From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Council for Legal Education has lifted the ban it placed on Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, for violating some of the set operational rules and guidelines as regards legal education.
The Council thus approved that the first and second set of law students (131 Law graduates) who graduated from the school in the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic sessions be mobilized to Law School to further their legal education.
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Haruna Kuje Ayuba, announced the development at the weekend during the 5th combined convocation ceremony of the school, alongside other successes the school has achieved in its academic and non-academic engagements.
The VC stated that a total of 123 Medical Doctors that graduated from the school were inducted by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) in 2024. “Also, there was the indexing of 134 students of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).
“The MLSCN also accredited the Medical Laboratory Science Programme of the University for the training of Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS); while the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), also granted full accreditation of the BSc Architecture Programme of the University.
“Similarly, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) granted full accreditation status to the advertising programme in the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies with a five-year validity period; while we received the results of nine academic programmes that were accredited by the NUC in December 2023. Seven programmes had full accreditation status while two had interim accreditation status.”
The VC highlighted some of the challenges being faced by the school and some of its urgent needs which includes; construction of laboratory complex, library and additional classrooms in Jos campus; completion of the main library complex; expansion of the University Health Centre; purchase of additional vehicles for field-based programmes; expansion of the Chapel to accommodate the growing students’ population; provision of solar streetlights on campus; construction of paved roads on campus; expansion of the ICT centre; upgrade ICT facilities and internet connectivity on campuses; amongst several others.
Regarding the 5th combined convocation, the VC stated that 2,217 students of the university were cleared to graduate having successfully completed their academics and non-academic activities, and also found worthy in both character and learning to be awarded various degrees.
Of the figure, 57 students bagged first class degrees; 519 bagged second class upper degrees; 576 bagged second class lower degrees; 179 bagged third class degrees, while 9 bagged pass degrees. 615 postgraduate students and 262 MBBS students which is unclassified degree also participated in the convocation.
The Pro-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Haruna Andrew, in his remarks, appreciated the leadership skills of the VC and his team which has culminated in the academic and industrial peace and harmony in the school.
He encouraged the graduates to not just see themselves as graduates in caps and gowns, but the future leaders of the society.
“You not only acquired knowledge and good character in Bingham, but have developed the necessary skills to navigate intricacies of the world beyond the walls of the university,” he said.
The Special Guest, Gen. Martin Agwai (Rtd), recalled with nostalgia, the days of little beginning of the school, appreciating the Vice Chancellor and his management team for building on the legacies and good platforms established by the previous managers of the school.
He congratulated the graduating students, and encourage them to be good ambassadors of the school wherever they found themselves.
He said: “We are gathered to celebrate your achievement, acknowledge your hard work and share in the joy of your graduation. I see a room filled with bright, ambitious and talented individuals, who will overcome challenges, embrace opportunities and transform dreams into reality.”
ECWA President Worldwide, Dr. Bagat Mallam, who is the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Bingham University, in his remarks, urged the graduates to utilise the knowledge they gained in the university to better the world in their various fields of endeavours.
He said: “As you move up the ladder in your career, remember the ability to lead. Also remember your personality, attitude, behaviours and interpersonal skills that will ultimately determine your level of success.”
Acting Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, who was represented by John Mairafi, commended Bingham University’s rapid growth.
He said that the commission has implemented curriculum standards and programmes to enable more foreign collaboration, especially with Bingham University.