BSU Awards 17,925 Degrees, PGD, Diplomas As Late Col Akaahan, Pa Unongo, Receive Posthumous Honours

The Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi, will this weekend confer a total of 17,925 degrees and diplomas to deserving graduates during the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th combined convocation ceremonies of the university.

Senator Gabriel Suswam, a former governor of Benue State, is among those who will receive various degrees, while the late Pa Paul Unongo and a late former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Col Joseph Akaahan, will receive posthumous honours.

According to the figures, 15,101 graduates will receive bachelor’s degrees, 72 will receive postgraduate diploma (PGD) certificates, 2,196 will receive master’s degrees, and 556 will be awarded PhD degrees.

Addressing reporters at a pre-convocation briefing in Makurdi on Thursday, BSU Vice Chancellor Prof. Joe Iorpuu announced that other distinguished Nigerians would also receive honorary doctorate degrees on the occasion.

Among those who will receive honorary doctorate degrees are Senator Gabriel Suswam, a former Governor of the state; Wantaregh Paul Unongo, a former Minister of Steel Development; and the late and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Colonel Joseph Akaahan, who will both receive posthumous honours.

He further stated: “It is important to note that out of 17,925 graduates with bachelor’s degrees, 44 of them earned First Class, and prizes will be awarded to deserving students.”

While he explained that this year’s combined ceremony would be the last of its kind at BSU, he also stated that Governor Hyacinth Alia, the institution’s visitor, has directed that the tradition of convocation as a yearly event be reinstated in the future.

He praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for her attention to the university, which resulted in BSU’s expansion, growth, and development.

Prof. Iorpuu did, however, note that his tenure was marked by numerous successes and incredible feats in a variety of fields and sectors.

He stated that BSU has seen the completion of the Centre for Food Technology and Innovation Complex (CEFTIC), which is awaiting unveiling; the TETFund Disaster Recovery/Rehabilitation University Water Works; the TETFund Renovation/Rehabilitation of the BSU Central Library; the construction of the perimeter fence; and the procurement and installation of furniture for the 576-bed student hostel, among other things.