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Tag: Sokoto varsity

  • Agony of Sokoto Varsity graduates

    After their graduation, products of Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) wait for months before collecting their statement of results. This has dimmed the hopes of many, especially those desirous of using their results for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation and other opportunities. ABIODUN JAMIU, 200-Level Political Science, reports.

    When Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) management in February pasted the list of 33 students of Microbiology Department, whose statement of results were ready, on the notice board, the affected students were overwhelmed with joy. Their results were delayed.

    But Naziru Abubakar and 122  others  from the same department were not so lucky. Their case is peculiar. They were said to have graduated, but not certified! This, according to them, sounded vague. But in local parlance, they are graduates without certificates or statement of results. Having painstakingly waited for another list of names to be pasted, months after the first batch of 33 names were mobilised for mandatory National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), they feared that their hope and future appeared hazy. Their waiting seemed endless.

    The tradition in UDUS is that a graduating student must have collected his or her statement of result before being mobilised for NYSC. But cases now abound of graduates spending months long after they had been cleared without collecting their statement of results. This development, CAMPUSLIFE learned, has dashed the hopes of many graduates desirous of going for their mandatory service and finishing in record time. It has also made some to miss employment opportunities and overseas studies, among others, which often require their statement of results or certificate.

    “It is unfortunate that more than two months after our department issued the first batch of the statement of results, ours are yet to be ready,” lamented Naziru

    Despite series of meetings with Mallam Auwal Gambo, who is their department’s examination officer, Naziru and other victims were told that their results were still being processed. They were, therefore, implored to exercise patience.  Frustrated, Naziru told CAMPUSLIFE that he was left with no other option than to return to Kebbi, his state of origin after months of waiting.

    “I have contacted the examination officer of our department and two other lecturers, but their responses are always similar. They told me that we should exercise patience. They would say, ‘only Allah knows because I can’t predict what would happen tomorrow or the day after. I will only advise you to exercise patience and pray’. Therefore, I had to returned home,” Naziru added.

    Naziru recounted how he lost series of employment opportunities as he could not provide his potential employers proof that he actually graduated.

    “This is the most painful. Apart from missing NYSC, I have missed more than three jobs in the public service and another in a private company,” he said.

    He continued: “I cried for missing those rare opportunities because I know how competitive the labour market is. The people that provided the offer required my statement of result as a proof that I am a graduate.

    “What exactly is the problem?” thundered Ibrahim Abdullah Dalhatu, another graduate of Microbiology.

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    “I have an iota of doubt if the delay is from the school management. A significant number of students from nearly all the departments have collected their statement of results in due time; that shows how committed the management is. However, if only a few number of departments failed to have their students’ results ready, this then is questionable,” he said.

    Ibrahim recounted how  he could not meet up with the deadline for a post graduate scholarship programme he once applied for due to the delay. “I missed an M.Sc scholarship because I have no result at hand. I have been telling my friends’ relatives that  I’ve graduated, but unfortunately some did not believe me because I have no proof,” he said.

    Another graduate, who declined to be identified for fear of being victimised, bemoaned the recurring delayed of results in UDUS. She identified lack of enough manpower as a major factor militating against prompt release of results in the institution.

    “The system is not only slow, but totally inert,” noted the source.

    “We finished examinations in August (last year) but at the departmental level, results were not released until November.  Some have to wait till February when the strike (by the Academic Staff Union of Universities) was suspended. Honestly, there is the need for adequate staffing in the department (of Microbiology) and the entire school to ensure that results are promptly released,” the source said.

    Like Naziru, she also narrated her repeated visits to the department only to be asked to exercise patience. And like Dalhatu, the source said some of her relatives are beginning to doubt her studentship.

    Another victim, Nafi’u Yahuza, who graduated from the Department of Computer Science, expressed dissatisfaction on how delayed results have been a recurring decimal in the institution. He lamented that the situation has rendered him idle.

    He said: “I am disappointed with how the school management is handling this issue. Had it been I have been given my statement, I should be serving my dear country. Instead, I am here stuck at home.”

    Sanusi Malami, who is another victim from the Department of Microbiology, had hoped to apply for a Master’s programme, but for the delay in the release of his result. Malami is urging UDUS management to consolidate on its deployment of technology to address the perennial challenge.

