By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
A total of 209 students from the Federal University Dutse (FUD) have achieved first class degrees as the institution gears up for its 8th and 9th combined convocation ceremonies, scheduled for 4 and 5 July 2025.
The announcement was made by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abdulkarim Mohammed, during a press briefing in Dutse, where he outlined the programme of events for the upcoming ceremonies.
According to Professor Abdulkarim, a total of 4,277 students will graduate, with 1,271 receiving second class upper division honours, 2,034 awarded second class lower, and 559 graduating with third class degrees.
Reflecting on the university’s growth since its establishment in 2011, the Vice Chancellor noted that student enrolment had risen significantly from 202 students in the 2011/2012 academic year to over 18,000 students currently. The number of academic programmes has also increased from five to 45, spread across various faculties.
He further announced that the convocation lecture would be delivered by the institution’s pioneer Vice Chancellor, Professor Jibrilla Dahiru Amin (OFR). The lecture, titled “Harnessing Research and Innovation for Sustainable Development in Nigeria: The Role of Higher Education Institutions”, will examine the pivotal role of universities in national progress.
Professor Abdulkarim also revealed the completion of the long-awaited Faculty of Law building. The university, he said, is now set to admit its first batch of law students in the upcoming academic session.
In line with its ongoing expansion plans, the university is preparing to establish a Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, aimed at strengthening its contribution to critical sectors and addressing national manpower requirements.
Sharing recent milestones in research and infrastructure development, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that FUD had secured over N800 million in research grants over the past four years. Among these is a landmark N113 million grant from Google, designated for the establishment of a state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence Lab, the first of its kind in any higher institution within Nigeria’s North-West geopolitical zone.
He also pointed to the completion of a N1.2 billion broadband internet project funded by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. The initiative has significantly boosted free Wi-Fi coverage across the campus, enhancing teaching, learning, and research for both students and staff.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, the university has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Education and the Rural Electrification Agency for the construction of a 1.6-megawatt solar grid. Once completed, the project will supply clean, uninterrupted energy across the entire campus.
The Vice Chancellor listed some of the major capital projects completed under his leadership, including the new Senate Building, the Faculty of Law Building, a new University Library, twin 250-seater lecture theatres, STEM classrooms, and two new female hostels.
He applauded the dedication and service of both academic and non-academic staff, describing their loyalty as vital to the university’s continued progress.
Professor Abdulkarim also extended his appreciation to journalists in Jigawa State and across the country for their consistent coverage and support of the university’s development. He pledged to continue fostering a strong partnership with the media to promote transparency and institutional growth.
