Musa Na-Allah, Sokoto
The Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), has commenced activities marking its Golden Jubilee and 42nd Convocation ceremonies, which will climax on Saturday, 6 September 2025.
At a pre-convocation press briefing held at the university’s conference hall, Vice Chancellor Professor Bashir Garba announced that two eminent Nigerians, Sheikh Muhammad Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Farouk Yahaya (rtd), will be conferred with honorary doctorate degrees.
He further disclosed that Professor Abdulrahman will be decorated as Professor Emeritus in recognition of his outstanding contributions to scholarship and institutional development.
Explaining the rationale behind the honours, Professor Garba said they reflect UDUS’s vision of rewarding service to humanity, moral leadership, and national development.
“Sheikh Daurawa will receive a Doctor of Letters for his advocacy of morality, peace, and education, while Lt. General Yahaya will be honoured with a Doctor of Science for his role in national security, selfless service, and integrity,” he stated.
This year’s ceremonies will also witness the graduation of 4,024 students, comprising 119 First Class graduates, 120 PhDs, 323 Master’s degree holders, 20 Postgraduate Diploma recipients, and 3,561 Bachelor’s degree graduates.
Describing the event as historic, the Vice Chancellor noted that the Golden Jubilee celebrates UDUS’s resilience and growth since its founding in 1975.
“Our journey from humble beginnings to a citadel of learning is a story of vision, determination, and progress,” he remarked.
From just four faculties, 93 students, and 48 foundation staff at its inception, the university has expanded to nearly 3,000 staff members, over 35,000 students, and 98 academic departments.
Garba attributed this transformation to UDUS’s unwavering commitment to justice, service, and moral leadership.
As part of the celebrations, several university structures, including staff quarters and auditoriums, have been named after distinguished personalities such as the Emir of Yauri, Dr. M.Z. Yauri Zayyana; the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; and the late Professors Mahdi Adamu.
Others are A.A. Gwandu; Mr. F.O. Iheanacho; Professor S.A. Galadanci; T.A. Yakubu; F.B. Afolabi; P.O. Agidi; Abdu Gusau; Hamid Ahmed; and Mr. M.K.A. Mustapha, a Pakistani national.
The week-long festivities will also feature a novelty football match, a medical outreach program to host communities, a convocation lecture, a Golden Jubilee cultural display, a Qur’anic recitation competition, and an academic debate.
Concluding, Professor Garba said the Golden Jubilee is not only a celebration of the past but also a reaffirmation of UDUS’s commitment to “excellence in character and learning” for future generations.
