All is set for the University of Uyo (UniUyo), Akwa Ibom State, to turn out a total of 174 students with first-class degrees in a combined convocation ceremony of the institution holding on Saturday.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, revealed this to newsmen during the 29th and 30th convocation press briefings on the university campus in Uyo on Tuesday.
Ndaeyo also disclosed that the total number of graduates for the forthcoming combined convocation would be 12,450, which consists of 1,167 postgraduates, 10,835 undergraduates, 411 diploma graduates, and 37 certificate degrees.
The VC explained that the 2020/2021 session produced 56 first-class graduates, while the 2021/2022 session produced 118 first-class graduates from the institution.
“This year, the convocation is yet another very significant milestone ceremony in the life of this administration.
“It is significant in that it is a combined ceremony of the 29th and 30th convocations in the series of this great citadel of learning.
“It may interest you to note that this university is one of the fastest-growing and highly preferred second-generation universities in the country.
“The University of Uyo has historical records of academic excellence and service delivery, so this administration is striving to uphold and even improve upon the already established standard,” Ndaeyo said.
The Vice-Chancellor said that the university was running a total of 100 programs in 117 departments under 19 faculties, adding that 90 per cent of the programs have received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Ndaeyo said that the university management considers the welfare of the students paramount, as without students, there could be no university.
“In view of this, the present university administration is taking proactive steps to enhance the welfare of students.
“Faculties, such as lecture halls and hostel accommodation, are being expanded to cater for the increased number of students on campus.
“The university has entered into a Public Private Partnership agreement for the building and equipping of more hostels for university students,” he said.
He added that the university management attaches a high premium to staff welfare and ensures promotions are made when due.
Ndaeyo also disclosed that honorary degrees of the university would be conferred on three eminent Nigerians during the convocations.
According to him, the eminent Nigerians are Chief Effiong Afiakurue, Mrs. Halima Zakari, and Dr. Itanwan James.
Ndaeyo added that the Honorary Professor Emeritus Degree of the university would be conferred on Prof. Akpan Ekpo, Professor of Public Finance/Policy and former vice chancellor of the institution.
The Vice-Chancellor listed some of the challenges confronting UniUyo including serious security threats, inadequate funding, encroachment on university land, and a shortage of manpower as a result of the embargo on employment by the Federal Government.
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