Musa Na-Allah, Sokoto
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), celebrated its 50th anniversary and 42nd convocation on Saturday in grand style, marking five decades of academic excellence, nation-building, and global impact.
The golden jubilee ceremony, held at the university’s main campus, drew eminent personalities including federal government officials, state leaders, traditional rulers, scholars, and alumni, all gathered to honour the institution’s enduring legacy.
Vice Chancellor, Professor Bashir Garba, described the milestone as a historic moment in Nigeria’s educational journey.
He said UDUS has consistently upheld its reputation as a centre of scholarship and moral discipline, producing leaders who contribute significantly to society both at home and abroad.
“Usmanu Danfodiyo University has, for 50 years, stood as a model of academic excellence and moral discipline.
“This golden jubilee is not just a celebration of our past achievements but a commitment to building a stronger future for higher education in Nigeria,” Professor Garba said
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to expanding access to quality education.
She highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a landmark initiative aimed at removing financial barriers for students, alongside N120 billion earmarked for vocational training and skills acquisition.
Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, an alumnus of UDUS, described the golden jubilee as a proud moment for Sokoto and Nigeria.
He praised the university’s role in national development and pledged stronger state–university collaboration in research, innovation, and human capital development.
Governor Aliyu also announced rewards and interventions in education, including a Hajj seat for Abdullahi Sherif, the best graduating student with a CGPA of 4.92 in Microbiology.
He further disclosed that the state had settled N1.845 billion in tuition fees for Sokoto medical students studying locally and abroad and appointed four UDUS professors into key education roles.
The convocation also honoured distinguished Nigerians. Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruku Yahaya (retd), received an honorary Doctor of Science degree; renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Aminu Durawa, was awarded a Doctor of Letters; while veteran academic, Professor Dejo Abdulrahman, was conferred with the rare title of Emeritus Professor for his lifetime contribution to scholarship.
Adding colour to the celebration were the Chancellor of UDUS, the Oba of Lagos, the Sultan of Sokoto, members of the National Assembly, diplomats, and traditional rulers.
Despite the challenges facing Nigeria’s education sector, UDUS, popularly known as the “University of Caliphat,e” was celebrated for its resilience and values of discipline, scholarship, and service to humanity.
Speakers urged graduates to uphold the university’s legacy by becoming champions of integrity, innovation, and leadership in a nation in urgent need of transformative minds.
The golden jubilee convocation, therefore, was not only a celebration of UDUS’s illustrious past but also a call for greater national investment in education as a driver of peace, development, and prosperity.