    Nevertheless, the issue of delayed  release of students’ results has gone beyond the affected graduates. CAMPUSLIFE authoritatively gathered that first semester results of students are often delayed until mid-second semester or sometimes second semester break.

    Lawal Sofiyat, a 300-Physics undergraduate, equally kicked against the delay, noting that the delay often makes students indecisive on course registration.

    “To me, the delay is (done by management) to instill fear in the mind of students. Imagine a second semester results released almost  mid semester of another academic year. This single act alone makes students to delay their course registration because they are not sure of the outcome of the last examination they did”

    Yunus Olaitain, also a 300-Level student of Fisheries, explained how the delay cost him an undergraduate scholarship programme because he could not provide his cumulative grade point average (CGPA) slip when he was in his second year. He added that students often miss scholarship opportunities due to management’s history of delaying results”.

    “I was unable to complete my registration for a Total (Oil) scholarship because I was waiting for my GP slip, which would only be given once all the results have been released. I could not beat the deadline for the registration due to the delay,” Olaitan regretted.

    Corroborating Olaitan’s claim, Bashir Abdulrahman, a 200-Level Civil Engineering undergraduate, recalled with regrets how he missed the Agbami Undergraduate Scholarship Programme, which was announced early 2018/2019 academic session due to the late release of his results.

    “It does not only apply to final year students” Abdulrahman snapped, “most of our departmental results are often released at will. Just like the Agbami, I was unable to apply for the “PDTF” likewise, due to the same situation.”

    Abdulrahman suggested that the school management could help ameliorate the travails students go through by handing down a deadline to departments and penalising anyone who goes wrong.

     

    Management’s response

    Head of Department, Microbiology, Dr Abdullahi Bako Rabah, told CAMPUSLIFE that the department does not issue statement of results to deserving graduates, but only forward same to the university’s (Academic Division) for approval.

    He said: “It is not our duty to issue results. Ours is to collate and send to the management for vetting, which we have done. It is only when the results need some corrections that they may be sent back to the department for moderations. If the results were okay, they would not be sent to the department, but to the vice chancellor for his approval.”

    He continued: “As far as the department is concerned, we have done our responsibility. If there is any delay in the release of the results, it is from the Academic Division (of UDUS).”

    Rabah added that the delayed results were those sent back to the department for corrections, adding that they had since been rectified, and would be ready soon.

    “Immediately after (ASUU) strike, there were calls for results submission by the Academic Division. Those submitted were the first set of students that got their statement. But those having hiccups were sent back to the department,” he said.

    When contacted, Dean ,Students’ Affairs, Prof. Aminu Mode, declined comments, but directed CAMPUSLIFE correspondent to the office of the Head, Examinations and Registrations, Dr Ibrahim Magawatta, who regretted that the delay was due to the workload of the just concluded convocation ceremony, which kept the vice chancellor and other top principal officers of the university busy. He, therefore, assured that the statements would be released soon.

    “The vice chancellor was too busy during the convocation week. Therefore, he could not sign anything. There are over 100 students from the department of (Microbiology), but we have signed everything here and it will be issue very soon,” he said.

  • Sokoto varsity matriculates 2,074 new students

    No fewer than 2,074 new students admitted for the 2018/ 2019 academic session took the matriculation oath of the Sokoto State University with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Sani Muhammed Dangaggo, urging them to shun unethical conduct.

    The students were admitted into the faculties of Arts and Social Sciences, Education and Science.

    Dangoggo told them that examination malpractice, cultism, drug abuse, indecent dressing, and reckless driving, were unacceptable.

    He said the university was committed to maintaining the tempo on academic excellence and standards in all spheres of pursuits so counseled the students to play their parts.

    “Students have no excuse not to dedicate themselves to their studies and ensure good moral conducts and behaviours,” he said.

    Dangoggo said in keeping with requirements and standards, the university in line with the National Universities Commission (NUC) prerequisite, had sponsored over 200 academic staff for various postgraduate programmes across in and outside the country.

    He praised the intervention efforts from the Sokoto state Government, Petroleum Technology Fund(PTDF) and TETFund in strengthening the university’s  lecturers’ capacity for excellence.

    Also speaking, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the university, Inuwa Abdulkadir underscored the need for good conduct.

    “You should know that the oath you took is significant and should be respected by been law abiding to the rules and regulations during the course of your studies.

    “Remember that you went through tough and rigorous process before securing admission”, he observed.

    This is the sixth matriculation of the university which has so far graduated two sets.

