Speaking at a pre-convocation press briefing on Monday at the university’s main campus, Fawehinmi described the event as a significant milestone for the institution, noting that it would be his first convocation since assuming office.

He said the briefing was aimed at giving an overview of the eight-day combined convocation ceremonies and highlighting key developments within the university.

According to him, the ceremonies will celebrate graduates from the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions, stressing that the institution is committed to producing graduates who are strong both in academics and character.

He expressed pride in the graduating students, saying they had been trained not only in knowledge and skills but also in moral values.

Providing a breakdown of the graduands, the vice-chancellor disclosed that 7,158 students are from the 2022/2023 academic session, while 5,466 are from the 2023/2024 session.

For the 29th convocation (2022/2023 set), he said 48 students graduated with First Class, 2,048 with Second Class Upper, 4,418 with Second Class Lower, and 644 with Third Class.

For the 30th convocation (2023/2024 set), he added that 29 students earned First Class, 1,395 graduated with Second Class Upper, 3,091 with Second Class Lower, and 951 with Third Class.

He further revealed that the university will reward academic excellence by offering automatic employment to the overall best graduating students from both sets.

Fawehinmi also disclosed that the institution will confer honorary doctorate degrees on some distinguished Nigerians in recognition of their contributions to society.

He said the honourees include Professor Yusuff Olaolu Ali, SAN, Mr Paul Odili, and Mr Emmanuel Ayuba Iza.

In addition, he noted that the university will host a public lecture on drug abuse, themed “High Today, Low Tomorrow: The Real Cost of Drug Abuse on Campus,” to be delivered by the Director-General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

On academic development, he said the university has maintained strong programme accreditation with the National Universities Commission and other professional bodies, while ensuring a stable academic calendar.

He also highlighted research progress, noting that the institution has attracted grants from TETFund and other partners, including about ₦4 billion for the College of Health Sciences.

Addressing past leadership challenges, the vice-chancellor acknowledged previous administrative instability but said normalcy has since been restored.

He commended the Federal Government and stakeholders for supporting staff welfare, noting that several academic staff had been promoted, with some promotions backdated after years of stagnation.

On infrastructure, he listed ongoing and completed projects including a Senate Chamber, a Central Research Laboratory building, a Computer-Based Test Centre, and expansion of the university’s digital infrastructure.

He also emphasized growing international and local collaborations aimed at strengthening research and innovation.

On discipline, he said the university had expelled 28 students in February for offences including examination malpractice, drug possession, and other misconduct, stressing that indiscipline would not be tolerated.

While acknowledging funding and infrastructure challenges, he expressed optimism about the university’s future, saying strategic planning and partnerships would drive continued growth.

He thanked members of the press for their support and partnership in promoting the institution.