UDUS marks 50th anniversary with grand convocation

Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) has commenced a week-long celebration to mark its Golden Jubilee and 42nd Convocation Ceremony, highlighting five decades of academic excellence, research, and community service.

Addressing journalists at a press briefing on Monday at the Senate Chambers, Ahmadu Bello House, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Bashiru Garba, described the anniversary as “a historic moment” for the institution, which was founded in 1975 as the University of Sokoto and later renamed to honour Islamic reformer Sheikh Usmanu Bin Fodiyo.

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“This Golden Jubilee is not just about looking back,” Garba said. “It is about reaffirming our mission and inspiring the next generation of Danfodites; men and women of vision, discipline, and excellence.”

He noted that UDUS has grown from four faculties and fewer than 200 students at inception to 16 faculties, two schools, 98 departments, and over 23,000 students today. The university also now boasts 16 research centers addressing real-world challenges.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, 4,024 graduands will be awarded degrees, diplomas, and certificates during the convocation. This includes 120 PhDs, 323 Master’s degrees, and 3,561 Bachelor’s degrees — with 119 students earning First Class honours.

The university will also confer honorary doctorate degrees on Sheikh Muhammad Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, a leading Islamic scholar and advocate for peace and education, and Lt. Gen. Faruku Yahaya (Rtd.), former Chief of Army Staff, for his service to national security and integrity. Emeritus status will be conferred on Prof. Dejo Abdulrahman.

As part of the Golden Jubilee, several campus buildings will be renamed in honor of pioneering leaders and contributors, including former vice-chancellors, principal officers, and faculty founders.

The week-long festivities, running from September 1 to 6, feature cultural displays, lectures, debates, community medical outreach, project commissioning, sports, a chancellor’s dinner, and the grand convocation ceremony where prizes, degrees, and honorary awards will be presented.

Garba commended the media for their role in education and development, urging them to “help tell the great story of 50 years of excellence at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.”