A private university in Benue State has celebrated academic excellence as 11 students emerged with first-class degrees during its 8th convocation ceremony held over the weekend. The institution, which also graduated hundreds of students across various disciplines, described the achievement as a testament to its commitment to quality education and academic innovation.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Emmanuel Tyavkase, commended the graduating students for their hard work, resilience, and discipline throughout their academic journey. He said the first-class graduates had demonstrated outstanding intellectual capacity and moral character, reflecting the institution’s vision of producing globally competitive professionals.
According to Professor Tyavkase, a total of 612 students were conferred with degrees across different faculties, including Social Sciences, Management, Natural and Applied Sciences, Education, and Law. Out of this number, 11 students bagged first-class honours, 210 obtained second-class upper division, 320 graduated with second-class lower division, while 71 finished with third-class degrees.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the university’s steady academic progress and improved performance among students were the results of ongoing reforms in teaching, research, and learning infrastructure. He said the institution had continued to prioritize the welfare of both staff and students to enhance productivity and promote an environment conducive to innovation. “Our vision is to build a centre of excellence where character and learning thrive. These results show that we are on the right path,” he said.
Professor Tyavkase further disclosed that the university had strengthened collaborations with local and international partners to enhance research capacity, digital learning, and entrepreneurial development among students. He said these partnerships were part of efforts to prepare graduates for the challenges of the modern labour market, particularly in technology-driven sectors.
The Chancellor of the university, Chief (Dr.) Samuel Ochoche, congratulated the graduating students and urged them to serve as ambassadors of integrity and excellence in their chosen careers. He advised them to remain focused, resilient, and committed to national development despite the economic and social challenges facing the country. “You must see your education not just as a personal achievement but as a tool for transforming society,” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Benue State Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Education, commended the university for contributing significantly to human capital development in the state. He assured that the government would continue to support private institutions that uphold academic standards and promote research that addresses societal needs.
One of the first-class graduates, Miss Joy Agbaji, who emerged as the best graduating student, attributed her success to dedication, prayer, and the support of her lecturers and family. She encouraged students still in school to remain focused and determined, saying that hard work always yields results.
The convocation ceremony also featured the commissioning of new infrastructure, including a modern lecture hall, digital library, and a student innovation hub, aimed at enhancing learning and research. The university management reiterated its commitment to nurturing graduates who would not only excel academically but also contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
With the impressive record of first-class graduates, the Benue-based institution reaffirmed its growing reputation as one of the leading private universities in the North Central region, championing excellence, character, and innovation in higher education.