  • Mass failure in General Studies at Sokoto Varsity

    Management and students of the Usmanu Dan Fodio University (UDU), Sokoto, are trading words over the mass failure in General Studies (GST). The students claimed that the GST Unit mishandled the course. The management blamed the failure on the students’ indifference. ABIODUN JAMIU, UDUS 200-L Political Science, reports.

    As they always do, the Usmanu Dan Fodio University (UDU), Sokoto students were  at the General Studies (GST) notice board where information and sometimes results are pasted. They were checking their names on the  list of students who did not sit for the GST continuous assessment (CA) across various levels during the second semester of 2017/2018 academic year.

    To the chargrin of many who sat for the continuous assessment, their names were on the list. By implication, students with no CA records have automatically failed.

    More interesting was that some students, who came to mock their colleagues who failed, were shocked to discover that they were also victims.

    The 100-Level students write GST102 (Nigerian people and culture); GST 103 (Information and Communication Technology); GST105 (Communication in French) and GST106 (Communication in Arabic). For 200 Level students there are courses such as GST211 (Communication in English ll) and GST214 (Peace and Conflict Resolution); while the 300-Level undergraduates sit for GST312 (Venture Creation and Growth).

    As practised in other institutions, UDU students undertake GST that are multi-disciplinary in nature, covering Philosophy, Science, Social Sciences, and Citizenship Education, among others.

    But many students expressed disappointment over repeated failures in GST– a development they blamed on the alleged shoddy manner the division handles its affairs.

    Nonetheless, the school’s management has absolved itself, blaming the situation on students’ I-don’t-care-attitude towards GST.

    One of the victims, a 200-Level student of Political Science, Umar Sheriff, lamented what he described as the school’s ‘negligence’, adding that it would affect his hope of getting a better result in his first year.

    Like every other ‘Danfodite’, Sheriff recalled how he had burnt the midnight candle ahead of GST examination; yet, his results were not commensurate with the efforts he had invested.

    Aggrieved, Sheriff along with other students in his shoes, approached the GST Director of General Studies, Dr Farouk Tambuwal, who assured via the secretary of the unit that the matter would be resolved.

    “Quite a number of us met the secretary, who told us that since the students involved in the mix-up were many, the division would certainly find a way out. Even with the promise by the secretary, when the results were released, I saw “F” on my GST102 (Nigerian people and Culture),” Sheriff said.

    Sherrif’s claim was substantiated by Eeboade Hassan, another 200-Level Law undergraduate, who bemoaned the manner the test was conducted.

    “The test? It was not in any way formally and accurately conducted,” Hassan said, adding: “The question sheet provided was the same on which we were to put down the answers. Moreover, the pages were not attached. So, we were the one attaching the pages with a broomstick.”

    Hassan said he anticipated erroneous markings due to the numerous answer scripts that were loose after the test was written. According to him, the unattached papers may have caused the mix-up.

    He continued: “Right from that day (the day the test was conducted), I presumed that there would be errors in the process of marking the scripts. But the “F” was actually outside my thinking, I was shocked.

    “The error was from the division. During the process of computing results of the test, they made mistakes with people’s names. Names were alphabetically disorganised, some with their admission number. For instance, instead of 000 of my admission number, they only put double zero,” he lamented.”

    Asked what steps he took when he saw his name on the list, Hassan said he went to the head of the GST Division who acknowledged that the mix-up was theirs and the division would rectify it.

    He continued: “At the office of the Exam Officer, the Director, Dr Tambuwal, brought out the comprehensive list of those who sat for the test with the assertion that ‘if I should open this and your name and scores are absent, just forget it, you will carry over this course even if you score 60/60 in the exam’

    “We thereafter wrote our correct admission numbers and names after which they accepted the mistakes were theirs. He promised us that proper rectification will be done. But, unfortunately, he never fulfilled his promise. ‘F’ was written on my GST106 (Communication in Arabic)”.

    “I had to be sure it was my name. At a point, I started crying because I couldn’t imagine myself having a ‘carry over’ in GST” said another victim, Shadiyah (not real name), who failed GST106, (Communication in Arabic).

    Unlike Hassan, Shadiyah didn’t have a premonition of what was to come. She even told CAMPUSLIFE that she would never have admitted her name was on the list if told by her course mates.

