The graduation ceremony of the University for Development Studies (UDS) took on a solemn and reflective tone on Saturday when the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Seidu Al-Hassan, paid a moving tribute to members of the university community who passed away during the year.

Addressing graduating students, faculty, parents and invited guests, Prof. Al-Hassan paused the celebratory atmosphere to honour the memories of students and staff who lost their lives in the course of their academic pursuits and in service to the University and humanity.

Among those remembered was the former Dean of the School of Engineering, Prof. Abdul Ganiyu Shaibu, whose passing, the Vice-Chancellor noted, was a profound loss to the UDS community. He described Prof. Shaibu as a dedicated academic and administrator whose “remarkable leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of engineering education at UDS have left an enduring legacy that will be remembered for generations.”

The Vice-Chancellor also paid tribute to students who passed away before completing their academic journeys. He acknowledged their dreams, ambitions and the sacrifices made by their families, stressing that although they did not live to graduate, their place in the history of the University remains honoured and cherished.

In a related address, Prof. Al-hassan expressed deep concern for students who sustained injuries in a recent gas explosion at their hostels. He assured the public that the affected students were receiving appropriate medical care and were steadily recovering. He appealed to the university community and the general public to keep the injured students in their prayers for full and speedy recovery.

The Vice-Chancellor’s remarks set the tone for a ceremony characterised by quiet reflection and collective remembrance, as the gathering observed moments of solemnity in honour of departed colleagues and students.

Despite the sombre interlude, the ceremony also celebrated academic excellence and resilience. Graduands were later ushered onto the stage amid applause and cheers to receive their degrees, while several outstanding students were honoured with awards for emerging as best-performing students across various faculties.

The UDS graduation ceremony thus stood as both a celebration of achievement and a poignant reminder of the sacrifices, challenges and uncertainties that accompany the pursuit of higher education. It underscored the need to cherish shared moments and honour the memories of those who, though absent, remain an inseparable part of the UDS story.

Story by: Ibrahim Abubakari Dinnani