UN Deputy Chief, Sierra Leone’s Bio Lead Celebrations at Baze University’s Historic 12th Convocation

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Baze University, one of Nigeria’s leading private universities, celebrated its 12th Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, November 8, marking a major milestone in its pursuit of academic excellence and leadership development across Africa.

The grand event, held at the university’s main campus in Abuja, drew an impressive gathering of distinguished personalities, including Sierra Leone’s President and ECOWAS Chairman, Julius Maada Bio; United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed; Katsina State Governor, Dr Dikko Umar Radda; ambassadors, industry leaders, and senior government officials.

In her opening address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Jamila Shu’ara congratulated the Class of 2025 and reaffirmed the university’s mission to produce innovators and ethical leaders. She described Baze University as “a community where inclusivity meets innovation,” emphasising the institution’s role in preparing graduates for the challenges of nation-building and global citizenship.

The 12th convocation marked a defining moment in the university’s history, as Baze graduated its first-ever Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidates. In total, 972 degrees were awarded—647 undergraduate, 33 postgraduate diplomas, 276 master’s degrees, and 16 PhDs.

Delivering the convocation lecture, President Julius Maada Bio praised Baze University as “where knowledge meets nationhood,” commending its commitment to nurturing transformative leaders. In recognition of his leadership and contribution to education in Africa, the university named its postgraduate school the Julius Maada Bio Postgraduate School.

Baze University’s Chancellor and Founder, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, PhD, also conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree on Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The award was received on his behalf by Senegal’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Nicolas Auguste Nyouky, who conveyed President Faye’s appreciation for the honour.

A video address from UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed added global prestige to the ceremony. Chairing the event virtually, she lauded Baze University’s forward-looking vision and charged graduates to embrace purpose-driven living.

“Your motto, Learn to Live, is powerful,” she said. “Learning is not just about passing exams; it’s about preparing to live with purpose, courage, and compassion.”

The convocation also recognised academic excellence. Mustapha Habib, from the Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, emerged as Best Overall Graduating Student with a CGPA of 3.93 on a 4.0 scale. Simon Efosa Ebhojaiye (LL.M) and Loveth Abiere Ugele (M.Sc International Relations and Diplomacy) jointly won the Best Master’s Graduate Award, each earning a perfect 5.0 CGPA.

With its 12th convocation concluded, Baze University reaffirmed its place among Africa’s leading centres of learning—shaping minds, driving innovation, and inspiring leadership across the continent.