NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY (UNIZIK) ANNOUNCES 20TH CONVOCATION CEREMONY

The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, has officially announced that the 20th Convocation Ceremony of the University is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, 17th June to Saturday, 20th June 2026. This important disclosure was made during the 242nd Senate meeting of the institution, which was held on Wednesday, 25th February 2026 at the Zephaniah Madubuko Auditorium, Faculty of Social Sciences, UNIZIK.

The Vice-Chancellor, who is the 7th substantive leader of the University, extended a cordial invitation to graduands, parents, guardians, members of the academia, industry partners, alumni, and well-wishers to participate in this prestigious event, which celebrates academic excellence and recognizes the efforts of students, staff, and the wider University community.

Objectives of the Convocation

The 20th Convocation Ceremony is designed to formally award certificates to graduands of the 2024/2025 academic session. Over the course of four days, the ceremony will provide a platform for acknowledging the hard work, perseverance, and dedication of students who have successfully completed their academic programmes. The convocation will also feature the conferment of honorary degrees and the bestowment of Emeritus Professorial titles, celebrating individuals who have made remarkable contributions to scholarship, leadership, and service to society.

Professor Anyaehie emphasized that the convocation is not only a formal academic event but also an opportunity to reinforce the University’s commitment to excellence, integrity, and societal impact. It serves as a public recognition of the graduands’ academic achievements and prepares them for the responsibilities and challenges of their future careers.

Tentative Schedule of Events

While the detailed programme will be officially released closer to the date, the four-day convocation is expected to include:

1. Opening Ceremony – Welcoming graduands, parents, and invited guests, and outlining the significance of the convocation.

2. Academic Procession – Featuring the Vice-Chancellor, University Senate members, Deans, faculty leaders, and graduands in full academic regalia.

3. Conferment of First Degrees and Higher Degrees – Graduation certificates will be formally awarded to successful students.

4. Presentation of Prizes and Awards – Recognizing academic excellence, research achievements, and contributions to University life.

5. Bestowment of Emeritus Professorial Titles – Honoring senior academics for distinguished service.

6. Award of Honorary Degrees – Recognizing individuals of national and international repute for their contributions to society, industry, and governance.

7. Closing Ceremony – Concluding the convocation and celebrating graduands and their families.

In addition, Professor Anyaehie disclosed that there may be a supplementary convocation ceremony before the end of the year, tentatively scheduled for November 2026, to coincide with the birthday of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, affectionately known as Zik of Africa. This additional ceremony will provide another opportunity for graduands who may have missed the main convocation or for the University to celebrate other notable achievements.

Welfare and Institutional Priorities

Professor Anyaehie assured all stakeholders that the welfare of students and staff remains a top priority throughout his five-year tenure as Vice-Chancellor. Every effort will be made to ensure that the convocation is organized in a manner that is orderly, dignified, and reflective of the high standards of the University. Facilities will be arranged to accommodate graduands and guests comfortably, and all necessary logistics, including seating arrangements, security, and hospitality, will be carefully managed.

The Vice-Chancellor reiterated the University’s commitment to creating an environment that is conducive to learning, personal growth, and achievement. By prioritizing the welfare of students and staff, the University ensures that every participant can fully engage in the convocation activities without undue concern about logistics or safety.

Participation and Expectations

Graduands, parents, guardians, and invited guests are encouraged to take note of the dates and prepare adequately for the ceremony. Proper academic attire, including gowns and caps, will be required for all graduands, and participants are advised to arrive early to ensure a smooth commencement of the events.

The convocation is a significant milestone in the lives of the graduands and an important tradition for the University. It reflects years of academic rigor, personal dedication, and institutional support, marking the transition of students from academic life to professional and societal engagement. Families and friends are encouraged to celebrate this achievement with graduands while observing all University protocols to maintain order and decorum throughout the ceremony.

Concluding Remarks

The 20th Convocation Ceremony of Nnamdi Azikiwe University promises to be a historic and memorable event. It is a celebration of academic excellence, a recognition of individual and collective achievements, and a reaffirmation of the University’s mission to develop competent, ethical, and socially responsible graduates.

Professor Anyaehie’s leadership continues to focus on enhancing the quality of education, promoting research and innovation, and ensuring that UNIZIK graduates are equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development. The Vice-Chancellor looks forward to welcoming all graduands, their families, staff, and invited guests to witness and participate in this grand celebration of knowledge, dedication, and achievement.

Issued by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

We congratulate all graduands of the 2024/2025 session and invite everyone to join in celebrating this important academic milestone.