By Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja
No fewer than 41 Students graduated with first class from the Federal University Lokoja, (FUL) Kogi State. This was disclosed by the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi at the main campus of the ivory tower on Monday.
The VC added that the National University Commission (NUC) has equally approved the full-time delivery of eight academic programmes to be run in affiliation with Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State.
The Vice Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi disclosed this on Monday in Lokoja, on the commencement of activities to mark the eight convocation ceremony of the institution held at Felele campus.
Giving a breakdown of the performance of the Students, the Prof. of History disclosed that 461 Students bagged Second Class upper, 974, (second class lower), 384, (third class), 3 (pass).
“In this year’s convocation ceremony, a total of 1,863 students will be conferred with first degrees, 117 students with Diploma, and 216 with Postgraduate comprising Ph.D, Master’s and PGD”. Bringing it to 2,196 Students that will be graduating from our institution”.
” This is a significant moment not just for the university but for the graduands and their families, as It marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
” We are also proud to announce that, as part of this ycar’s ceremony, Honorary Degrees will be conferred on eminent personalities who have contributed immensely to the development of the university and the nation at large.
” I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate our students. Their achievements are a source of immense pride for all of us at the University. As they prepare to embark on the next phase of their journey, we encourage them to carry with them the values they have learned here at FUL—respect, integrity, innovation, dedication and diligence” he added.
On some of the achievement of the present management of the institution, Prof Akinwumi disclosed that the University has received approval from the National University Commission, (NUC) for the introduction of several new academic programmes.
“These include LL.B. Law, D. Pharm (Doctor of Pharmacy), B Agric, B.MLS (Medical Laboratory Science), and B.Ed. Educational Management and Planning. Admissions for these programmes are ongoing for the 2024/2025 academic session, reflecting our commitment to broadening the academic opportunities available at our institution.
“In addition, the NUC has approved the full-time delivery of eight academic programmes to be run in affiliation with Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State. These programmes include B.Sc. Microbiology, Biochemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Public Administration, Banking and Finance, Mass Communication, Computer Science, and Statistics. We are also proud to collaborate with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, National Assembly, Abuja, for
postgraduate studies.
This partnership wall greatly enhance our academic offerings and provide access to quality education and advanced studies for a broader audience.
“As we celebrate the successes of our graduands, I am excited to share that the Federal University Lokoja is gearing up for the 2024/2025 academic session. We are proud to offer 58 undergraduate programs across 10 faculties, providing a diverse range of academic opportunities for our students.
“This year, over 17,000 candidates chose FUL as their first choice, with more than 11,000 scoring 160 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and participating in our Post-UTME Screening exercise.
” We plan to admit 9,000 students into these programs, and I am thrilled to announce that the new
academic session is scheduled to commence on November 10, 2024.
“I am delighted to inform you that the outcome of the recent NUC accreditation exercise has been overwhelmingly positive. Of the 42 programs submitted for accreditation, 34 have received full accreditation, while eight (8) were granted interim accreditation. This remarkable achievement underscores our university’s unwavering commitment to maintaining high academic standards and delivering quality education to our students.
“Looking ahead, I am excited to share that we are expecting the second accreditation visit by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) in the first week of November 2024. This is a significant step toward securing full accreditation for our College of Health Sciences.
“Additionally, the National Universities Commission (NUC) is also scheduled for a second accreditation visit, ensuring the continued quality of our programs. We are also awaiting the visit from the Council for Legal Education, which we anticipate by the first week of November.
“This programme accreditation by these regulatory bodies is crucial to the continued growth of our academic programs, particularly in the fields of Medicine and Law, and we are fully prepared for these upcoming visits.
“I am excited to announce a landmark collaboration between our university and the Rural Electrification Agency (RISA) under the Energizing Education Programme (EP). Through this Initiative, our campus will benefit from reliable power generated from renewable energy solutions, including the installation of campus wide street lighting and the establishment of renewable energy training centers.
“This partnership marks a significant step towards ensuring a sustainable energy future for our university, while also enhancing our capacity for research and specialized training in renewable energy.
” In line with our commitment to advancing tourism, research, and community service, I am pleased to announce that Federal University Lokoja has established the first-ever Zoo and Conservatory in Kogi State. This newly commissioned facility will not only serve as a significant hub for research and education but also provide a unique platform for community engagement and environmental conservation. It stands as a testament to our dedication to enriching both the academic and cultural landscape of our State.
Continuing, Prof. Akinwumi said ”
I am excited to share that the Centre for Distance and E-learning hese been established by the Management to promote flexible learning through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
“This centre was unveiled by Professor Som Naidu, Principal Associate at Technology, Education & Design Associates in Melbourne, Australia. The establishment of this centre signifies our commitment to adapting to modern educational needs and providing diverse learning pathways for our students.
“Similarly, I would like to highlight the establishment of the Institute of Gender Studies by the University Management to prevent sexual misconduct and to promote gender equality. This initiative reflects our dedication to fostering a safe
and inclusive academic environment for all members of our university community
“I am pleased to share, that despite the challenges posed by a dwindling economy and limited funding, the University has made strides in carrying the following projects since our last convocation. Many of these initiatives are the result of personal efforts undertaken by the Vice-Chancellor and his dedicated team:
“They include Construction of 4Storey Senate Building in progress, Construction of Faculty of Engineering (Phase 1) Procurement, Installation, Testing and commissioning of furniture and Equipment for 12 Nrs of Laboratories at the Faculty of Science, Construction of Assembly Hall in progress, Construction and furnishing of Faculty of Law Building ( ongoing), Construction of Auditorium in progress, on-going construction of a state-of-the-art Lecture Theatre made possible
through the philanthropic contribution of Dr. Gladys Makoju and her family, Construction of Perimeter Fencing at the University Permanent Site (Ongoing).
Other projects according to the university don includes, Construction of 11km Ogodu-Inabe Road with Drainages and Culverts in Olamaboro Local Government of Kogi State, Renewable energy support for street lightening across selected wards in Ibagwa, Enugu (LOT-5)}, Construction of One (1) Block of Two (2) Classrooms with Office, Store, Furnishing and Installation of Solar Power in Federal University Lokoja Junior secondary School, Renovation / Rehabilitation of the ICT Building at Adankolo campus, Renovation/ Rehabilitation of the Library Building at Adankolo campus xiv. Electrification of the University Permanent Site, Felele campus, Positioning of integrated street lights around selected departments in Federal University Lokoja for a greater illumination and Provision of an alternative energy source (Minigrid) in selected administrative buildings.