    “Although I heard students lamenting that they had issues with the GSTs; I wasn’t perturbed. It never occurred to me that my name would feature on the list, until a friend drew my attention to it.”

    She continued: “We were attended to that very day, and were told to check if our names were on the comprehensive lists. Some students’ admission numbers were mistyped, just like mine; there was a mix-up in my admission number. Instead of 98, 78 was on the list. After all the complaints, we were all given an “F”. We all knew that without tests, we would all carry the course over.”

    Similarly, Ahmad Muhammad Saulawa, a 400-Level Microbiology undergraduate, expressed shock when he saw his name on the list, despite that he even assisted the course coordinator to invigilate the same course. Like Shadiyah, Saulawa’s attention was drawn to the list by a friend.

    “I wrote mine in the first batch and after submitting, the lecturer asked me to join her to invigilate the class, and I did,” Saulawa recalled.

    “The other batches wrote theirs and I was still there with her (coordinator). I gathered all the test question papers and handed it to her. However, I was shocked when I heard that my name was among those that didn’t sit for the test,” he said.

    Saulawa recounted how he later approached the lecturer of the course, who assured him that it was a general problem and that the division would definitely resolve it, adding that the problem had not been resolved as at the time of filing this report.

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    Beyond the affected students, GST Division in UDUS has been a subject of crisis, especially among students who constantly moan repeated mass failure, missing grades and late release of results, among others.

    A student, who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity, recalled how students performance in GST has declined in recent years. He lamented that GST results were not appealing and not in any way commensurate with students’ efforts.

    “GST result in recent time in UDU is not appealing,” the source stated.

    He continued: “Students have been recording low grades, which in the long run affect our GP(grade point), if not all. The bitter truth is that it is not that the students are unserious. The problem with the division is the belief that majority of students take the course for granted. It is on this basis that the administration felt the need to be harsh on students with regards to grade.”

    However, Maryam Abdullah, a 400-Level student of Modern European Languages and Linguistics (MELL), lauded the result. Unlike previous ones, Abdullah noted that the management’s introduction of computer based test (CBT) made this year’s a lot better.

    “Though students seem to complain more about their results, I think these results are better, compared to the previous results from the division,” she added.

    But Emelife Uchenna Maximus, a 200 Level Literature in English undegraduate, bemoaned the technical problems that has plagued GST over the years, urging the division to improve on performance to demonstrate more transparency.

    “The GST results, I would still say is fair. The division, in the previous session, graded poorly GST 104 of all first years, and took on an overwhelming CBT system that almost led to me missing an examination”

    The division should carry out a proper test-run of its CBT to avoid mistakes and technical issues,” Uchenna advised.

    Nevertheless, until students learn to be more committed, the mass failure in GST would continue, the management has said.

    Speaking with CAMPUSLIFE, UDU Dean, Students’ Affairs, Prof Aminu Mode, expressed dissatisfaction at the nonchalant attitude of students towards GST.

    He said: “This (mass failure) is nothing to argue on. The reality is that most of the students do not attend GST lectures.

    “For instance, you will find an average GST class of 1000 students, but only 50 or 60 students will attend the class. Throughout the session, there are some students that would never attend GST lectures.

    “Why would students not fail when they don’t attend lectures? Students believe, especially in GST courses, that ‘we don’t need to attend lectures to score As or Bs, let me just go and read’ not knowing that what we want as teachers is for them to attend lectures and thereafter challenge us.”

    Further, Mode said results in the universities are released subject to consultations with stakeholders before it would be approved by the Senate, adding that no division or faculties can unilaterally fail students. Mode, therefore, urged students to attend lectures promptly as it aids learning and equips them ahead of time.

    “Attending lectures reduce a lot of burden on you as a student; you understand better what a lecturer said and at the same time remember how he gestured. Unfortunately, students of nowadays have taken GST courses for granted,” he concluded.

     

  • Sokoto varsity mourns two students

    Sokoto varsity mourns two students

    It was all tears at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) following the death of two students. Bilyaminu Adamu, a 200-Level Mathematics student, and Aliyu Muhammad, a 300-Level Agricultural Science student, in a road crash on their way back to school after three months break. MAHMUD ABDULSALAM and IBRAHIM ADEYEMI report.

    THE 2017/18 academic session began at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), on a tragic note. It was all tears at the Departments of Mathematics and Agriculture on Sunday when news of the death of two students broke.

