The Vice-Chancellor of the NewGate University, Minna, Prof. Sadiq Yusuf, says the institution’s maiden convocation marked a historic milestone built on teamwork, vision and unwavering commitment from all the stakeholders.
Speaking at the convocation ceremony on Wednesday in Minna, Yusuf said the convocation was “not merely a ceremony, but a testament to resilience and collective determination”, as the 207 pioneer graduates walked the stage as the first ambassadors of the institution.
He said the academic performance of the graduands demonstrated excellence and the strength of the university’s standards, with 14 graduating with First Class honours, 81 Second Class Upper, 88 Second Class Lower, and 24 Third Class Degrees.
“You, our pioneer graduates, have shown that excellence is defined not by the age of a university but by the quality of its dream,” he said.
The vice-chancellor described the graduands as “the first, the foundation and the pioneers,” noting that they believed in the institution during its formative years.
“You walked with us when nothing was certain. You believed in us when we were still building. You are forever part of the soul of this university.”
Yusuf urged them to step into the world with confidence, humility and integrity, saying their success would define the university more than its buildings, budgets or policies.
“Carry Newgate with pride, carry your dreams with courage, and carry Africa’s future with responsibility,” he added.
The don announced that the university was entering a new phase of expansion, innovation and global relevance.
According to him, plans are underway to launch new programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Community Health and establish the School of Postgraduate Studies.
Yusuf added that the institution was fully committed to strengthening its research and innovation ecosystem, expand global partnerships, set up a Centre for Distance Learning, and enhance digital and AI-enabled learning platforms.
He said the university was also committed to producing the human capital Nigeria needs for 21st-century development.
Yusuf acknowledged the vision of the Founder and Pro-Chancellor, Dr Nuhu Hassan, describing his belief in establishing a world-class university in Minna as the driving force behind the institution’s achievements.
He stated that the university, which began academic operations in 2022 with 350 students, now has 2,000 students spread across 13 academic programmes in four faculties, with 10 programmes fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He also appreciated the Chancellor, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, the Board of Trustees, Governing Council, Senate, management team, and the Niger Government for providing a conducive environment for growth.
Earlier, Nuhu had charged higher institutions in Nigeria to focus on raising job creators rather than job seekers if the country must achieve sustainable economic development.
He said Newgate University had so far awarded over 400 scholarships, reflecting its commitment to expanding access to quality education.
“True to our name, Newgate stands as a gateway to new opportunities, a cradle where ideas are born, nurtured and transformed,” he said.
According to him, the university is not merely awarding degrees but equipping destinies.
“We are not producing job seekers; we are raising job creators, inventors, builders and entrepreneurs whose footprints will define the next decade,” he said.
