42 bag first class degrees as Sokoto State Varsity graduates 6,000 students 
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
No fewer than 42 students have bagged First Class Degrees as the Sokoto State University, Sokoto, successfully held its 8th Combined Convocation on Saturday.
Our Correspondent in Sokoto reports that the graduates were churned out as the University haled the epochal 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Combined Convocation ceremony, which was conducted after a seven-year hiatus.
Our Correspondent also further gathered that the lucky first class graduate were cumulatively produced by the five Faculties of the University, including Arts, Computing, Sciences, Social and Management Sciences as well as Education.
Speaking at the event, the Visitor to the University, Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, said that the ceremony marked another momentous milestone in the history of the great Institution.
He said , “This is as we celebrate the academic achievements of our graduates and reflect on the progress recorded by the University since its establishment by my father and political leader of modern Sokoto state, Sen. (Dr.) Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (Sarkin Yamman Sokoto).
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Sokoto State, I warmly congratulate all the graduands who have successfully completed their various programmes of study.
“Your graduation today is a testament to your hard work, perseverance, discipline and commitment to academic excellence. I also congratulate your parents, guardians, lecturers and all those who contributed to your success.
“This convocation ceremony is particularly significant because it combines five academic sessions, thereby providing an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of thousands of graduates whose academic journeys have contributed to the growth and reputation of the University.
“We are proud of your accomplishments and confident that the knowledge and skills acquired here will enable you to contribute meaningfully to the development of our State, nation and humanity at large.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, education remains one of the cornerstones of our administration’s development agenda (9-Point Smart Innovative Agenda) which prioritizes access to quality, foundational and tertiary education across the state.
“Since assuming office, our government has continued to prioritize investment in education because we firmly believe that no society can achieve sustainable development without a well-educated and productive population.
” We have therefore continued to provide support to our educational institutions through infrastructural development, staff development, research support and improved learning facilities as well as payment of monthly imprest to higher institutions of learning including basic and secondary schools across the state.”
Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto sadly recalled that when he took over the mantle of leadership, the Sokoto State University was facing challenges in the area of dilapidated structures which have affected academic activities in the institution.
He happily said, “To change this ugly trend, we have undertaken the following projects as well as cleared outstanding entitlements of both academic and non-academic staff of the institution as follows:
“We have cleared the backlog of salary arrears and allowances owed Visiting Professors and those on Sabbatical amounting to millions of Naira.
” Partial payment of earned academic allowances owed academic staff.3. Payment of earned allowances to members of SSANU.
“Implementation of 40% increment of salary for academic staff in line with ASUU-FGN Agreement.
” Renovation and rehabilitation of staff quarters for academic staff, construction of a state of the arts Sport Complex in the University, as well as granting automatic employment to students who graduate with FIRST CLASS.
*Distinguished audience, as a responsible government that values education, we would continue to initiate policies and programmes that would enhance academic activities in this university.”
Also speaking, the Chancellor of the University, Alhaji Hameem Nuhu Sanusi, the Emir of Dutse, in Jigawa State, commended the Governor for yet reposing confidence in him with the appointment.
According to him, while he cherished the invaluable gesture, he will do his possible best to ensure that the University Eccles among its peers in Nigerian and beyond.
He added that appointing him to succeed his late father would spur him to do more in the service of the university so as to take to greater heights.
The Pro-chancellor of the University, Amb. Abubakar Muhammad Sani, Makaman Sokoto, extolled the huge investments of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto in education especially at the tertiaryevel.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Isa Muhammad Maishanu, maintained that education remains the greatest instrument for societal transformation.
The don also described education as the foundation upon which enduring peace, sustainable development, economic growth, technological advancement and responsible leadership are built.
He added, “Since assuming office, Dr Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, has consistently demonstrated that education is central to his administration’s development agenda.”
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Muhammad Bello Yarima,.said that he lacked words to express appreciation to the Governor, who has remained a true father and dependable pillar for the Institution.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, disclosed that the University has proposed 22 new Innovative Academic Programme,which are currently awaiting the approval of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Prof. Muhammad Bello Yarima acknowledged and appreciated the sustained moral and financial support to the University by Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto.
He also disclosed that in line with the state government’s policy of employing all first class graduates who hail from the state, adding that four of them were recently employed by the University.
Our Correspondent also reports that three eminent citizens who have distinguished themselves in the service of the state and Nigeria were confered with Honourary Doctorate Degrees by the University.
They were: The former Governor of the old Sokoto State, Malam Yahaya Abdulkarim, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo as well as the immediate past Chief Finance Officer of NNPCL Ltd, Alhaji Umaru Ajiya, Ajiyan Isa and the APC candidate for the Sokoto East Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections.
The historic event was also graced by the Founder of the University, Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, representing Sokoto North Senatorial District, Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi as well as the Minister of State, Works, Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo.
The event was also attended by scores of traditional rulers.and several other distinguished personalities from across the country.
