By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) has graduated 4,024 students in its 42nd Convocation Ceremony, with degrees, diplomas, and certificates conferred on them after being found worthy in character and learning.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bashir Garba, who gave the breakdown, said 120 candidates bagged Doctoral Degrees, 323 obtained Master’s Degrees, 20 earned Postgraduate Diplomas, while 3,561 graduated with Bachelor’s Degrees. Out of the Bachelor’s Degree holders, 119 finished with First Class honours.
Prof. Garba also announced that three distinguished Nigerians would be honoured. Sheikh Muhammad Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa will receive a Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) Honoris Causa for his advocacy for peace and education. Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya, will be recognised for his service to national security and integrity, while Prof. Dejo Abdulrahman will be conferred with the title of Professor Emeritus.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that some university infrastructure would be named after four former Vice-Chancellors and pioneer officers in recognition of their contributions to the institution’s growth.
Tracing the history of the university, Prof. Garba recalled that UDUS, established in 1975, admitted its first set of 93 undergraduates and 102 pre-degree students in October 1977 into four founding faculties: Arts and Islamic Studies, Social Sciences, Education and Extension Services, and Science.
“Presently, I am pleased to state that we have 16 faculties and two schools, 98 academic departments, and student enrollment has reached 23,000. Research centres and institutes have also grown from three to 16,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
The convocation ceremonies began on Monday and will run through September 6.
