Baze University has graduated its first cohort of doctoral students during its 12th Convocation Ceremony held in Abuja. The event also saw the conferment of an honorary doctorate in political science (honoris causa) on the president of Senegal, His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Faye, in recognition of his leadership and contribution to education and democracy in Africa.
President Faye, represented by the Senegalese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Nicolas Auguste Nyouky, expressed gratitude for the recognition and commended Baze University for promoting quality education and fostering cross-border academic collaboration.
In her convocation address, the vice-chancellor described the graduating students as ambassadors of integrity, creativity and excellence. She praised their resilience, discipline, and character. She encouraged them to remain resourceful, committed and honest in all their pursuits, emphasising that their certificates would unlock opportunities both within and outside Nigeria.
This year, a total of 972 students graduated, comprising 647 undergraduates, 33 Postgraduate Diploma recipients, 276 Master’s degree holders and 16 doctoral graduates—the first PhDs in the university’s history.
Outstanding academic achievers included Simon Efosa Ebhojaiye, who graduated with an LL.M. in Law, and Loveth Abiere Ugele, who earned an M.Sc. in International Relations and Diplomacy, both recognised as the Best Overall Postgraduate Graduates.
The ceremony also marked the naming of the School of Postgraduate Studies after the President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, who delivered the commencement address. President Bio commended Baze University for nurturing a new generation of leaders and innovators across Africa.
Baze University continues to build its reputation as a leading centre of research, innovation and entrepreneurship. It offers a wide range of postgraduate programmes across disciplines, including law, engineering, accounting, international relations, psychology, management and medicine, among others. Doctoral programmes are available in over twenty fields, including law, economics, engineering, medicine and social sciences.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the university’s diverse and experienced staff, blending industry expertise with academic excellence. The Faculty of Law includes fourteen professors, among them four Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), while the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy boasts three ambassadors, two retired army generals, and several former federal permanent secretaries. The College of Medicine and Health Sciences comprises experienced clinicians and consultants contributing to both teaching and practice.
Since its establishment, Baze University has graduated over 3,900 students and currently has more than 4,200 registered students across ten faculties. It has secured full accreditation from the National Universities Commission and nine professional regulatory bodies covering disciplines such as engineering, law, medicine, nursing, architecture, and estate management.
Students from the Faculty of Environmental Sciences were recognised for their role in designing and constructing the Baze University Hospital and its laboratories, as well as their contributions to the development of the School of Postgraduate Studies.
The Vice-Chancellor concluded by reaffirming the university’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and character formation, noting that the graduation of the first PhD cohort demonstrates Baze University’s dedication to timely programme completion and producing graduates who contribute meaningfully to national and global development.