Nnamdi Azikiwe University Graduates 29 First-Class Students at 18th Convocation
Nnamdi Azikiwe University Graduates 29 First-Class Students at 18th Convocation
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, celebrated its 18th convocation ceremony, during which 29 students graduated with first-class honors. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, announced the achievements during the ceremony on Friday, which marked the end of the 2022/2023 academic year.
Prof. Esimone, who is concluding his tenure as Vice-Chancellor, detailed that a total of 7,091 students received their first degrees. Additionally, 96 students were awarded postgraduate diplomas, 391 earned Master’s degrees, and 251 received Doctorate degrees. He emphasized that all these graduand completed their academic programs during his tenure.
Among those who received first degrees, 23 students earned Second Class honors. Prof. Esimone highlighted that the university has equipped these graduates with both knowledge and character.
Reflecting on his tenure, Prof. Esimone recounted his vision from the 14th convocation ceremony held in March 2020. His aim was to position Nnamdi Azikiwe University as the best in Nigeria and among the top 10 in Africa, through a strategy focused on academic excellence, community service, administrative reforms, discipline, and advancements.
“At this 18th convocation, which is my last as Vice-Chancellor, I consider it appropriate to render an account of my tenure. On June 2, 2024, a book detailing my term, titled ‘Nnamdi Azikiwe University, The Vice-Chancellorship of Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, FAS, FPSN, 2019 – 2024,’ will be unveiled,” he announced.
Prof. Esimone noted that his administration’s reforms aimed to enhance the university’s efficiency and effectiveness. These reforms included decentralizing the admission process and matriculation ceremonies to faculties, which allowed for greater faculty input and reduced student attrition.
Expressing gratitude, he thanked the governing council, staff unions, individual staff members, the Students’ Union Government, and various government agencies for their support during his tenure. He highlighted the challenges faced and the cooperative efforts that led to the university’s achievements.
Prof. Esimone expressed fulfillment in accomplishing his goals, which included attracting projects worth N60 billion to the university and instilling a culture of discipline among students and staff.
He also acknowledged the significant contributions of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in enhancing teaching and learning infrastructures at UNIZIK.
The Chancellor of the university, His Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, Gbong Gwon Jos, praised Prof. Esimone for his upright leadership over the past five years and expressed hope that the incoming Vice-Chancellor would continue his legacy.
The convocation ceremony also saw the awarding of honorary degrees to distinguished individuals, including former Kano State Governor Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe. The event was attended by several dignitaries who celebrated the graduates’ achievements.
