The 13th convocation ceremony of Al-Hikmah University officially commenced with the Vice- Chancellor’s Press briefing on Monday 4th October 2023 at the university Council Chamber, Adeta campus, Ilorin, Kwara state.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Noah Yusuf, in his speech, stated that the 2023 convocation ceremony is unique as it will be hosting the Vice Present of the country, his excellency, Sen. Kashim Shettima, GCON, and it is also the first to be held at the University’s main campus in Atere. He added that other events of the convocation ceremony include the commissioning of Sen. Kashim Shettima Nursing Science Block at the Adeta campus on Friday at 8:30am; commissioning of Faculty of Law Moot Court at Atere campus by 9:30 a.m.; the delivery of the convocation lecture by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, at 10:00 a.m. on Friday 8th December, and Conferment of Honorary degree, Award of Degrees, Diplomas and Special prizes on Saturday 9th of December by 10:00 a.m. at Atere campus.
Prof Yusuf stated that a lot of infrastructural developments have been achieved from last year till date, notably the opening of Atere campus, which currently houses the Faculties of Law, Management Sciences
which was funded by the three Honorary Doctorate Degree Awardees of 2022) Education, as well as the Centre for Peace and Security Studies, and the Postgraduate School.
The Vice-Chancellor also revealed that some other notable achievements of the University are: upgrading and total transformation of the campus environment; collaborations and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with some universities in Nigeria and abroad, among which are Lakeside University College, Accra, Ghana, Amet University, India, Cavalla International University USA, Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese and Fountain University, Osogbo; successful accreditation of 48 out of 51 undergraduate programmes as well as Postgraduate programmes with full accreditation status; inauguration of Al-Hikmah road marshal unit for the management of roads around the campus environs; fencing of Adeta and Igbaja campuses as a positive step towards the Safe School programme; as well as Staff and students welfare support services, including the construction of a standard gymnastic centre, 5-aside football field and provision of hostel recreation facilities.
Prof. Yusuf emphasised that the university is facing some challenges, such as funding for more infrastructural development, as captured succinctly in his words: “We need sponsors for the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Engineering, as well as developing the vast land resources at Faculty of Agriculture in Igbaja campus into a full-scale agricultural enterprise.”
The Vice-Chancellor also solicited Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) support from the federal government for private universities in the country, adding that, because private universities contribute to the socio-economic development of the country, they also deserve infrastructural development support and grants from the federal government.
He also expressed his delight at completing all mandatory and necessary steps towards ensuring the success of this year’s convocation ceremony. He further commended the press members present for being partners in the progress of the university over the years.