BSU to confer 23,060 degrees, diplomas on graduands – Prof. Iorapuu

By Titus Atondu, Makurdi

The Vice Chancellor of the Benue State University, Makurdi (BSU), Prof. Tor Iorapuu has revealed that the 18th , 19th , 20th and 21st convocations of the Institution will be conferring a total of 23,060 degrees and diplomas on graduands in their respective fields .

Iorapuu explained that the following categories which are billed to benefit are ; Bachelor’s Degrees 20,815; Postgraduate Diplomas 494; Master’s Degrees 1,605; PhD 146.

He further explained that out of 20,815 graduands with Bachelors’ degrees, 63 of them earned First Class.

The VC also revealed that the recent attack by armed herdsmen in Nagi, Gwer-West Local Government Area has claimed the life of a 400 Level Student in the department of Chemistry.

Prof. Iorapuu made the disclosure during the pre- convocation and 30th anniversary of BSU expressed worry over the increase waves of insecurity in the state particularly the consistent herder attacks on communities make BSU vulnerable as many potential scholars and collaborators weary.

According to him, the combined convocation has been tagged “BSU at 30: Boundless Years of Academic Growth.

“The theme is deliberately to remind ourselves as staff, students, and alumni and to bring to the public domain the fact that we have humbly clocked 30 years as a university.

“With a humble beginning in 1992/93 academic session, and a population of 308 students and 149 academic staff, four faculties of Arts, Education, Science and Social Science, we have now grown into 10 faculties (Arts, Education, Science, Social Science, Law, Environmental Science, Management Science, Basic Medical Sciences, Basic Clinical Science and Clinical Sciences; and Post-graduate School); a huge student population of over 23,000, over 2,000 staff (teaching and non-teaching).

Professor Iorapuu stated that Management and Senate of the institution are thinking through improved strategies that will reduce cases of expulsion or suspension of students due to examination misconduct and it will take effect when Senate has considered and approved the new Students Handbook.

He said instead of expelling a student because of examination malpractice, the student will have an option to choose, either to go or stay within the campus and serve the punishment that will be given to him while continuing with his or her normal classes.

He maintained that the institution has recently graduated the 8 sets of forty-four (44) Medical Doctors on the 13th of June, 2022.

“There is no doubt that three decades in the life of an individual or institution is undeniably significant. It is a moment to critically look back and evaluate the academic experience of the journey so far and to achieve this, Faculties will collaborate with their various Departments to organize intellectual activities that will spread through the remaining part of the year”

“We are hopeful of adding Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences before the next admission exercise. The National Universities Commission (NUC) has confirmed the scheduling of a resource verification to BSU in this regard”, the VC said.