The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, has urged graduating students of the institution to be good ambassadors of their alma mater as they enter the wider world.

Professor Akinwumi made the call at the 9th Convocation Ceremony of the institution, held at its permanent site, Felele, in Lokoja on Saturday.

He advised the graduands that the world they are about to enter is filled with challenges and limited opportunities, hence the need for them to uphold the values learned from their institution.

“Integrity, hard work, service to humanity, and innovation should remain your goals wherever you find yourselves in your future endeavours. Your success is not measured only by personal achievement but also by the impact you make on the lives of others. Be bold, be visionary, and let your alma mater be proud of you,” the VC admonished.

The VC disclosed that the university embarked on the construction of a 1.72-megawatt solar power plant at the cost of N3 billion ($200 million) to boost electricity supply on campus.

Akinwumi said that the project was meant to illuminate the university for academic excellence.

The VC explained that the project was assisted by the African Development Bank and the World Bank under the Energising Education Programme.

He described the plant as a significant step towards sustainable energy in the university community.

“This landmark project is a testament to the university’s commitment to environmental responsibility and operational self-reliance.

“We strongly believe that the 1.72-megawatt solar power system will enable the university to generate surplus electricity and achieve energy self-sufficiency and benefit students and staff for generations to come,” he said.

According to him, the solar power project is part of the university’s efforts to promote innovation and sustainability.

He noted that when completed, the project would not only reduce the university’s reliance on public electricity but would also provide a clean and renewable source of energy.

Akinwumi further disclosed that a total of 5,051 graduates of the 2024/2025 academic session would receive various degrees and diplomas, comprising 3,466 undergraduates, 747 diplomas, and 838 postgraduates. He said, “Out of the figure, 35 students bagged first class, 760 with second class upper, 2,287 with second class lower, 383 with third class, and one with pass.

Akinwumi took the opportunity to highlight his administration’s achievements, emphasising that the university has recorded landmark achievements across various fronts under his leadership.

He stressed that the university has grown from a modest institution into a multi-faculty university with robust academic offerings, new faculties, and programmes.

He said that despite limited funding, FUL has undergone a visible infrastructural transformation, with 34 major projects either completed or ongoing.

Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdallah, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Federal University, Lokoja, in his address at the event, congratulated the graduands for the completion of their academic journey with huge success.

The Pro-Chancellor held that Federal University, Lokoja, had flourished in the last five years under the visionary leadership of the VC, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi.

He said, “Over the past few years, we have witnessed consistent advancement in our academic programmes, infrastructural development, and research endeavours.”

He appealed to the federal government, as a matter of necessity, to construct a pedestrian bridge across the expressway that runs directly in front of the permanent campus at Felele. This is to prevent the continuous flow of trailers, trucks, and automobiles, which pose safety hazards to students, staff, and others who cross it daily.