By Blessing Ibegbu
Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, on Saturday graduated 1,576 students, with 82 achieving First Class degrees.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at the institution’s 6th Convocation ceremony for the 2024/2025 sessions, 464 students graduated with Second Class Upper degrees, while 260 obtained Second Class Lower degrees.
NAN also reports that 40 students graduated with Third Class degrees, two with Pass degrees, while 268 obtained unclassified degrees (Bachelor of Pharmacy, MBBS, OD), bringing the total number of undergraduate degrees to 1,116.
The postgraduate programmes produced 460 graduands, comprising 44 Doctors of Philosophy (PhD), 158 Academic Masters, 200 Professional Masters and 58 Postgraduate Diplomas.
Prof. Haruna Ayuba, Vice-Chancellor of the university, said the convocation also marked the institution’s 20th anniversary.
According to him, both undergraduate and postgraduate graduands brought the total to 1,576.
Ayuba said the celebration reflected not only academic accomplishments but also two decades of commitment to educational excellence, spiritual development, institutional growth and societal impact.
He recalled that the university was founded with the vision of providing quality higher education rooted in Christian values.
“Over these two decades, our journey has been marked by resilience, strategic growth, and a steadfast dedication to transforming lives and communities.
“We have built a reputation as an institution that nurtures leaders and change-makers across Nigeria and beyond.
“To the glory of God, today, we are gathered for the awards of first and higher degrees to deserving graduands of the 2024/2025 academic sessions, and to celebrate our 20-year journey through the unveiling of our commemorative Book,” he said.
Ayuba said the university had expanded its infrastructure, including the construction of student hostels, laboratories, classrooms and learning facilities, such as a 109-room, 436-bed hostel.
He also disclosed that the university received a N220 million grant from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for the construction of the Faculty of Law library.
According to him, results from six undergraduate programmes accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in October/November 2024 had been released.
“NUC has approved for the commencement of eight new undergraduate and 19 postgraduate programmes that were visited in November 2024.
“NUC has approved the first joint postgraduate degree programme between Bingham University and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine under the Twining and Articulation Model of NUC’s Transnational Education programme.
“The collaboration provides an opportunity for both institutions to strengthen and enrich the academic and professional tutelage in the field of public health.
“At the end of the study, successful graduates will be issued a Master of Science (MSc) in Public Health of Bingham University articulated with a Master of Public Health (MPH) professional of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom.
“We thank God that Bingham University was the first University in Nigeria to secure this approval,” he added.
He said 133 medical doctors, 89 nurses, 68 pharmacists, 134 medical laboratory scientists and five guidance counsellors were inducted by their professional councils.
Ayuba appreciated donors for their support over the years and noted improvements in the university’s environment and academic culture.
He said the institution subsidised tuition fees for categories of ECWA members, adding that N250 million was given as scholarships to 868 students in the 2024/2025 session.
On electricity, he said the university had secured approval to be connected to a direct Band A supply line.
“We now have electricity supply on a regular basis to the university,” he said.
Ayuba, however, said the university still faced several challenges and appealed for support to enhance access to quality education.
“Some of our challenges include but are not limited to the following: urgent need for the construction of infrastructure especially additional students’ hostels, construction of a laboratory complex, library and additional classrooms in our Jos campus.
“Others are the completion of the main library complex, expansion of the university Health Centre and purchase of additional vehicles for field-based programmes,” he said.
He urged the graduands to uphold the university’s values.
“As we celebrate your success, it is also a moment to reflect on the values and principles that this university stands for, fear of God, integrity, stewardship, excellence, and a commitment to making a positive impact on society,” he said.
Dr Job Bagat, Chairman, Board of Trustees, commended the university for sustaining a vibrant academic culture.
“To the graduands, I challenge you to be Christ ambassador, agent of integrity, compassion and positive change in your communities and the world,” he said.
Also speaking, Justice James Ogebe, retired Justice of the Supreme Court, praised the university’s commitment to excellence over its 20 years.
“To the graduands, I say congratulations, today’s mark a significant milestone in your academy journey.
“I urge you to uphold the values imbued in you during your time here,” he said.
Graduands and parents expressed joy and gratitude.
Ms Glory Ogunleye, a graduand from Communication and Media Studies, thanked God for completing her four-year programme and advised youths to “study hard and avoid following trends especially when it is a negative one”.
Mrs Olayinka Adeyemi, a parent, commended the institution and urged parents to rely on God for wisdom in training their children.
NAN reports that the occasion was attended by several Vice-Chancellors, members of the Board of Trustees of the university, and the “Esu Karu”, among others. (NAN)
Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Joseph Edeh
