By Emmanuel Awari -Jalingo
No fewer than Seventeen Thousand, Seven hundred and Fifty Nine students have graduated from the Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, during the institution’s
10th, 11th, 12th and 13th Combined Convocation.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Agbu Kefas tasked Taraba varsity to become a problem-solving institution.
He congratulated the graduates on the successful completion of their academic pursuits and commended the university management for the successful hosting of the convocation ceremony.
The Governor also highlighted some of the achievements of his administration, noting that significant progress had been recorded despite the numerous challenges inherited upon assuming office.
According to him, his administration reduced tuition fees in higher institutions across the state to expand access to tertiary education and ease the financial burden on students and their families.
Governor Kefas further disclosed that the administration supported the accreditation of several academic programmes, secured approval for the induction of Medical Laboratory Science students, and facilitated the admission of Law graduates into the Nigerian Law School.
While reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the education sector, the Governor urged the university to move beyond the award of certificates and position itself as a centre for research, innovation, and practical solutions to societal challenges.
He charged the institution to produce graduates equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with the skills and creativity needed to address real-world problems.
Governor Kefas further advised the graduating students to embrace entrepreneurship, create opportunities for others, and contribute meaningfully to the development of Taraba State and Nigeria at large.
“Today, as Taraba State University celebrates its 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th combined convocation, I warmly congratulate all 17,759 graduands, including the 74 first-class graduates, for reaching this important milestone in their academic journey.
This is not only a celebration of certificates; it is a celebration of perseverance, knowledge, discipline and the future of Taraba State. Your graduation comes at a time when our administration is working to strengthen tertiary education, improve infrastructure and create an environment where our universities can compete nationally and globally.
I commend the management, Senate, Governing Council, lecturers, parents and everyone who contributed to the success of these graduands. The reported accreditation of all 72 programmes currently running at TSU is another important step in the university’s growth.
To our graduands, your journey does not end today. Go out and become problem-solvers, innovators, responsible citizens and worthy ambassadors of Taraba State. Let your education become a tool for transforming your communities and contributing to the development of Nigeria,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Paul Bako, welcomed all distinguished guests to the University and expressed appreciation for their presence at the landmark academic gathering.
He particularly acknowledged the presence of the former Vice-Chancellor of Taraba State University, Prof. Vincent Ado Tenebe, and commended the continued contributions of academics and stakeholders to the development of the institution.
Prof. Bako described Taraba State University as a fast-growing institution, noting that its expanding academic programmes, infrastructure, institutional development and accreditation achievements have continued to attract students from within and outside the state.
He said about 25,000 graduates from four academic sessions were conferred with various degrees at the combined convocation.
Professor Bako urged the graduates to become good ambassadors of the university, shun the pursuit of immediate gratification, uphold integrity and develop problem-solving skills.
He also encouraged them to use the knowledge acquired to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted some of the achievements recorded by the university under his administration and commended Governor Kefas for creating a conducive environment for teaching, learning and administration.
Bako said that
25,000 students would graduate from the 2021–2022 academic session, 4,609 from 2022–2023, 4,666 from 2023–2024 and 5,402 from 2024–2025, adding that 74 of the graduating students would emerge with first-class degrees across the four academic sessions, 22 first-class graduates from the 2021–2022 session, 25 from 2022–2023, 15 from 2023–2024 and 12 from 2024–2025.
“Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, has reached another height with the approval of 24 new undergraduate programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC), effective from the 2026/2027 academic session,” he said.
“The approval followed a successful resource verification exercise conducted by the NUC and was secured under my leadership,” he added.
According to the approval letter issued by the Commission, all the newly approved programmes will be offered on a full-time basis at the university’s main campus in Jalingo, the capital city of Taraba State.
The approved programmes are:
B.A. Sharia, B.A. Christian Theology, B.A. Philosophy, B.A. Religious Studies, B.A. African Traditional Religion, B.A. Classics, B.Sc. Advertisement, B.Sc. Broadcasting
9. B.Sc. Journalism and Media Studies and B.Sc. Public Relations. Others are, B.Sc. Data Science, B.Sc. Information and Communication Technology, B.Sc. Software Engineering, B.Sc. Human Anatomy, B.Sc. Human Physiology, B.Rad. Radiology, B.Sc. Banking and Finance, B.Sc. Meteorology and Climate Studies, B.Sc. Survey and Geo-Informatics, B.Ed. Special Needs Education, B.Ed. Entrepreneurship, B.Ed. Sustainable Development Studies, B.Ed. Human Kinetics and B.Ed. Health Education.
“The approval represents a major expansion of the university’s academic offerings and is expected to increase access to quality higher education while strengthening teaching, research, innovation and community service.
“The latest achievement further proves the university’s commitment to academic excellence and reflects the visionary leadership of Professor Bako and his management team in positioning Taraba State University as a leading institution of higher learning in Nigeria.
With the addition of these 24 programmes, Taraba State University continues to consolidate its status as one of the country’s emerging centres of academic excellence, innovation and globally competitive education.”
He pointed out that the massive graduation figure comes amid a major expansion of the university’s academic capacity, with all 72 programmes now fully accredited and 23 newly introduced programmes approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
According to him, the overall best graduating students for the respective sessions emerged from the Faculty of Science, including a graduate of the Department of Botany in the 2021–2022 session.
In his remarks, the Chancellor of the University, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Umaru Adamu Sanda (OON FIAMN) the Gangwari Ganye, shortly after officially assumed office as the Chancellor of Taraba State University, expressed his profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for the confidence reposed in him and for considering him worthy of the prestigious responsibility.
His Royal Highness also extended his appreciation to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Taraba State University, Ambassador Idris A. D. Waziri (CON), and the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Sunday Paul Bako, for their support and confidence in his capacity to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the institution.
The Gangwari Ganye pledged to discharge his responsibilities with diligence, integrity and commitment, while contributing his wealth of experience and traditional leadership to the continued growth, development and academic excellence of Taraba State University, Jalingo.
