UNN's 51st Convocation Anticipates 288 First-Class Graduates
University of Nigeria Nsukka's 51st Convocation Celebrates Excellence, Honors Distinguished Achievers
Mary Nwaeze 
A total of 288 students are set to graduate with first-class degrees during the 51st Convocation of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), as announced by the University's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Igwe, during a pre-convocation press briefing in Enugu on Tuesday.
The convocation will see the conferment of 11,444 first degrees, with 4,853 and 5,077 students attaining 2nd Class Upper Division and 2nd Class Lower Division, respectively. Additionally, 653 students will receive Third Class, seven will receive Passes, and 616 will be Unclassified. The Unclassified category applies to graduates of courses such as medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine that are not typically categorized into first, second, or third class.
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Furthermore, 67 diplomas will be awarded, comprising seven Distinctions, 35 Credits, 22 Merits, and three Passes. The convocation will also witness the awarding of a total of 1,451 postgraduate degrees and diplomas, with 479 individuals earning Doctorate Degrees and 884 individuals receiving Master’s Degrees. Additionally, 88 postgraduate diplomas will be conferred during the ceremony.
Four distinguished Nigerians will be honored with honorary doctorate degrees from the University, including Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director of Fidelity Bank PLC, who will receive a Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa). Other recipients are Mr. Ogbonnaya Onovo, former Inspector General of Police, Major-General J. O. J. Okoloagu (Rtd), and Ugochukwu Weli, all of whom will be awarded Honorary Doctorate Degrees in Public Administration (Honoris Causa).
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The tradition of elevating retired professors to the status of Professor Emeritus will continue, with seven professors recognized for their contributions. The University has also achieved significant progress in academic output, staff promotion, infrastructural development, and research grants.
A notable development is the upgrade of the Centre for Environmental Management and Control (CEMAC) to a Joint NNPC/SPDC Joint Venture Centre of Excellence in Environmental Management and Green Energy (CEMAGE), thanks to the support of joint venture partners Shell Petroleum Company and the NNPC.
In addition, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently endowed a Professorial chair in telecommunications at the University, valued at N30 million, aimed at enhancing research and innovation.
The 51st convocation is scheduled to take place on Saturday at the UNN campus, and Prof. Charles Igwe expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, friends, alumni, and other supporters for their contributions to the university's progress.
