209 bag First-class degrees as Federal University Dutse holds 8th, 9th convocation
A total of 209 students from the Federal University Dutse are set to receive first-class degrees during the upcoming 8th and 9th Combined Convocation Ceremony, scheduled to take place on the 4th and 5th of July, 2025.
According to a statement issued by the university’s Acting Director of Public Affairs, Abdullahi Yahaya-Bello, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdulkarim Mohammed, made this known while speaking to journalists about the activities planned for the 8th and 9th Combined Convocation Ceremony.
He explained that the breakdown of the graduating students showed 1,271 obtained second class upper division, while 2,034 received second class lower division, and approximately 559 graduates achieved third class degrees.
The overall number of graduating students is 4,277.
He said that student enrolment had increased from 202 in the 2011/2012 academic session to 18,000 currently, and added that the academic programmes had also risen from 5 in 2011/2012 to 45 programmes today.
The Vice-Chancellor informed those present that the 8th and 9th Combined Convocation Lecture will be delivered by the pioneer VC of FUD, Prof. Jibrilla Dahiru Amin, OFR.
The theme of the Lecture is “Harnessing Research and Innovation for Sustainable Development in Nigeria: The Role of Higher Education Institutions.”
Mr Abdulkarim announced that the Faculty of Law building had been completed and that students would be admitted into the Faculty in the next academic session.
The Vice-Chancellor also informed the audience that plans are in progress to establish the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
He noted that over the past four years, FUD has secured more than N800 million in research grants, including the N113 million Google Artificial Intelligence Lab established at the university, the first of its kind among higher institutions in the Northwest geopolitical zone.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted that a major achievement under his leadership was the N1.2 billion internet broadband facility project initiated by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, which has provided free Wi-Fi services throughout the university. He said this development has enhanced both teaching and research activities among staff and students.
Mr Abdulkarim stated that the University recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Ministry of Education and the Rural Electrification Agency to construct a 1.6 megawatt state-of-the-art solar energy grid, which will ensure that the campus is powered by solar energy.
He mentioned that completed projects at the university include the new Senate building, Faculty of Law building, a new Library, twin 250-seat lecture theatres, STEM classrooms, and two female hostels, among others.
He expressed his deep appreciation to the journalists working in Jigawa State and beyond for their support and cooperation.
He also thanked the university’s staff for their support, stating that without it, the achievements recorded would not have been possible.
