, Maiduguri, will graduate a total of 2,294 students during its first combined convocation ceremony, scheduled to hold on Saturday,){kind=link}
By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
Kashim Ibrahim University (KIU), Maiduguri, will graduate a total of 2,294 students during its first combined convocation ceremony, scheduled to hold on Saturday, January 3, 2026, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Babagana Gutti, has announced.
Professor Gutti made this known on Thursday, January 1, 2026, while addressing journalists at a World Press Conference held at the University’s Council Chamber, marking preparations for the historic ceremony.
According to the Vice Chancellor, the maiden convocation will cover three academic sessions 2022/2023, 2023/2024, and 2024/2025, reflecting the institution’s steady academic growth since its establishment.
A breakdown of the graduands shows that 523 students will graduate from the 2022/2023 session, with five First Class graduates. For the 2023/2024 session, 489 students will receive degrees, including 10 First Class honours. The largest batch, 1,282 students, will graduate in the 2024/2025 session, producing 13 First Class graduates across four faculties.
Professor Gutti described the convocation as a milestone that celebrates nine years of academic excellence and service, noting that the university, formerly known as Borno State University, was conceptualised under the administration of former Governor Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and fully actualised by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who assented to the university’s bill and secured its approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He also commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Visitor to the University, for strengthening the institution through massive infrastructural development, expansion of academic programmes, and sustained support since assuming office.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted major strides recorded under his leadership since October 2024, including the expansion of student enrolment to 4,000 annually, automation of academic and administrative processes, and the strengthening of medical and health science programmes with fully equipped laboratories.
He disclosed that the university currently offers programmes in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS), Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Health Information Management, and Radiography, supported by the construction of what he described as the largest teaching hospital in the state.
As part of activities lined up for the convocation, Professor Gutti announced a preconvocation lecture scheduled for Friday, January 2, 2026, to be delivered by Professor Michael O. Faborode, former Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. The lecture, titled “Insecurity and Environmental Fragility in the Lake Chad Basin Areas: Education, Health and Sustainable Agriculture Tripartite to the Rescue,” will be chaired by Professor Emeritus Abubakar Mustapha, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri.
The main convocation ceremony will take place at the University’s Convocation Square, with Vice President Kashim Shettima attending as Special Guest of Honour.
Professor Gutti further announced the appointment of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), the Ooni of Ife, as the new Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University, following approval by Governor Zulum. He said the convocation will also feature the investiture of the Chancellor and the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on the Chancellor and the Pro Chancellor, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammadu Indimi.
Looking ahead, the Vice-Chancellor revealed plans to introduce postgraduate programmes and establish new faculties, including Engineering, Law, Environmental Sciences, and Computing, alongside additional departments such as Arabic, Physical and Health Education, and Library Science.
He expressed appreciation to the Borno State Government, TETFund, FIRS, the National Assembly, development partners, and the media for their continued support, while calling on stakeholders, parents, and the general public to participate in the convocation.
Professor Gutti concluded by extending condolences to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) over the recent loss of staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Gombe, praying for the repose of their souls and comfort for their families.
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