By Ammar M. Rajab At its 9th convocation ceremony, the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) in Katsina conferred degrees and diplomas upon...
By Ammar M. Rajab
At its 9th convocation ceremony, the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) in Katsina conferred degrees and diplomas upon 5,579 students. Among these graduates, 297 were postgraduates, including 18 PhD recipients, 226 Master's degree holders, 53 with professional diplomas, and the remaining with postgraduate diplomas.
At the undergraduate level, 4,282 students graduated, with 44 attaining first-class honours, 872 achieving second-class upper division, 2,273 earning second-class lower division, 1,076 receiving third-class, and 17 attaining pass degrees.
In his address, FUDMA’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Armaya’u Bichi, highlighted the university's ongoing struggles with security, which have forced the institution to operate from its smaller, temporary campus. “Due to the prevailing security situation in and around Dutsin-Ma, we have had to vacate the main campus, crowding our activities within the take-off campus, which lacks adequate structures and facilities to accommodate our 14 faculties and the substantial number of staff and students," he stated.
Despite these constraints, Prof. Bichi emphasized the university's recent progress in maintaining stability and adhering to its academic calendar, ensuring timely graduation for its students. “Under my leadership, FUDMA has enjoyed a period of unprecedented peace and stability, which has supported the steady academic progress,” he added.
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| FUDMA Vice Chancellor, Prof. Armaya'u Bichi |
King Jaja of Opobo, Dandeson Douglas, Chancellor of FUDMA and Chairman of the Convocation, commended the university’s strides in boosting internally generated revenue (IGR). "We have established several units, including a consultancy service, a microfinance bank, a water factory, primary and secondary schools, and a printing press, all aimed at improving our IGR. As Chancellor, I will continue to engage the federal government, philanthropic organizations, private entities, and alumni to support the institution’s needs," he said.
Douglas also urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address the security challenges affecting the campus. “It is imperative to address the security issues that have made activities at the main campus impossible. The entire convocation is being held at our take-off campus, which is insufficient in both structure and facilities,” he noted.
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| King Jaja of Opobo, Dandeson Douglas, Chancellor of FUDMA and Chairman of the Convocation, |
Addressing the graduates, Douglas encouraged them to embody the values of FUDMA by promoting resilience, hard work, and integrity. “Be proud ambassadors of your alma mater and country wherever you go, and shun all forms of criminality,” he advised.
He also urged graduates to take advantage of government youth empowerment initiatives, such as the NYSC skill acquisition program and agricultural schemes, to create self-employment rather than relying on limited white-collar jobs.
Representing President Bola Tinubu at the event, Prof. Abdulkarim Mohammed, Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Dutse, reiterated the administration's commitment to tackling insecurity.
“The government is dedicated to eradicating all forms of terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry in Nigeria. However, security is a collective responsibility, and we urge all citizens to assist by providing information on suspicious activities to security agencies,” he said.
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| Prof. Abdulkarim Mohammed, Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Dutse |
The president further encouraged students to explore opportunities under the Nigerian Loan Scheme, which has disbursed over N70 billion to support young entrepreneurs. He also reminded Nigerians that the success of the country rests not only on government efforts but on collective actions by all citizens.
In recognition of their contributions to Nigerian society, FUDMA conferred honorary degrees (Honoris Causa) upon four prominent individuals: First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senator Alu Magatakarda Wamakko, and Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi, Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations.
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