From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Yobe State, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali, has represented Governor Mai Mala Buni at the maiden convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA), in Bauchi State.
The ceremony highlighted the importance of higher education and specialised professional training in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and advancing national development.
In an address delivered on his behalf, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the Federal Government was making efforts to expand access to education, particularly through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
Represented by the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, the president disclosed that 1,798 students, representing 43 per cent of the university’s student population, benefited from NELFUND during the 2025/2026 academic session.
Tinubu said financial constraints should not prevent qualified students from pursuing higher education, describing education as a vital instrument for social mobility and national development.
The Chancellor of the university and Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Mohammed Mera, who formally declared the maiden convocation open, commended governors in the North-East for their contributions to regional development.
He also expressed appreciation to Governor Mai Mala Buni for his continued support for the education sector.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mala M. Audu, congratulated the recipients of honorary doctorate degrees, including the Emir of Argungu and former Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, in recognition of their contributions to society and their respective fields.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the graduation of 50 students from the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Integrated Health Sciences.
Of the graduands, three earned First Class Honours, 20 obtained Second Class Upper Division, 25 graduated with Second Class Lower Division, while two received Third Class Honours.
Wali was accompanied to the ceremony by the Yobe State APC Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Gadaka; Commissioner for Works, Engr. Umar Wakilu; Mandate Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Alhaji Lawan Kolo Geidam; Associate Professor Kalli Alkali Yusuf Gazali; General Manager of the Rural Electrification Commission, Engr. Umar Mustapha Goniri; and Special Adviser on Religious Affairs, Ustaz Babagana Malam Kyari.
The maiden convocation marked a milestone in the university’s development, underscoring the role of higher education and specialised training in building a stronger healthcare system in Nigeria.
