Baze University, Abuja, one of Nigeria’s leading private institutions, on Saturday, November 8, held its 12th Convocation Ceremony, celebrating academic excellence and leadership development.
The colourful event, held at the university’s main campus, attracted an array of dignitaries, including Sierra Leone’s President and Chairman of ECOWAS, Julius Maada Bio; United Nations Deputy Secretary General, Amina J. Mohammed; Katsina State Governor, Dr Dikko Umar Radda; ambassadors, industry leaders, and senior government officials.
Vice Chancellor, Professor Jamila Shu’ara, in her address, congratulated the Class of 2025 and reaffirmed the institution’s mission to produce innovators and ethical leaders. She described Baze University as “a community where inclusivity meets innovation,” adding that the university remains committed to preparing graduates for the challenges of nation building and global citizenship.
The 12th convocation marked a milestone in the university’s history as it graduated its first set of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidates. In all, 972 degrees were conferred, comprising 647 undergraduate, 33 postgraduate diplomas, 276 master’s, and 16 PhDs.
Delivering the convocation lecture, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio lauded Baze University as “where knowledge meets nationhood,” commending its contribution to nurturing transformative leaders across Africa. In recognition of his leadership and support for education on the continent, the university named its postgraduate school after him, The Julius Maada Bio Postgraduate School.
Chancellor and Founder of the university, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba Ahmed (PhD), conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree on Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The award was received on his behalf by Senegal’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Nicolas Auguste Nyouky, who conveyed President Faye’s gratitude and commitment to strengthening educational ties across Africa.
Adding global prestige to the ceremony, United Nations Deputy Secretary General Amina J. Mohammed, who chaired the event virtually, praised Baze University’s vision and encouraged graduates to pursue purpose driven lives. “Your motto, Learn to Live, is powerful,” she said. “Learning is not just about passing exams; it is about living with purpose, courage, and compassion.”
The university also recognised outstanding academic performance. Mustapha Habib, from the Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, emerged as the Best Overall Graduating Student with a CGPA of 3.93 on a 4.0 scale. In the postgraduate category, Simon Efosa Ebhojaiye (LL.M) and Loveth Abiere Ugele (M.Sc International Relations and Diplomacy) jointly received the Best Master’s Graduate Award, each earning a perfect 5.0 CGPA.
With the successful conclusion of its 12th convocation, Baze University reaffirmed its position among Africa’s foremost centres of learning, shaping minds, fostering innovation, and nurturing leadership for national and continental development.
