By Muhammed Salihu Maigoro
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, on Friday convoked a total of 27,370 graduands at its 45th Convocation Ceremony, drawing top national and international dignitaries to the historic event.
The ceremony at the Mamman Kontagora Square, Samaru Campus, featured the award of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including PhDs, Master’s degrees, and first-class honours.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Adamu Ahmed, congratulated the graduands and urged them to uphold the values of excellence, integrity, and service.
“You are leaving this university not just with certificates, but with the responsibility to break barriers, solve problems, and contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigeria and the global community,” Ahmed said.
He reaffirmed ABU’s commitment to academic excellence and human capital development, describing the institution as a hub for innovation and leadership.
According to official figures released by the university, 610 PhD, 6,923 Master’s, 61 MPhil, and 957 Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) degrees were awarded.
At the undergraduate level, 323 graduands earned First Class honours, 4,632 obtained Second Class Upper degrees, 10,834 graduated with Second Class Lower, 2,559 earned Third Class degrees, while 47 received Pass degrees and 424 were awarded Unclassified degrees.
The convocation attracted high-profile dignitaries, including Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, alongside traditional rulers and academic leaders.
Notably, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, delivered the pre-convocation lecture on January 30, 2026, where she challenged Nigerian universities to strengthen research, innovation, and global competitiveness.
“Universities must play a central role in shaping inclusive growth and sustainable development in an increasingly interconnected world,” Okonjo-Iweala said.
She was also conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree by the university in recognition of her outstanding contributions to global economic governance and public service.
The ceremony was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, while other dignitaries in attendance included ABU Chancellor, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe (Obi of Onitsha), HRH Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau, and ABU Pro-Chancellor, Mallam Yayale Ahmed.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to the Federal and state governments, alumni, and partners for their continued support to the institution.
“This convocation reaffirms ABU’s place as a leading institution of higher learning in Nigeria and Africa, committed to excellence, innovation, and the development of humanity,” he added.
The 45th Convocation ceremony concluded with renewed calls for graduates to serve as worthy ambassadors of the university and agents of positive change.
Muhammed Salihu Maigoro is a graduate of the Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
