UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Sierra Leone President Speak at Baze University’s 12TH Convocation
Baze University, one of Nigeria’s leading private universities, held its 12th Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at its main campus in Abuja, marking another milestone in its pursuit of academic excellence and innovation.
The ceremony attracted an impressive array of dignitaries, including His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chairman of ECOWAS; United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Mrs. Amina J. Mohammed; Katsina State Governor, Dr. Dikko Umar Radda; as well as ambassadors, envoys, royal fathers, heads of MDAs, senior military officers, private industry leaders, and other distinguished guests.
In her welcome address, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jamila Shu’ara, congratulated the graduating class and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and character development. She emphasized the institution’s diverse and inclusive learning environment as a foundation for holistic education and national development.
This year’s convocation was historic, as Baze University graduated its first-ever cohort of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) candidates. In total, 972 students received degrees, comprising 647 undergraduates, 33 Postgraduate Diploma holders, 276 Master’s graduates, and 16 doctoral recipients.
Delivering the convocation address, President Julius Maada Bio praised Baze University’s contribution to nurturing knowledge and leadership, describing it as “where knowledge meets nationhood.” He also commended the university for naming its postgraduate school in his honour, the Julius Maada Bio Postgraduate School.
The Chancellor and Founder of Baze University, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, PhD, conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree on the President of Senegal, 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 to the university.
A special highlight of the ceremony was a video message from the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Mrs. Amina J. Mohammed, who served as Chairperson of the event. Commending the university’s vision, she urged graduates to live with purpose, courage, and compassion.
“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 event also celebrated outstanding academic performances. Mustapha Habib, from the Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, emerged as the Best Overall Graduating Student with a CGPA of 3.93 on a 4.0 scale. In the postgraduate category, Simon Efosa Ebhojaiye (LL.M, Faculty of Law) and Loveth Abiere Ugele (M.Sc, International Relations and Diplomacy) both achieved perfect CGPAs of 5.0, earning the joint Best Master’s Graduate award.
With the successful hosting of its 12th Convocation, Baze University reaffirmed its status as a premier institution driving academic excellence, innovation, and leadership in Nigeria’s higher education landscape, while deepening collaboration among academia, government, industry, and traditional institutions.