    Bilyaminu Adamu, a 200-Level Mathematics student, and Aliyu Muhammad, a 300-Level Agricultural Science student, died in a road crash on their way back to school after three months break. The bus conveying them  to Sokoto was involved in an accident with two other vehicles. The accident occurred around 7:30 pm at Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that another UDUS student, whose name could not be ascertained, is in critical condition with his mother at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH). It was learnt that the student and his mother had multiple fractures. The bus driver is also said to be in critical condition.

    The bus was said to have collided with a firewood-laden pick-up which attempted to overtake another vehicle. Many were injured in the multipe accident.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that Aliyu died  on the spot; Bilyaminu passed on while being rushed to the hospital.

    Aliyu’s body was returned to Maru Village, his hometown in Zamfara State, on January 22 for burial.

    Members of the school management team and students gathered for the Janazah (burial prayer) for the late Bilyaminu at the UDUS’cemetery.

    Students and lecturers prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, Prof A.G. Yahaya, and his counterpart in Administration, Prof M. I. Saheed, led top management members to the funeral.

    A senior lecturer simply identified as Dr. Gambo, who led the Janazah, prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed students, noting that death was an inevitable end.

    In his short sermon, Gambo said: “Allah has decreed that every soul must taste death and it will surely meet us, whether we prepare for it or not. Death comes without any prior notice. We must be preparing for it by performing noble deeds and shunning acts of transgressions.”

    Fighting back tears, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Idrees Maibasira, described the students’ death as a great loss to the university community.

    He said: “As leaders of students’ body, we are deeply touched by this tragic incident. I  felt so bad when the news of the terrible accident reached me. The fact that these fallen colleagues were said to be among the brilliant students of their departments saddens us.”

    The clerk of the Students’ Representative Assembly, Ibrahim Ahmad, expressed shock, saying the session was taking off with a sorrowful story event. “May Almighty Allah console the families of the victims,” he prayed at the burial.

    The Police Divisional Headquarters in Shagari Local Government Area sent its report to the families of the deceased and other affected persons. In its preliminary report on the accident, the police revealed that the accident was caused by impatience and recklessness of the pick-up driver.

    Students’ Affairs Dean Prof Adamu Aliero sympathised with the parents and relatives of the late students. He said the institution regretted the death of the students, adding that death remained inevitable for mankind.

  • Sokoto varsity partners US Embassy

    Sokoto State University Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Sani Dangoggo, has reiterated the institution’s commitment to sustaining its cordial relationship with the United States (US) Embassy.

    According to Dangoggo, the institution is ready to partner for academic excellence that will guarantee excellent  learning and good character.

    The VC stated this when he received the education and cultural delegation of the United States Embassy, led by Mr. Larry Socha.

    In a statement by the university’s Information Officer, Zayyanu Shehu, Dangoggo expressed  appreciation to the embassy for  acknowledging the university for knowledge sharing and provision of scholarship opportunities across its staff and students.

    However, Professor Dangoggo  urged both the eligible members of staff and students of the university to utilise the opportunities given them for scholarship and exchange.

    “I therefore,  call on all members of staff and students of the university to work towards securing and benefiting from the US scholarships window.

    “Please note that this  is a unique opportunity on our doorstep. All we need is to follow the laid down procedures of accessing the scholarship”,  the Vice Chancellor said

    Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Larry Socha, told the Vice Chancellor that the visit was aimed at considering opportunities for faculty exchange and US federal assistance available to Sokoto State University.

    According to him” It also includes study opportunities in the United States of America, scholarship and application processes to support the university’s academic standard.”

    Similarly, Socha said the synergy would also  be strengthened and extended to cover students exchange programme and ICT development usually receiving attention  of the US Embassy.

    Socha urged the participants, who were mainly staff and students of the university, to engage in ICT- driven global programmes.

    It is a remarkable achievement that every citizen of Sokoto should be proud of connection with the outside world as that is what keeps nations moving.  He described Nigeria as a nation-state endowed with human and natural resources, which impress donor agencies and thus provide opportunities for the US scholarship programme.

    The Registrar, Hajiya Amina Yusuf Garba,  thanked the officials of the US Embassy for the visit and gave words of encouragement to staff members and students. She also called on them not  to relent in their efforts towards accessing the scholarship opportunities.

  • N327m library for Sokoto varsity

    The Sokoto State government has approved the construction of a N327 million-worth library complex for the state university.

