Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) has kicked off the dual celebration of its 50th anniversary and 42nd convocation ceremonies. It announced that the institution will present 119 first-class graduates at the upcoming convocation.
At a press conference heralding the one-week event, the university vice chancellor, Professor Bashiru Garba, said the celebration is not just a commemoration of the past but a bold statement about the future of higher education in Northern Nigeria and beyond.
Garba narrated the brief history of UDUS thus, “though the University was founded in 1975, its true beginning came in October 1977, when 93 pioneering undergraduates and 102 pre-degree students walked through our gates, welcomed into four founding faculties of Arts and Islamic Studies, Social Sciences, Education and Extension Services, and Sciences on October 20, 1977.
“Then, in 1982, we moved gradually to this main campus. By 1983, we have launched our Postgraduates School. In 1985, our expansion accelerated with the creation of the College of Health Sciences and new Faculties in Law, Agriculture, and Veterinary Medicine.
“Today, I am pleased to state that we have 16 faculties and two schools, and 98 academic departments. In terms of students, we have grown from 93 to over 23,000. From 48 staff, we now have more than 3,000. Our research centers and institute have grown from 3 to 16.”
Part of the commemoration of the University Golden Jubilee Celebration is naming some University buildings after notable individuals who have contributed significantly to its development.
Meanwhile, a total of 119 students graduated with, Bachelor’s Degrees, First Class Honours.
Out of the total 4,024 graduates, 120 will be conferred with doctoral degrees, 323 master’s degree, 20 Postgraduate diplomas, and 3,561 bachelor’s degrees.
Similarly, a leading Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Muhammad Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, will be conferred with honorary Doctor of Letters, while former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruku Yahaya (rtd), will also be conferred with honorary Doctor of Science.
In addition, Emeriti Status would be bestowed on distinguished retired University professor Professor Dejo Abdulrahman, Professor Emeritus, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to national development and humanity.
Highlights of the convocation ceremony include special prayers and Quranic recitation, a Convocation debate, a Golden Jubilee cultural display by students, Medical Outreach to the hosting community, a symposium and presentation of a compendium, and a novelty football match between alumni and students.
