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Rivers State University (RSU) is set to hold its 36th convocation ceremony this weekend, celebrating a major milestone as 8,920 students graduate across various disciplines.
This year’s convocation is particularly significant for several reasons, including the historic graduation of the university’s first set of Nursing students and the upcoming induction of its first cohort of medical doctors.
Key Highlights of the 36th Convocation Ceremony
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nlerum Okognule, during a pre-convocation press briefing in Port Harcourt, emphasized the importance of this year’s event. He noted:
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- It will mark his final convocation as Vice-Chancellor, with his tenure concluding on March 4, 2025.
- The ceremony will celebrate the first Nursing graduates, who were recently inducted as professional nurses by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
- The first cohort of medical doctors will graduate and be inducted by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria in January 2025.
Convocation Schedule
The convocation ceremony will span two days to ensure a streamlined process and avoid overcrowding:
- Thursday, December 12, 2024: A convocation lecture will be delivered by Prof. Lawal Suleiman, former Vice-Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University. The lecture is titled Emerging Technologies in Reshaping the Future of Education and Learning Environment.
- Friday, December 13, 2024: Bachelor’s Degrees will be awarded to undergraduate students.
- Saturday, December 14, 2024: Higher Degrees, including Master’s, Postgraduate Diplomas, and PhD degrees, will be conferred.
Breakdown of Graduating Students
The graduating class includes a total of 8,920 students, categorized as follows:
- Undergraduate Degrees: 6,708 students
- 120 students achieved First Class Honours.
- 1,962 students earned Second Class Honours (Upper Division).
- 4,017 students attained Second Class Honours (Lower Division).
- 757 students graduated with Third Class Degrees.
- 58 students completed with Pass Degrees.
- Postgraduate Degrees: 2,212 students
- 743 Postgraduate Diplomas
- 1,195 Master’s Degrees
- 442 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degrees.
Impactful Milestones
This year’s convocation marks a historic moment for RSU as it celebrates the achievements of its first Nursing graduates.
The induction of these graduates by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria highlights the university’s dedication to expanding its medical and health-related programs.
In addition, the upcoming graduation of its first medical doctors reflects RSU’s growing contribution to the healthcare sector in Nigeria.
Gratitude to the Rivers State Government
Prof. Okognule expressed his deep appreciation for the continuous support provided by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He acknowledged the government’s significant investments in the university, which have contributed to its growth, infrastructure development, and academic achievements.
The Vice-Chancellor also extended his gratitude to the university’s faculty, staff, and students for their hard work and commitment, which have helped RSU maintain its status as a leading institution in Nigeria.
Looking Ahead
As the tenure of Prof. Okognule comes to an end, he looks forward to seeing the university continue to grow under new leadership.
The graduation of the first cohorts of Nursing and Medical students signifies a bright future for RSU and underscores its role in producing professionals who will contribute to national and global development.
Rivers State University invites all stakeholders, families, and friends of the graduates to participate in this momentous occasion and celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2024.