The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, is gearing up for a grand academic celebration as it prepares to graduate 8,157 students in its 2023/2024 convocation ceremony, marking the 19th edition of the prestigious event.
The convocation, set to commence from the 25th to 28th of March 2025, will be inaugurated with a special lecture delivered by none other than the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
During a press briefing at the university’s conference hall, the acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, shared insights into the upcoming event, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to excellence across academics, infrastructure, and administration.
He noted that the graduating students, drawn from various faculties, have distinguished themselves in their academic pursuits and will receive degrees in different categories.
The convocation will also see the conferment of honorary degrees on three distinguished individuals whose contributions to the university and society at large have been remarkable.
The honorees include the Minister of Health, Dr. Ali Pate; Oluwaseyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu; and renowned industrialist, Chief Chika Emenike.
Reflecting on the university’s journey, Ikechebelu highlighted how UNIZIK, originally established as a state institution before transitioning to a federal university, has continued to uphold its tradition of excellence.
He acknowledged the challenges the university faced in the past year and expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for fostering the stability the institution enjoys today.
“UNIZIK is built on a foundation of academic, infrastructural, and administrative excellence. My role as Vice-Chancellor is to sustain an environment where both staff and students can thrive. Today, we are running this university with a renewed focus on productivity, and that shift in mindset is yielding great results,” he stated.
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Security measures have been strengthened to ensure a seamless and safe convocation ceremony, with internal security teams actively combating vandalism and unauthorized scrap scavenging on campus.
Ikechebelu also noted the university’s efforts in digitalizing operations, a move aimed at enhancing efficiency and academic productivity.
However, one major hurdle remains skyrocketing electricity bills, which range between N80 million and N100 million monthly due to the university’s placement on Band A.
To address this, UNIZIK has partnered with service providers to manage costs and ensure an uninterrupted power supply, a feat that has significantly improved campus life.
As the convocation approaches, Ikechebelu assured stakeholders that the university remains committed to progress, with ongoing infrastructural projects steadily advancing. “UNIZIK is back to its golden era, and we are determined to achieve even greater heights,” he affirmed.
With the stage set for this landmark event, UNIZIK is poised to celebrate academic excellence, honor outstanding individuals, and reinforce its legacy as one of Nigeria’s leading institutions of higher learning.