The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), is set to celebrate another milestone in higher education as it graduates 12,895 students during its 55th Convocation Ceremony, with 168 of the graduating class earning First Class honours, reflecting the institution’s continued commitment to academic excellence and quality university education.
Speaking ahead of the convocation activities, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya, announced that a total of 10,641 students would receive first degrees and diploma certificates, while 2,944 postgraduate students would be awarded higher qualifications comprising 1,390 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, 1,340 Master’s degrees and 214 Postgraduate Diplomas. He described the graduating class as a reflection of the university’s sustained investment in teaching, research and student development, noting that “this year’s convocation celebrates a harvest of 12,895 graduands,” including the 168 students who distinguished themselves with First Class honours.
Beyond the graduation statistics, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted several academic achievements recorded by the institution over the past year, pointing to improvements that have strengthened both teaching and professional training. He disclosed that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria approved an increase in the university’s admission quota for Medicine from 180 to 400 students and Dentistry from 15 to 60 following successful accreditation exercises, a development expected to expand access to medical education and address the country’s growing demand for healthcare professionals.
Professor Ortuanya also revealed that the National Universities Commission approved the unbundling of the Department of Mass Communication into five specialised degree programmes, while academic programmes in Agribusiness, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Industrial Arts, and Criminology and Security Studies secured full accreditation. According to him, these approvals demonstrate the university’s determination to align its curriculum with contemporary educational and labour market needs while broadening learning opportunities for students across diverse disciplines.
In advancing research and digital education, the Vice-Chancellor explained that the university had intensified efforts to modernise its academic infrastructure through the digitalisation of the Central Library and the establishment of a Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Laboratory. He noted that the initiatives are designed to strengthen research output, improve access to digital learning resources and equip students with competencies required in today’s technology-driven global economy.
The university has also continued to invest in physical infrastructure to improve the learning environment. Ongoing projects include the reconstruction of internal roads, rehabilitation of student hostels, expansion of facilities at the College of Medicine in Ituku-Ozalla and the revival of long-abandoned structures, including the Zik’s Flats and the Senate Building. These projects, according to the Vice-Chancellor, are intended to provide a more conducive academic environment for both students and staff.
Professor Ortuanya further disclosed that the institution had promoted 1,984 members of staff within the last eleven months, including the elevation of 25 academics to the rank of professor. He added that UNN has expanded its international academic footprint through partnerships with universities and research institutions in Sweden, Taiwan, China, Belarus, the United States and South Africa, creating additional opportunities for collaborative research, staff exchanges and academic development. He maintained that these collaborations would enhance the university’s global competitiveness and enrich the educational experience of its students.
As part of the convocation activities, the university will confer honorary doctorate degrees on Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, High Chief Williams Agbo, Arc. Dr. Kaycee Kelechi Orji and Dr. William Franklyn Richardson. The institution will also honour Professors Peter-Jazzy Ezeh and Boniface Obinna Okere with the title of Professor Emeritus in recognition of their distinguished contributions to scholarship and higher education. The convocation lecture will be delivered by the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, with former UNN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ositadinma Nebo, serving as chairman of the occasion.
Reaffirming the university’s long-term vision, Professor Ortuanya said the ongoing reforms are geared towards repositioning UNN as “a globally competitive institution distinguished by excellence in teaching, cutting-edge research, digital innovation, entrepreneurship and transformational community engagement,” while calling for continued support from alumni and development partners to sustain the institution’s growth and educational advancement.
