No fewer than 9,298 students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in Enugu State will be conferred with various degrees during the 47th convocation of the university scheduled to hold on Friday.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Benjamin Ozurumba, who made the disclosure at the pre-convocation press briefing in Enugu on Monday, gave the categories of the graduates to include 7,830 first degree, diploma and certificate, including 132 first class graduates.

He said that the university also produced 1,468 post graduate degrees and diploma comprising 331 Doctor of Philosophy degrees, 982 Masters' Degree and 155 post graduate diplomas.

The Vice Chancellor said that three eminent Nigerians who had distinguished themselves in public service will be awarded honorary Doctorate degrees.

They are the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar; former Abia State Governor, Dr Orji-Uzor Kalu; and the Chairman of Zenith Bank, Mr Jim Ovia.

Ozurumba disclosed that eight of the university's renowned Professors will be conferred with the title of Professor Emeritus for their meritorious service to the university.

He said that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr Godwin Emefiele will present the convocation lecture on Thursday.

“It is remarkable that the university is holding its 47th convocation barely 10 months after the 46th convocation held in February, this year.

“This is one of the results of our resolve to do the right thing and set a record of excellence in university administration,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor used the occasion to announce some achievements of the institution, including revamping of its moribund agricultural farms.

According to him, many of the farms were up-and-running leading to the production of cassava flour, poultry, fish, cash crops, including improved variety of breadfruits in commercial quantities.

“Our consistent apex position in the Webo-metric ranking of Nigerian universities based on creative output has not been faulted.

“Our commitment to staff welfare has resulted to their prompt promotion including unprecedented number of professors ever promoted by a single administration in the history of our university,” he said.

Ozurumba said that the university was making progress because of the peace and love between the institution and various stakeholders as well as prudent management of available resources. (NAN)

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