Nasarawa Varsity Set to Honour BUA Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu and Tanzanian President Samia Hassan; 25,000 Students to Graduate at 25th Anniversary Convocation

Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), has “flipped the script” on its 25th-anniversary celebrations by inviting a mix of global political leadership and industrial might to its hallowed halls. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sa’adatu Liman revealed that the institution will bestow honorary doctorates on Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu. The “Solution” to making the university’s Silver Jubilee truly historic was to select leaders who have made “outstanding contributions to national and global development.”

The “Renewed Hope” for a world-class convocation comes as the university prepares to process its largest-ever batch of graduates. Over 25,000 students across three academic years are expected to attend the April 11 ceremony. Prof. Liman noted that while the university is celebrating its “Tsunami” of growth over the last quarter-century, it remains committed to the National Universities Commission (NUC) guidelines on honorary degrees. “We are following the Keffi Declaration,” she stated, “limiting our honors to just three exceptional individuals to ensure the awards remain a true mark of distinction.”

For Abdul Samad Rabiu, the honor adds another feather to a cap already filled with national and international recognitions for his philanthropic work through the BUA Foundation. Meanwhile, the inclusion of President Samia Hassan who will receive a Doctor of Letters marks a significant diplomatic milestone for the university. Despite some “digital trenches” debate online regarding political issues in East Africa, the university administration has stood by its decision, describing the Tanzanian leader as an “Amazon” of African governance.

As the town of Keffi prepares for the arrival of these global titans, the “Drill or Drop” focus for the university remains its academic excellence. With 82 first-class graduates leading the pack, the 2026 convocation is shaping up to be a defining moment for the institution. For the students, the message is clear: they are graduating into a world where excellence is recognized at the highest levels, and their university is now a bridge between Nigeria and the rest of the continent.