By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, on Thursday announced its plans to graduate 16,842 students at its 20th and 21st combined convocation ceremonies scheduled to hold from November 15 to 20, 2026.

Breakdown of the convocation includes 603 doctoral graduates and 194 first-class degree holders are among the graduands.

This was disclosed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie during a press conference at the institution’s Senate Chamber ahead of the combined convocation ceremonies.

According to the Anyaehie, the graduands comprise students from the 2025 and 2026 academic sets, who have been found worthy In character and learning.

He said that beyond the impressive graduation figures, the ceremonies will also showcase the university’s progress in academic development, medical education, technological advancement, student welfare and infrastructure under the administration’s vision, “A Greater UNIZIK is Possible.”

According to him, for the postgraduate level, the university will graduate 603 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) holders, 29 Master of Philosophy/PhD (MPhil/PhD) candidates, 1,113 master’s degree holders and 294 Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) recipients.

Speaking on the institution’s journey, Anyaehie said: “UNIZIK emerged from the former Anambra State University of Technology (ASUTECH) before its formal establishment as a federal university in 1992.

“It was named after Nigeria’s first President, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, popularly known as the Great Zik of Africa and the university has, over the years, developed into a major centre of higher learning.

“My administration has recorded significant milestones in institutional development, particularly in digital technology, administrative efficiency, medical education, campus security and student welfare.

“One of the major highlights of this administration’s achievements is the expansion of medical education, following the successful re-accreditation of the university’s medical programme by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).”

The VC further disclosed that the university had increased its annual admission quota for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students from 100 to 300, representing a threefold increase.

While noting that the development is expected to expand opportunities for aspiring medical students and strengthen the institution’s contribution to the training of medical personnel for the country, Anyaehie disclosed that the university was upgrading its Medical Centre towards operating as a 24-hour emergency facility to improve access to healthcare services within the university community.

He added: "The administration have also undertaken improvements in campus security through expanded closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage and perimeter lighting.

“Hostel facilities have received attention through the rehabilitation of water supply schemes and restrooms and weekly allocations of diesel for power-generating sets have been provided to improve electricity supply in the hostels.”

On technological advancement, the Vice-Chancellor announced that UNIZIK had been selected for participation in the Federal Government’s $617.7 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme.

According to him, the programme is supported by the Bank of Industry (BOI), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the Islamic Development Bank/African Development Bank (IsDB/AfDB).

Speaking further on his achievement, Anyaehie added: “This administration has also expanded the university’s internet bandwidth to 2Gbps through the AFD-NgREN arrangement, while Galaxy Backbone Network Operations Centre (NOC) equipment has been installed in preparation for the activation of an additional 300Mbps.

“Another major achievement is the establishment of a TETFund ICT Experience Centre at Hall 2 of the university’s Digital Library.

“The centre is equipped to support research, training and practical engagement in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, cybersecurity and software engineering. It is also backed by high-capacity inverter systems to ensure a more reliable power supply.

“The university had equipped its computer laboratories with modern technological facilities, including 200 all-in-one desktop computers, 20 high-performance laptops, 85-inch and 32-inch interactive smart screens, Intel Xeon Core servers, enterprise network switches and video-conferencing equipment.

“In a move aimed at reducing administrative delays and improving students’ access to essential academic services, the university has introduced an online graduate clearance system.

“The electronic platform is designed to eliminate the bottlenecks associated with physical clearance processes and accelerate the issuance of statements of results.

“The university has also digitised its historical registries, academic results and transcript archives to facilitate faster retrieval of academic records.

“The administration had equally revamped the VC Student Portal to establish direct and real-time communication between students and university management.”

He explained that the reforms are part of efforts to improve administrative efficiency, strengthen transparency and make university services more accessible to students.

In the area of academic reputation and institutional competitiveness, Anyaehie announced that UNIZIK had attained a joint fourth position among Nigerian universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.

Anyaehie said: “The institution’s debate team won the 13th All Nigerian Universities Debate Championship (ANUDC) for the first time in its history, marking a significant milestone in the university’s ’ecord of intellectual competitions.

“UNIZIK athletes secured silver and bronze medals at the 12th Federation of African University Sports (FASU) Games held in Cairo, Egypt.

“The achievements reflect the university’s commitment to developing students beyond classroom learning by providing opportunities for intellectual, sporting and personal growth.”

As the graduands prepare to leave the university and confront the challenges and opportunities of the wider society, Anyaehie charged them to build their careers and future endeavours on discipline, self-reliance and excellence.

While describing the graduating students as living evidence of the university’s commitment to academic and character development, he urged them to uphold the values acquired during their years of study.