The Federal University of Kashere (FUK), Gombe State, has announced the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on Dr. Kole Shettima, the Country Director of the MacArthur Foundation, and Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
The conferment will take place during the university’s combined 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th convocation ceremony scheduled for Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the main campus in Kashere.
Also set to be honoured are Ambassador Dr. Lawrence Agbuzu, Chancellor of the university; Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, former Governor of Abia State; and Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation.
Speaking at a pre-convocation press briefing, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Umaru Pate, said the honourees were carefully selected in recognition of their outstanding contributions to national development, leadership, and public service. He noted that the decision to confer the honorary degrees was unanimously approved by the University Senate and Governing Council.
Professor Pate also revealed that the convocation lecture, themed “Evolution of Medical Science: Past, Present and Future,” will be delivered on Friday, July 4, by Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.
According to the vice chancellor, a total of 6,870 students will graduate, including 91 First Class recipients, 1,899 Second Class Upper, 3,917 Second Class Lower, 960 with Third Class, and three with Pass degrees.
Highlighting key developments, Professor Pate disclosed that 8,266 students have so far benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme, with a total disbursement exceeding ₦1.73 billion. The funds, he said, cover service charges and monthly upkeep allowances, easing financial burdens on students and promoting academic stability.
He described the student loan initiative as “one of the most transformative interventions in Nigeria’s tertiary education history,” commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the federal government for championing inclusive human capital development.
The convocation promises to be a celebration of excellence, honouring trailblazers and reaffirming the university’s commitment to academic and national progress.
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