The Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, has underscored the importance of character and resilience as essential qualities for achieving lasting success in both academic pursuits and life beyond the classroom.

He gave the counsel at the combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies of the institution on Friday.

Prof Fawehinmi noted that while intellectual ability and technical knowledge remain critical, they must be complemented by strong moral values, discipline, and the capacity to persevere in the face of challenges.

According to him, students who cultivate resilience are better equipped to navigate uncertainties, adapt to changing circumstances, and emerge stronger from setbacks.

“We therefore celebrate not only your academic success, but also the character and resilience that have brought you here at this moment. Of course, without character, education is incomplete.

“Your certificates may open doors, but it is your character, discipline, integrity, and steadfastness that will determine how far you go and how well you endure,” he said.

According to the V-C, over 7,158 students from the 2022/2023 academic session graduated during the 29th convocation, with 48 earning first-class honours, 2,048 obtaining second-class upper degrees, 4,418 second-class lower, and 644 third-class degrees.

For the 30th convocation, which covered the 2023/2024 academic session, 5,466 students graduated. Of this number, 29 earned first class, 1,395 earned second-class upper, 3,091 second-class lower, and 951 graduated with third-class degrees.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Lanre Tejuoso, also congratulated the graduating students, while drawing attention to the university’s growing infrastructure challenges.

He explained that the surge in student enrolment has not been matched with adequate infrastructure development, especially in the area of student housing. According to him, despite the student population nearly doubling in recent years, there has been little to no expansion in hostel facilities.

Describing the trend as untenable, Tejuoso called on private investors and corporate bodies to partner with the institution in addressing the accommodation shortfall.

He stressed that hostels go beyond mere structures, describing them as vital to the learning environment, essential for preserving students’ dignity, and critical to shaping future leaders.

Tejuoso further reiterated the Governing Council’s resolve to enhance institutional governance and ensure the university’s development keeps pace with global best practices.

In his remarks, the Chancellor and Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Adamu, said the occasion marked more than the accomplishments of the graduating students, describing it as a tribute to the lasting impact of knowledge.

The Chancellor noted that convocation ceremonies remain significant milestones in the life of any university, each carrying its own unique challenges and reflections.

According to him, the event celebrates not just the achievements of the students, but also the enduring promise that education holds.

Adamu further pointed to the strategic advantage of the university’s location in the Federal Capital Territory, emphasising its strong potential to foster collaborations with government institutions, international bodies, and private sector organisations.