..As Ms. Azubuike Nkenna Mary Emerges Best Graduating Student
The Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, on Saturday, conferred degrees on 660 graduates at its 13th Convocation ceremony.
The Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. Christian Anieke, declared Ms. Azubuike Nkenna Mary of the Department of Psychology as the overall best graduating student, with a CGPA of 4.96. This is the first time in the university’s history that a person who has been the Vice-Chancellor-for-One-Day has emerged the overall best graduating student.
Prof. Anieke praised Ms. Azubuike’s achievement, stating that she has set a remarkable example for other students to follow. He also commended the university’s graduates, saying that they have been equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their chosen fields.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the university’s achievements, including the establishment of a teaching hospital, a DNA Learning Centre, and the expansion of infrastructure on the permanent site. He also announced that the university has produced 4,431 graduates since its first convocation in 2013.
The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, represented by the Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, congratulated the graduates and reassured them of the state government’s continued support for the university. The Bishop of Enugu Roman Catholic Diocese, Dr. Callistus Onaga, also commended the university’s management for its commitment to excellence.
Two prominent Nigerians, Captain Evarest Nnaji and Mr. Nnamdi Silas Ozor, were awarded honorary doctorate degrees in recognition of their contributions to society. The graduates were urged to be worthy ambassadors of the university and to use their knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in their communities.
In her valedictory speech, Ms. Azubuike Nkenna Mary advised her fellow graduates to set SMART goals and to be prepared for the challenges of the future. She also commended the university’s management for providing a conducive learning environment.
The convocation ceremony was preceded by a Holy Mass, which was celebrated by the Chancellor of the University, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Kaigama. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the Governor of Enugu State, the Bishop of Enugu Catholic Diocese, and the Vice-Chancellor of the university.
The university has recorded several achievements, including winning the Nigerian Debate Championship in 2024 and the Abuja City Journal National Essay in 2025. The university has also established a Directorate of Entrepreneurship, which has trained and empowered 200 student micro startups with over 11 million naira micro credit.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Anieke, expressed his gratitude to the university’s management, staff, and students for their support and commitment to excellence. He also congratulated the graduates on their achievement and wished them success in their future endeavors.
The 13th Convocation ceremony of Godfrey Okoye University was a momentous occasion that marked the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the graduates. The university is committed to providing quality education and equipping its students with the skills necessary to succeed in their chosen fields.
The university has 89 programmes, including 43 undergraduate and 46 postgraduate programmes, and has expanded its infrastructure to accommodate a growing student population. The university is poised to continue making a positive impact in the region and beyond.
