Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
Sokoto State University (SSU) on Saturday produced 42 First-Class graduates as it held its 8th Combined Convocation Ceremony, ending a seven-year hiatus and celebrating academic achievements across five academic sessions.
The historic ceremony combined the university’s 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th convocation exercises, with graduates drawn from the Faculties of Arts, Education, Sciences, Computing, and Social and Management Sciences.
Speaking at the event, Sokoto State Governor and Visitor to the university, Dr Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, described the convocation as a major milestone in the institution’s history and a celebration of excellence.
“This convocation marks another important milestone in the history of Sokoto State University and provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our graduates and the progress recorded by the institution,” he said.
The governor congratulated the graduands, saying their success reflected years of dedication, resilience and hard work.
“Your graduation today is a testament to your commitment to academic excellence. I also congratulate your parents, guardians, lecturers and all those who contributed to your success,” Aliyu stated.
He noted that the combined convocation was particularly significant because it honoured graduates from five academic sessions whose contributions have strengthened the university’s reputation.
“We are proud of your accomplishments and confident that the knowledge and skills acquired here will enable you to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he added.
Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, stressing that investment in human capital remains a key component of the state’s Nine-Point Smart Innovative Agenda.
According to him, the government has continued to support educational institutions through infrastructural development, staff welfare, research support and improved learning facilities.
The governor disclosed that his administration cleared salary arrears and allowances owed visiting professors and sabbatical staff, paid earned allowances, renovated staff quarters and commenced the construction of a modern sports complex in the university.
“As a government that values education, we will continue to introduce policies and programmes that promote academic excellence and strengthen our higher institutions,” he assured.
The Chancellor of the university, Emir Hameem Nuhu Sanusi of Dutse, pledged to work towards ensuring that the institution ranks among the leading universities in Nigeria and beyond.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Isa Muhammad Maishanu, described education as the foundation for sustainable development, peace, economic growth and responsible leadership.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Muhammad Bello Yarima, disclosed that the university had proposed 22 new academic programs currently awaiting approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC), while appreciating the state government’s support.
Yarima also revealed that four First-Class graduates had already been employed by the university in line with the state government’s policy of offering automatic employment to outstanding indigenous graduates.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on former Governor of old Sokoto State, Malam Yahaya Abdulkarim, Kogi State Governor Alhaji Usman Ododo, and former Chief Finance Officer of NNPCL Limited, Alhaji Umaru Ajiya, while the event attracted top government officials, traditional rulers and eminent personalities from across the country.
