, calling on private investors to partner with the school.