In a significant press briefing held at the conference hall of Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA) on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Armaya'u Hamisu Bichi, provided detailed insights into the upcoming ninth convocation ceremony. Scheduled for Friday and Saturday, November 1 and 2, 2024, the event is meticulously planned, with notable guests from various sectors across the country expected to attend.

Professor Bichi announced that the ceremony would commence on Friday, November 1, with a keynote address by His Excellency, the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Uba Sani, highlighting the state's support for educational development. Following this, a grand appreciation banquet will be held in Katsina, providing the university an opportunity to express its gratitude to those who have contributed to its progress.

On Saturday, November 2, at 10 a.m., the main convocation ceremony will take place at the university campus, where over 4,800 students who have completed their studies in postgraduate and undergraduate programs will be honored. This includes 307 students who completed their master’s and Ph.D. degrees, along with 4,588 undergraduates.

A highlight of the event is the conferral of honorary degrees upon four distinguished Nigerians for their contributions to national development and educational support. Among the honorees is Her Excellency, Senator Remi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, recognized for her advocacy for female education and protection of students’ rights. Notably, she played a vital role in securing the release of five female students who had been abducted, subsequently supporting their education up to their current levels.

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, will also be awarded an honorary degree for his efforts in enhancing legislative activities and his steadfast commitment to the university’s advancement. Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, former governor of Sokoto State and current chairman of the Senate Committee on Security, will receive an honorary degree for his dedication to improving security in the Northwest region and his ongoing support for the university’s development.

Additionally, Honorable Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, will be honored for his commitment to the university, including funding infrastructure projects and providing scholarships for students in his constituency over the past five years, helping them fulfill their academic dreams.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bichi, also emphasized the special security measures in place to ensure the safety of all attendees, saying, "We have coordinated with security agencies to ensure robust protection for everyone." The university further confirmed that security in the region has improved, enabling plans to relocate back to its permanent site following the convocation ceremony.

On the topic of employment opportunities for graduating students, Professor Bichi explained that the university is keen on hiring graduates as part of a strategy to enhance their expertise across various departments. "We focus on recruiting skilled graduates to continue training in specialized fields where they have excelled," he noted.

Federal University Dutsinma looks forward to making this convocation a memorable occasion, one that underscores the importance of education and the university’s contribution to national development.