December 05, (THEWILL) – Benue State University, Makurdi, at the combined convocation ceremony, will be conferring a total of 17,925 degrees and diplomas on graduates.
The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Tor Joe Iorapuu, who disclosed this at a pre-convocation press briefing in Makurdi on Thursday, said of the figures, Bachelor’s Degrees are 15,101; Postgraduate Diplomas 72; Masters Degrees are 2,196, while 556 are to be awarded PhD Degrees.
According to Professor Iorapuu, of the graduates with bachelor’s degrees, 44 of them earned first class, as prizes will be awarded to deserving students.
He also disclosed that Honorary Doctorate Degrees of the University will be conferred on Prof. Toyin Falola (Doctor of Letters Honoris Causa; Paul Unongo (posthumous), late Col. Joe Akaahan (posthumous), Senator Gabriel Suswam and Engr. Sylvanus Ghasarah.
The Vice-Chancellor said the university under his leadership recorded some achievements including the establishment of various faculties such as pharmaceutical sciences, Architecture, Media and Communication studies, and Technology and Industrial studies, among others.
“Benue State University has received over 24,000 applications from JAMB of potential students that have made the institution a first choice.
“I am very proud of our students. I personally appreciate their resilience, perseverance, quality and ability to embrace change as they pursue their passion and purpose as a community.”
Despite remarkable achievements, Prof. Iorapuu listed some challenges being faced at the institution including disruption of an academic exercise, volatile market uncertainties leading to high costs of diesel and running costs, especially with the increase in energy tariffs.
Other problems according to him are finding alternative sources of income, accessing grants in a competitive environment and aligning employees around the vision, strategy and value of the university.
The combined convocation which has Governor Hyacinth Alia as the guest will witness the commissioning of projects with the grand finale coming up on Saturday.
