Yakubu Gowon University Graduates 12,624 as Tribune Editor Taiwo Adisa Bags PhD

The University of Abuja, recently renamed Yakubu Gowon University, has graduated a total of 12,624 students during its combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies. Among the graduands was Nigerian Tribune General Editor, Taiwo Adisa, who earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Political Communication.

The convocation, held on Saturday at the university’s main campus in Abuja, also saw the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on distinguished Nigerians. Those honoured included businessman Paul Odili, alongside Yusuf Ali and Emmanuel Issa, in recognition of their notable contributions to society.

Adisa, a veteran journalist and former Chief Press Secretary to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, previously earned a Master’s degree from the University of Ibadan and a diploma from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism. His doctoral achievement represents years of academic pursuit and professional commitment.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Hakeem Fawehunmi revealed that the 12,624 graduands were drawn from the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions. He explained that 7,158 students graduated in the 2022/2023 session, including 48 with First Class honours, while 5,466 students graduated in the 2023/2024 session, with 29 First Class degrees recorded.

In the postgraduate category, covering the period between March 2024 and March 2026, the university produced 815 Postgraduate Diploma holders, 1,724 Academic Master’s graduates, 1,244 Professional Master’s graduates, 729 PhD holders, and 64 Professional Doctorates.

Addressing the graduands, Fawehunmi urged them to uphold strong values alongside their academic achievements.

“Wherever you go, remember to guard the reputation of this university. Let your integrity and service to humanity define you,” he said.

In his remarks after receiving an honorary doctorate, Odili expressed appreciation to the institution and encouraged Nigerians to remain steadfast in pursuing their aspirations.

“For a village boy like me to be honoured today shows that dreams are valid. Regardless of your background, keep believing—it is possible,” he said.

He also pledged to collaborate with the university’s management to tackle some of its infrastructural and developmental challenges within the next two years.

The convocation ceremonies were held over two days, with first degrees awarded on April 17, 2026, and postgraduate and honorary degrees conferred on April 18, 2026.