FUL Convocation.

The federal government has been charged to provide targeted economic concessions towards alleviating prevailing challenges and addressing the critical financial challenge faced by universities in the country.

The Pro-chancellor and Chairman of, Governing Council, Federal University Lokoja, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, gave the suggestion at the 8th convocation ceremony of the institution in Lokoja on Saturday.

Ndoma disclosed that universities are not just institutions and centers of learning, but the foundations for the nation’s intellectual and innovative future.

He appreciated the federal government for the interventions, especially TETFund which the university benefits from and confessed that the university continues to face significant financial challenges on several fronts.

“The prevailing global and national economic crisis has led to dwindling funding to universities, the world over,” adding that FUL is however resolved to emplace a culture of prudent and efficient use of scarce resources.

“In addition, part of the goals of the Council is to optimally mobilise all the resources available, physical and intangible, especially the strategic location of the university at the Confluence city of Lokoja to accelerate its growth and development.

“Council is also committed to supporting management to leverage its network to attract projects and Public Private Partnerships to broaden the infrastructural base of the University.”

To the graduates, he said: “As you step out into the world, you will be faced with challenges, choices and opportunities. How you respond to them will define the kind of ambassadors you will be for this University.”

“Your reputation will be built not only on your qualifications and skills but on your honesty and ethical conduct. Never compromise your values for short-term gains. In a world where shortcuts and unethical behaviours often seem tempting, I urge you to resist them. Always remember that true success is built on zeal and doing what is right, especially when no one is watching.

Egba commended the Vice Chancellor Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi for the exponential growth witnessed in the university under his leadership. “We have seen significant progress in academic programmes, infrastructure, and research. Federal University Lokoja is steadily growing into a globally competitive institution, and this is largely due to the dedication and vision of the university management, staff, and students under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor”.

The Vice-Chancellor in his remarks said a total of two thousand, one hundred and ninety-six thousand students, including postgraduate students, are being awarded first and higher degrees across diverse fields of study.

He disclosed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved new academic programmes for the university, including LL.B. Law, Pharm. D. (Doctor of Pharmacy), B.Agric, B.MLS (Medical Laboratory Science), and B.Ed. Educational Management and Planning, said admissions for these programmes are ongoing for the 2024/2025 academic session, reflecting a commitment to broadening the academic opportunities available at the institution.