The Benue State University, BSU, Makurdi would be conferring a total of 17,925 Degrees and Diplomas to deserving graduands at its weekend’s combined convocation ceremony.

The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Joe Iorapuu made this known Thursday at the pre-convocation media briefing of the 22nd, 23rd and 24th Combined Ceremonies of the University.

He explained that of figure 15,101 would receive bachelor’s Degrees, 72 would be conferred Postgraduate Diplomas, 2,196 would receive Master’s Degrees while 556 would be conferred PhD Degrees.

The Vice Chancellor said: “It is important to note that out of 17,925 graduands with Bachelors’ degrees, 44 of them earned First Class and prizes will be awarded to deserving students.”

He stated that the university would be conferring Honorary Doctorate Degrees on six distinguished Nigerians including a former Governor of the State, Senator Gabriel Suswam as well as post-humus honours on the late former Minister of Steel Development, Wantaregh Paul Unongo and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Colonel Joseph Akaahan.

Prof. Iorapuu who disclosed that the convocation ceremony would be his last as Vice Chancellor as he commences the final year of his tenure also stated that it would mark the end of combined convocation ceremonies in the institution hinting that the Visitor to the university, Governor Hyacinth Alia “has given the charge and directed that, going forward, the tradition of Convocation as a yearly event must return.”

He commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for the attention given to the University that enable expansion, growth and development in the institution.

Reeling out his achievements and the accomplishments the institution recorded in the last four years, the Vice Chancellor noted that his tenure had recorded many successes and witnessed tremendous feats in various fields and sectors.

He noted the completion of the Centre for Food Technology and Innovation Complex (CEFTIC) awaiting commissioning, TETFund Disaster Recovery /Rehabilitation University Water Works, TETFund Renovation/Rehabilitation of the BSU Central Library, Construction of Perimeter Fence, Procurement and installation of furnishing for the 576-bed student hostel among others.

On the challenges faced by his administration, Prof. Iorapuu emphasized that “every attempt to run any healthy organization will attract challenges. Identifying and dealing with such crucial drivers of a healthy organization are key.”

He noted that “the disruption of the academic calendar earlier in the year has affected the efforts to stabilize the system. The volatile market uncertainties leading to the high cost of diesel and other running costs especially with increase of energy tariff, continuing agitations of staff over welfare issues, finding alternative sources of income for the University and accessing grants in a competitive environment” among others as some of the challenges confronting the institution.