The Bayero University Kano (BUK) is gearing up to confer degrees upon a staggering 11,000 students during its 38th convocation ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the academic journey of thousands of scholars. The announcement came from the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Sagir Abbas, during a pre-convocation press conference held in Kano on Monday.
Prof. Abbas revealed that among the graduating cohort, a remarkable 180 Bachelor degree students would be adorned with first-class honors, signifying their exceptional academic achievements. Additionally, the convocation will see the graduation of 3,770 students in the Masters Degrees class, along with 370 individuals earning their PhDs, underscoring the university’s commitment to academic excellence across various disciplines.
Speaking on the rationale behind the staggered convocation, Prof. Abbas emphasized the importance of ensuring that every graduating student experiences the full impact of their academic accomplishment. He noted that the university’s convocation serves as a platform to celebrate the achievements of its students and honor their dedication and hard work throughout their academic journey.
In a move to recognize outstanding contributions to academia and society, BUK will confer honorary doctorate degrees upon Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, and the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwunmi Adeshina, in recognition of their support to the university and their remarkable achievements in their respective fields.
The convocation ceremony will also feature a thought-provoking graduation lecture to be delivered by Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, focusing on “The Role of Private Sector in Building a Sustainable Economy in Nigeria.” This lecture promises to provide valuable insights into the critical role of private enterprise in driving economic growth and development in Nigeria.
Highlighting the university’s commitment to innovation and scientific research, Prof. Abbas announced breakthroughs in the E-Motive project at the Centre of Excellence, Africa Centre of Excellence – Population and Policies (ACE-PAP), which significantly improved maternal health outcomes by saving 60 percent of pregnant women who delivered. Additionally, plans are underway to launch Open and Distance Learning programs in 2025, further expanding access to quality education.
The convocation ceremony represents a significant milestone for BUK and its graduating students, marking the culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and academic achievement. As the university continues to forge ahead in its pursuit of excellence, it remains committed to nurturing future leaders and driving positive change in society through education and research.