Picture: Prof Anyaechie
…603 PhD holders, 194 First Class graduates as university holds 20th, 21st combined convocation
By David Onwuchekwa
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, is set to graduate a total of 16,842 students during its 20th and 21st Combined Convocation Ceremonies scheduled for November 15 to 20, 2026, marking another significant milestone in the institution’s academic history.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing at the Council Chambers, UNIZIK, where he outlined the graduation figures and highlighted major administrative, technological and infrastructural achievements recorded by his administration.
According to him, the combined convocation will feature graduates from the 2025 and 2026 academic sessions who have successfully completed their various programmes and have been found worthy in character and learning.
Breaking down the figures, Anyaehie disclosed that 14,803 students will graduate with first degrees, while 2,039 will receive postgraduate qualifications.
Among the first-degree graduands are 194 First Class Honours recipients, 4,230 Second Class Upper Division graduates, 7,992 Second Class Lower Division graduates, 1,936 Third Class graduates and 65 Pass degree holders.
Another 486 students will graduate with unclassified medical and professional degrees.
The postgraduate category features an impressive 603 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates, representing a significant contribution to advanced scholarship and research development by the university.
The Vice-Chancellor described the forthcoming ceremonies as an opportunity to celebrate the academic accomplishments of the graduands while showcasing the university’s steady transformation and institutional progress.
Reflecting on the institution’s history, Anyaehie recalled that UNIZIK evolved from the former Anambra State University of Technology (ASUTECH) before becoming a Federal University in 1992. The institution was named after Nigeria’s first President and foremost nationalist, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, popularly known as Zik of Africa.
He noted that the university had continued to build on the vision and legacy of its founding fathers, evolving into a major centre of higher learning.
The Vice-Chancellor said his administration’s development agenda was anchored on the vision, “A Greater UNIZIK is Possible,” through which it had pursued administrative reforms, technological advancement and infrastructural development.
He expressed pride in the progress recorded, stressing that the achievements went beyond graduation statistics to reflect a broader institutional commitment to academic excellence, innovation and sustainable development.
The 20th and 21st Combined Convocation Ceremonies are expected to bring together graduands, their families, academics, university stakeholders and dignitaries to celebrate the achievements of the institution and its graduating students.
With 16,842 graduands, including 194 First Class recipients and 603 PhD holders, the forthcoming convocation promises to be a major celebration of academic achievement and UNIZIK’s continuing contribution to manpower development in Nigeria.
Tags: #UNIZIK #Convocation2026 #HigherEducation
