Plateau State University, Bokkos, will today graduate its inaugural set of postgraduate students, marking a significant advancement in the university’s academic offerings. The 8th and 9th combined convocation ceremony will take place at 10 AM on the university campus, during which several degrees, including Bachelor’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and postgraduate degrees, will be awarded.

Vice Chancellor Professor Shedrack Best announced during a pre-convocation lecture held at the university’s senate chamber on Friday, February 13, that among the graduates are 22 first-class students—11 from each of the two graduating sets. Additionally, Professor Best revealed that two distinguished Nigerians will be awarded honorary doctorates during the ceremony, including former Minister of Defense General Theophilus Danjuma. “We have confirmation that both honorees will be present, and the visitor of the university will also attend, along with other high-profile dignitaries,” he stated while discussing ongoing expansions at the university.

Currently, the student population exceeds 16,000, and starting in September-October—marking the beginning of a new academic session—the university will introduce 16 new academic programs in health sciences. These include programs in physiotherapy, optometry, dietetics, and radiography. The Faculty of Education will also expand with five new programs: education management, guidance and counseling, early childhood education, and two additional programs. The Faculty of Environmental Sciences will introduce a new program in Quantity Surveying, and the Department of Mass Communication will be transitioned into a full faculty, resulting in five new programs under Communication and Media Studies.

Professor Best also highlighted the establishment of a new Faculty of Computing, which will offer programs in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, data science, and AI and Robotics. “We are excited about the new stunning building for the Faculty of Computing, and I am sure everyone is eager to move in,” he added.

Looking ahead, Professor Best expressed confidence that by the 2026/2027 academic session, the university’s enrollment could surpass 20,000 students. “While this progress presents challenges, such as increased demands on infrastructure, energy, water supply, and staffing, we remain undeterred in our commitment to growth,” he stated. Moreover, Professor Best mentioned the university’s evolving demographics, now reflecting a diverse student body from 35 states across Nigeria. “We take pride in this development and are intentional about admitting students from outside Plateau State to ensure our university serves as a mini Nigeria,” he concluded.

Masara Kim

Acting Public Relations Officer, PLASU