By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

Bingham University, Karu, on Saturday celebrated its 6th Convocation Ceremony alongside its 20th anniversary, featuring major presentations that highlighted its remarkable growth, expanding visibility, and strengthened academic culture.

The event, held on the university’s campus in Nasarawa State, brought together top dignitaries, academics, parents, and graduands to mark two decades of transformative impact.

A total of 1,574 graduands from the 2024/2025 academic session received first and postgraduate degrees, while the university also unveiled a commemorative book, “Bingham University @ 20,” chronicling its two-decade journey.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Haruna Kuje Ayuba, described the ceremony as a profound moment of gratitude and reflection on the university’s steady progress. He emphasized that the institution’s uninterrupted, successive convocations reflect its resilience, stability, and unwavering pursuit of academic excellence.

Prof. Ayuba noted that Bingham University—founded by the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA)—has remained consistent in delivering high-quality, Christ-centered education.

“Our 20-year journey has been marked by resilience, strategic growth, and a commitment to transforming lives and communities,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor outlined major achievements in recent years, including significant infrastructural development and the introduction of new academic programmes designed to meet contemporary societal needs. He also highlighted the establishment of specialized centres that have expanded research opportunities and strengthened the university’s capacity for innovation.

Prof. Ayuba further disclosed that Bingham University’s influence now extends beyond Nigeria, noting its success in winning competitive research grants and forging global institutional partnerships.

He celebrated the institution’s pioneering accomplishment as the first university to launch joint postgraduate programmes through the NUC articulation framework, describing it as “a historic benchmark in Nigeria’s higher education sector.”

He also announced the university’s continental recognition through the prestigious Good Financial Grant Practice (GFGP) certification by the African Academy of Sciences—making Bingham University the first institution in Africa to earn the award. Through this recognition, the university is currently mentoring institutions in eight African countries on strengthening grant management systems.

In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, retired Supreme Court Justice Hon. Justice James O. Ogebe, praised the university’s steady growth and expressed pride as a former Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He commended past and present leaders for ensuring the institutional stability that has made Bingham one of Nigeria’s most respected faith-based universities.

Justice Ogebe paid special tribute to former Vice Chancellor Prof. W. B. Qurix for laying a solid foundation, and lauded the current Vice Chancellor for sustaining and expanding that legacy through improved infrastructure, broadened academic offerings, and enhanced research capacity.

He also emphasized the university’s strong moral and spiritual foundation, anchored on Christian values, integrity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. In addition, he thanked the National Universities Commission (NUC) for supporting the institution through critical developmental phases.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and President of ECWA, Rev. (Dr.) Job Ayuba Bagat Mallam, expressed deep gratitude to God for the tremendous progress achieved over two decades. He praised the university community for sustaining a vibrant academic and institutional culture.

He applauded the Chancellor, His Royal Highness Pharmacist Luka Baba Panya, alongside the Pro-Chancellor, Council members, and management team for collectively steering the university toward excellence. Dr. Bagat Mallam reaffirmed the BOT’s commitment to supporting the institution’s vision, especially as it expands academic programmes, deepens research capacity, and enhances opportunities for staff and students.

He described the GFGP certification as a strong testament to Bingham University’s credibility and leadership within Africa’s higher education landscape.

As the institution celebrated the achievements of the 2024/2025 graduating class, messages from the principal speakers collectively underscored Bingham University’s rising profile as a centre of academic excellence, innovation, and moral leadership.

With two decades behind it and a renewed commitment across all levels of leadership, stakeholders expressed optimism that the next chapter of Bingham University’s history will bring even greater global relevance, academic breakthroughs, and spiritual impact.