Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
Sokoto State University (SSU) is set to hold its 8th Combined Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, where more than 6,000 graduates will be awarded degrees in a landmark event for the institution.
The convocation, expected to attract distinguished guests and dignitaries from across Nigeria, marks the university’s return to one of the most significant traditions in academic life and highlights its steady growth as an emerging centre of academic excellence.
Addressing journalists during a pre-convocation press briefing in Sokoto on Monday, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Muhammad Bello Yarima, said the university had concluded comprehensive preparations for what he described as a historic celebration of academic achievement, scholarship, and institutional progress.
According to him, the graduating students were drawn from the university’s five faculties and represent several academic sessions, reflecting years of academic commitment and sustained educational development.
Yarima noted that a number of outstanding students would be awarded First Class degrees, stressing that the university had maintained strict standards to preserve the integrity and credibility of its academic processes.
“We are taking our time to organise a world-class event.
“he convocation is not just a celebration of academic achievement but also a reflection of the university’s commitment to excellence,” he said.
Beyond the graduation of students, the ceremony will feature the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on distinguished Nigerians who have made significant contributions to education, public service, economic development and nation building.
The Vice Chancellor explained that the awardees were selected based on merit and their enduring impact on society.
“These are distinguished individuals who have contributed immensely to the educational and socio economic development of Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states, as well as other parts of Nigeria.
They deserve recognition for their invaluable contributions,” he stated.
Yarima commended the Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, for providing strong financial and moral support to the institution, describing his administration as a critical driver of the university’s recent achievements.
He revealed that the governor approved increased funding for the convocation after reviewing the university’s budget proposal, a move he said demonstrated a deep commitment to higher education.
“The Governor has remained a true father and benefactor of Sokoto State University. His support continues to inspire confidence and progress within the institution,” the Vice Chancellor added.
Yarima also paid tribute to former governor and founder of the university, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, for his continued contributions to the institution’s development.
He highlighted the ongoing expansion of the university library, facilitated through one of Wamakko’s constituency projects, describing it as a strategic investment that would strengthen research, teaching and learning.
Looking to the future, the Vice Chancellor unveiled plans to transform Sokoto State University into a leading hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development over the next decade.
According to him, the institution is repositioning its academic programmes to align with national development priorities by producing graduates equipped with practical skills and entrepreneurial capacities.
“Our goal is to build a university that produces graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating jobs and contributing meaningfully to national development,” he said.
He attributed the university’s steady progress to the dedication and professionalism of its management, academic staff and non-teaching personnel, whose efforts have strengthened the institution’s standing within Nigeria’s higher education sector.
The convocation ceremony is expected to draw government officials, academics, traditional rulers, business leaders, alumni and education stakeholders from across the country, placing Sokoto State University at the forefront of national discussions on higher education, innovation and human capital development.
