ABIA STATE UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES 30TH, 31ST AND 32ND COMBINED CONVOCATION CEREMONIES

The Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University, Professor Ndukwe J. Okeudo, on behalf of the Council and Senate of the University, cordially invites all members of the academia, distinguished parents, guardians, alumni, and well-wishers to partake in the prestigious activities marking the 30th, 31st, and 32nd Combined Convocation Ceremony. This historic occasion celebrates the academic achievements of the 2022/2023, 2023/2024, and 2024/2025 sets of graduands, recognizing their dedication, perseverance, and contributions to the intellectual and societal development of Nigeria.

The Convocation Ceremony at ABSU represents not only the culmination of years of rigorous academic training but also a platform to honor excellence, foster a sense of pride, and strengthen the bond between the University and its esteemed stakeholders. This combined convocation, which brings together three successive graduating classes, underscores the University’s commitment to maintaining high standards of education, cultivating leadership, and promoting innovation and service to society.

Pre-Convocation Activities

To officially commence the convocation celebrations, the Vice-Chancellor will hold a pre-convocation press briefing to outline the objectives and significance of the ceremony. This session is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 24th March 2026, at the University’s Senate Chamber by 11:00 a.m. The briefing will provide insights into the University’s academic performance, highlight key achievements of the graduands, and share details regarding the forthcoming convocation events. Members of the press, faculty, and other stakeholders are encouraged to attend this briefing to gain a comprehensive understanding of the University’s vision and plans for the academic year.

The pre-convocation briefing also serves as an opportunity for University officials to engage with parents, guardians, and the broader community, emphasizing the importance of the ceremony as a celebration of academic excellence, personal growth, and institutional pride. The briefing will highlight the extensive preparations undertaken by the University to ensure a seamless and dignified convocation experience for all participants.

Convocation Schedule

The main convocation activities will unfold over a series of events designed to celebrate academic excellence, inspire graduands, and honor distinguished personalities who have contributed significantly to society.

1. Convocation Date and Venue
The 30th–32nd Combined Convocation Ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, 26th March 2026, at the University’s Senate Chamber. Graduands, their families, and invited guests are requested to be seated by 9:30 a.m., well ahead of the arrival of the Academic Procession, which marks the formal commencement of the convocation.

2. Pre-Convocation Lecture
On Friday, 27th March 2026, a Pre-Convocation Lecture will be delivered by Professor Bart Nnaji, a renowned engineer and former Honourable Minister of Power, Federal Republic of Nigeria. The lecture, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the University Auditorium, will focus on themes of innovation, leadership, and national development, offering graduands and attendees insights into practical approaches to contributing meaningfully to the nation’s growth.

Professor Nnaji’s presentation will not only inspire the graduands but will also provide valuable perspectives on the role of higher education in shaping competent professionals capable of addressing contemporary challenges in Nigeria and beyond. This lecture serves as an intellectual cornerstone of the convocation activities, bridging academic learning with societal impact.

Conferment of Degrees and Awards

The Convocation Ceremony will formally include the conferment of first degrees, higher degrees, and the presentation of prizes. In addition, the University will bestow Honorary Doctorate Degrees on a select group of distinguished personalities who have made exceptional contributions in their respective fields.

Honorary Degree Recipients:

1. His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), Ooni of Ife – In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the cultural heritage, leadership, and socio-economic development of Nigeria.

2. Dr Barr Allen Onyema, Chairman/CEO, Airpeace Limited, Nigeria – Honored for his remarkable achievements in aviation, entrepreneurship, and creating employment opportunities that have significantly impacted the nation’s economy.

3. Dr Stella Chinyelu Okoli, Group Managing Director, Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, Lagos – Recognized for her excellence in pharmaceutical innovation, healthcare development, and contribution to national and global health initiatives.

The conferment of degrees will celebrate the academic accomplishments of thousands of graduands, reflecting the University’s rigorous academic standards and commitment to producing graduates who are capable, ethical, and globally competitive. Each graduand will receive their certificate in a ceremony designed to reflect the dignity, prestige, and tradition of the University.

Academic Regalia and Convocation Brochure

The University has made provisions for the hiring of academic regalia and the purchase of the official Convocation Brochure. The costs are structured as follows:

• Higher Degrees: N20,000

• First Degrees: N15,000

All payments for academic regalia and convocation brochures are to be made at the Abia State University Micro-Finance Bank, Uturu, or other designated banks approved by the University. The issuance of these materials will commence on Wednesday, 25th March 2026. Graduands are encouraged to complete their payments promptly to facilitate timely collection and avoid delays during the ceremony.

The convocation brochure serves as a commemorative record of the event, containing the names of graduands, award recipients, and distinguished guests. It also includes a detailed program schedule and messages from the University’s leadership, providing a keepsake for all participants to celebrate this momentous occasion.

Importance of the Convocation Ceremony

The combined convocation ceremony is more than a ceremonial event; it represents the culmination of years of academic effort, intellectual growth, and personal development. It is an opportunity for graduands to reflect on their journey, acknowledge the support of their families, mentors, and lecturers, and celebrate their readiness to contribute positively to society.

The ceremony also reinforces the University’s commitment to academic excellence, integrity, and community engagement. By bringing together graduates from three academic sessions, the University demonstrates flexibility and inclusivity, ensuring that all deserving students are recognized, despite any logistical or administrative challenges that may have arisen in previous years.

Expected Guests and Attendees

The University expects a wide range of attendees, including members of the academic staff, parents, guardians, industry leaders, government representatives, alumni, and well-wishers. The presence of these distinguished guests adds prestige to the convocation and provides graduands with the opportunity to network with influential figures who can offer guidance and mentorship as they embark on their professional journeys.

The University emphasizes that all invited guests should arrive early and be seated by 9:30 a.m., ensuring a smooth commencement of the Academic Procession. The procession, a hallmark of academic tradition, includes the ceremonial entry of the University’s leadership, Senate members, distinguished lecturers, and graduands in full academic regalia.

Concluding Remarks

The 30th–32nd Combined Convocation Ceremony of Abia State University represents a pivotal moment in the history of the institution. It highlights the University’s resilience, commitment to excellence, and dedication to shaping the next generation of leaders, scholars, and professionals.

Graduands are reminded that the convocation marks both a conclusion and a commencement: the conclusion of rigorous academic training and the commencement of a lifelong journey of learning, service, and societal contribution. Families, guardians, and friends are invited to join in celebrating the accomplishments of these students and to recognize the collective efforts that have led to this milestone.

The University looks forward to a dignified, inspiring, and memorable convocation that honors the achievements of graduands, celebrates academic and professional excellence, and strengthens the bond between the University and its stakeholders.

Issued by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Abia State University, Uturu

We congratulate all graduands and welcome all participants to share in this historic celebration of academic excellence.