    The approval followed a decision by the State Executive Council at yesterday’s meeting, chaired by Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

    Commissioner for Informatin Abdulkadir Jeli, who addressed reporters after the meeting, said the essence of the project was to further ensure academic excellence.

    Jeli explained that the library will encourage and promote research.

    He said the state government would continue to prioritise education as a major aspect vital to the development of the state and its people.

    “The project will be closely monitored to ensure it is executed in line with specification and within its period of completion,” he said.

    Commissioner for Finance Sa’idu Umar said the council approved and authorised the change of signatories on its document relating to its investments in stocks, as demanded by regulations guiding ownership of stocks and shares.

    According to him, the government has approved the contract for 250 solar-powered boreholes across the 23 councils.

    Umar explained that the project will be in form of monthly lease financing to the contractor.

    “Given the solar nature of the water project, benefiting communities stand the advantage of constant supply,” he added.

     

  • Respite for Sokoto varsity students, others

    Respite for Sokoto varsity students, others

    The Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) community has not had it so good since the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike started last July. The institution was thrown into mourning a few days after it was closed down. Hadiza Muritala, daughter of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof A. A. Bagudo, died after a brief illness.

    The late Hadiza was a 300-Level student before her death.

    A few days ago, another student, Amina Ladan in 500-Level Veterinary Medicine, died also.

    There is a silver lining at the turnel’s end. The bridges linking the university to Sokoto metropolis are being repaired. The bridges deteriorated 38 months ago, following the flood that ravaged Sokoto and some parts of Kebbi State. The incident disrupted academic and commercial activities before the intervention of the Federal Government, which provided a military floating bridge as a palliative measure.

    The eroded portions of the bridges were later sand-filled by the Sokoto State government in January 2011, a situation that heightened the fear of students and residents of the university’s host communities whenever it rained.

    Several months after the contract to rehabilitate the bridges was approved, the contractor handling the project mobilised workers to the site last Wednesday.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that there was jubilation in the university community when construction equipment were brought in.

    The road will be closed for six months to allow the reconstruction. Motorists will have to access the university through Illela-Sokoto route, which is about 20 kilometre to the university.

    The Dean of Students Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Magawata, said the management was elated by the construction work but said it could disrupt the activities if the industrial action by ASUU is called off. “When academic activities resume after the ASUU strike, students will make use of the Sokoto-Illela route to visit the campus. Certainly this development will bring about a lot of changes, which the management will roll out soon. Issues such as the new bus stop, duration of lectures and even a new school calendar are being looked into to prevent disruption of academics,” he said.

    Some students, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, expressed mixed reactions. For Abdulsamad Aliyu, 200-Level Zoology, the reconstruction work is cheering news after months of fear that the bridges may collapse.

    “But my own concern is the alternative route provided by the school; it is a very long way, which is about an hour from town. In my opinion, the management should have created a short route within the campus before the contractor began work on the bridges. Many students would miss exam when the school resumes,” he said.

    Another student, Mubarak Ibrahim, 500-Level Agriculture, said: “This is a welcome development. At least, the anxiety that engulfs the the university community during in the rainy season will naturally end, but my appeal to the management is to consider the students staying off-campus and adjust the lecture timetable because of the distance of the alternative route.”

    Latifat Umar, a 200-Level student from the city campus, said: “It is a big challenge for us that will be going to the permanent site every week for Biochemistry lecture. It will be hell, considering the distance. Management should facilitate how the lecture will be rescheduled to hold in mini campus.”

    Mallam Bilya Maisa Dekifi, a resident, said: “We are enthusiastic about the development; people of Kwakwalawa village are very happy since the contractors arrived last week. Even though our businesses may suffer, I must say that we are pleased that a tragedy is being averted with the reconstruction work.”

     

  • Abubakar, Tinubu, others felicitate with Sokoto varsity

    FORMER Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd) on Tuesday inaugurated the newly-established Sokoto State University with a call on its management to strengthen efforts to meet global best practices in its quest for academic excellence.

    “You have to blend local contents with global orientation in teaching and research so as to attain global best practices,” he said at the inauguration held at the permanent campus of the university on the Sokoto-Birnin Kebbi Road.

    Gen. Abubakar also observed that the concept was one of the unique and fundamental requirements that the university should seek to attain. He therefore advised the university to set high standard by devising programmes in partnership with foreign educational institutions, as well as recruiting personnel from all parts of the world.

