44 bag first class as Benue State University graduates 17,925 students

The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi, Prof. Tor Iorapuu, has announced that the institution will graduate 17,925 students during its 22nd, 23rd, and 24th combined convocation ceremonies on Saturday. Out of this number, 44 graduates achieved first-class honours.

Prof. Iorapuu disclosed at a pre-convocation press briefing that the breakdown of the graduating students includes 15,101 bachelor’s degree holders, 72 postgraduate diploma recipients, 2,196 master’s degree graduates, and 556 doctoral candidates.

He noted, “Forty-four of them earned first class, and prizes will be awarded to deserving students.”

The Vice Chancellor also revealed that honorary doctorate degrees will be conferred on distinguished individuals, including Prof. Toyin Falola, who will receive a Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.), Honoris Causa; Mr. Sylvanus Ghasarah, who will be honoured with a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.), Honoris Causa; Mr. Paul Edeh, who will receive a Doctor of Law (D.LL); and Senator Gabriel Suswam, who will also receive a Doctor of Laws (D.LL).

Posthumous honours will be awarded to the late Paul Unongo, who will be conferred with a Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.), Honoris Causa, and the late Lt. Col. Joseph Akaahan, the former Chief of Army Staff, who will receive a Doctor of Law (D.LL), Honoris Causa.

He explained that the larger number of honorary degree recipients was due to the combined nature of the convocation but reassured that the institution remains mindful of the Keffi Declaration, which advises limiting such awards to three per convocation.

Prof. Iorapuu expressed appreciation to Governor Hyacinth Alia for fostering stability in the university by ensuring the prompt and regular payment of staff salaries.

He also highlighted the support of the National Universities Commission (NUC), which facilitated the introduction of new programmes and the creation of four additional faculties, bringing the total number of faculties at the institution to 14.

The Vice Chancellor commended the NUC and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for their roles as critical stakeholders in the development of higher education.

He pointed out that more than half of the structures on BSU’s campuses were financed by TETFund, which has invested over ₦4.24 billion in infrastructure, procurement, and the maintenance of existing facilities over the past 18 months.

He further mentioned that within the last year, six TETFund projects had been completed, some already commissioned and others ongoing. Prof. Iorapuu attributed these achievements to the efforts of Mr. Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of TETFund.