Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has offered the overall best-graduating student of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), Abdullahi Sherif, a fully funded trip to Saudi Arabia for 2026 Hajj exercise.
The governor made the announcement while speaking at the 42nd convocation ceremony of the university held on Saturday at the institution’s main campus.
Governor Aliyu, who is also an alumnus of the university, announced that the special Hajj gift offered Abdullahi, who graduated with a 4.92 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) from the Department of Microbiology, is in recognition of his academic excellence.
The governor also celebrated the institution’s milestone achievements and pledged stronger collaboration with the university in areas of innovation, skills development, and educational reform.
“This university has profoundly impacted lives both within Nigeria and beyond Africa,” Governor Aliyu said. “Its contributions to national and international development cannot be overestimated, and today’s graduates should be proud to be part of that legacy.”
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He further outlined several education-focused initiatives under his administration, including settling N1.845 billion in accumulated tuition fees for Sokoto medical students studying locally and abroad, appointing four professors from UDUS to head key education sectors in the state, and initiating the renovation of primary, secondary, and tertiary schools across Sokoto.
The university Vice Chancellor, Professor Bashir Garba, while speaking, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s education policies, describing them as impactful and transformative for Nigeria’s higher education sector.
“The Tinubu administration’s commitment to revitalising public universities has already begun to yield positive results,” the VC said.
“From improved funding frameworks to policy reforms aimed at enhancing academic quality and institutional autonomy, this dispensation is laying a stronger foundation for sustainable growth in higher education.”
The convocation drew distinguished dignitaries, including representatives of President Tinubu, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Oba of Lagos (Chancellor of the University), members of the National Assembly, diplomats, traditional rulers, senior academics, and alumni from across the country.
Three distinguished individuals were honored at the convocation: former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruku Yahaya (retd), who was conferred with Doctor of Science; renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Aminu Durawa, with Doctor of Letters; while Professor Dejo Abdulrahman was conferred with Emeritus Professor in recognition of his service to the school.
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