Al-Qalam University Katsina is set to graduate 1,109 students at its 17th Convocation Ceremony scheduled for 24 January, the university has announced.
Speaking at a press conference in Katsina, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nasiru Musa-Yauri, said the event reflects the institution’s dedication to academic excellence and adherence to international standards.
He revealed that 18 students will graduate with First Class honours, while convocation activities will commence on 22 January with a novelty football match between university staff and students.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the convocation lecture will be held on 23 January and delivered by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, a former Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations and former Minister of External Affairs.
The lecture, titled “A Divided North in a Divided Nation: The Imperative of Promoting Inclusive and Accountable Governance in Nigeria in a Rapidly Changing World Order,” was described as particularly relevant to Nigeria’s present socio-political challenges.
Professor Musa-Yauri added that several completed projects would be inaugurated on the same day, including a sports complex, six new classrooms, a fully equipped library, a new students’ hostel and improved internal road networks.
He stated that degrees will be awarded across 28 academic programmes during the main ceremony. The graduating class comprises 230 Second Class Upper Division recipients, 507 Second Class Lower Division, 336 Third Class, and 18 Pass degree holders.
In addition, the university will award 17 Master’s degrees and 11 PhD degrees.
The convocation will also feature the conferment of honorary degrees. Former Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Masari, will receive a Doctor of Public Administration, while Eze Abdul-Fattah Chima Eze, a traditional ruler from Imo State, will be honoured with a Doctor of Islamic Studies.
The Vice-Chancellor further announced that the university’s annual Qur’anic Recitation Competition will take place during the convocation week, with winners in both male and female categories set to receive ₦1 million each.
He reaffirmed AUK’s commitment to holding annual convocation ceremonies and ensuring the timely release of certificates, urging other tertiary institutions in Nigeria to follow suit in line with global academic practices.
