By Ikenna Nwokedi 

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka have conferred various degrees and certificates to no fewer than 7,829 graduands at the 18th Convocation ceremonies held on Friday, 31st May 2024 at University's convocation arena.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone disclosed that the convocation ceremony which is for the 2022/23 academic session produced 7,091 first degrees, 96 Postgraduate Diplomas, 391 Masters' degrees and 251 Doctorate degree holders. 

Prof. Esimone said that with the instant convocation, all who completed their academic years in his tenure as Vice-Chancellor have had their convocation ceremonies within his tenure. The institution's Chief Executive Officer opined that managing a University which is a community of intellectuals with contesting ideals and ideas is no mean feat. The scholar appreciated God for his guidance that enabled him pull through successfully and also thanked the University Community, students and University staff unions, who without their cooperation and support he would not have achieved much success stories.

The VC also thanked various agencies of the Federal Government such as the Ministries of Education and Finance, the National Universities Commission, TETFund and other stakeholders, individuals and corporate bodies for their contributions to the successes recorded during his five-year administration.

While delivering his address, the Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Chairman, Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, His Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, Gbong Gwom Jos described UNIZIK as the University of the Moment going by its current status in the committee of Universities across the globe. The traditional custodian congratulated all who were admitted to the various degrees of the University ranging from Master, Ph.D and Postgraduate diploma and also the three distinguished Nigerians who were honoured with honorary doctorate degrees of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

He further congratulated and commended the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone for his successful tenure as the 6th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University, noting that he stood firmly on the achievements of previous administrations of the University and as well, brought the university to new heights.

The 18th Convocation ceremony also witnessed the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on Ozor M.N.C Nwafor (Ozo Enyikwonwa Awka and Patron People's Club of Nigeria), Chief Chinedu Benson Madubuko (Chairman/CEO De-Chico Group) and Adaora Vivian Offor (Vice President, Sir Emeka Offor Foundation) while there was installation of Emeriti Professors.