    “If the institution is to be relevant and has the ability to integrate its products in the society, it should strengthen its scope as a knowledge- driven concern. The students should get the best education, while the teachers and other staff of the university, must do the best in their duties”, he urged.

    He lauded the government’s commitment to the establishment of the university, describing it as a commendable gesture.

    “I am, therefore, rejoicing with the people of Sokoto State who have shown that they are in search of development,” he said.

    Similarly, the All Progressives Congress (APC ) leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu described education as the greatest weapon against poverty and ignorance.

    ” It is the only chemical that can break down differences,”he said.

    Tinubu congratulated the people of Sokoto State, especially Governor Aliyu Wamakko on establishing the university.

    “I salute the courage, commitment and understanding, and we will continue to collaborate with you in your endeavours,” he said.

    Tinubu noted that there were complexities in the country; however, he appealed to Nigerians to use their differences for advancement.

    Former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), described education as the most important determinant for any society to enhance its participation in public affairs.

    He lamented that the Federal Government had not been able to adequately cater for its universities.

    He further lamented the growing numbers of qualified applicants who are not able to gain admission into the universities, and afterwards, get jobs.

    “There are many bachelor, masters and doctorate degrees holders who have remained without jobs. This is due to insensitive leadership because an educated community ought to be able to create jobs for its people,” he added.

    Governor Wamakko attributed the triumphant success to Allah, thanking Him for making the university a reality.

     

     

    He said the establishment of the university is in the interest of the public and for the development of the education sector in the state and Nigeria.

  • Abdusalami, Buhari, Tinubu at Sokoto varsity inauguration

    Abdusalami, Buhari, Tinubu at Sokoto varsity inauguration

    Sokoto, the headquarters of the Caliphate yesterday hosted political big wigs in one of the largest political gatherings in recent times.

    But it was an educational event that attracted the who-is –who in politics. The Sokoto State University, conceived by Governor Aliyu Wamakko was inaugurated by former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.

    The colourful event was witnessed by Second Republic President Shehu Shagari.

    Others in attendance included House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, a son of the soil, former Head of State Gen Muhammadu Buhari, who is a leader of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and his counterpart former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Also present was former Vice President Atiku Abubakar There were four visiting governors. Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) Sule Lamido (Jigawa) Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) and Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers). There were also former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, and former Kebbi State Governor Adamu Aliero.

    All the guests underscored the importance of education. Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar also said without education, there cannot be progress.

    Gen. Abubakar urged the management of the new university to strengthen efforts at meeting global best practices so as to attain academic excellence and standards.

    “You have to blend local contents with global orientation in its teachings and research, so as to attain global best practices,” he said.

    “If the institution has to be relevant and has the ability to integrate its products in the society, should strengthen its scope as a knowledge-driven concern”, he added.

    “The students should get the best education, while the teachers and other staff members of the university, must do the best in their duties”, he urged.

    “I am rejoicing with the people of Sokoto State who had shown that they are in search of development,” he said.

    Tinubu described education as the greatest weapon against poverty and ignorance, saying,” it is the only chemical that can break down differences.

    “I salute the courage, commitment and understanding, and we will continue to colloborate with you in your endeavours” he said.

    Tinubu, who noted that there were complexities in the country, appealed to Nigerians to use their differences for advancement.

    Gen. Buhari described education as the most important determinant for any people to enhance their participation in public affairs.

    According to him, the Federal Government has not being able to adequately cater for its universities.

    He lamented the growing number of qualified applicants unable to gain admission into the universities.

    “There are many Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate degree holders who have remained without jobs.

    “This is due to insensitive leadership because, an educated community ought to be able to create jobs for its people,” he added.

    Wamakko, who attributed the triumphant success to Allah, thanked God for making the university a reality.

    According to Wamakko “ it is in the overall interest of the public and for the development of the educational sector in the state and Nigeria”, he added

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said no nation or society can be rightfully placed on development without education.

    “The importance of education cannot be over emphasized in any society or country,” Atiku said, adding that “the efforts of the Sokoto State government for establishing the institution is highly commendable,” he added.

    Amaechi appealed to his colleagues to place education on top priority.

    The Sultan of Sokoto decried killings in the name of religion.

    Sultan Abubakar said: “The Sokoto Sultanate council, all traditional rulers and the generality of the Muslims, have dissociated themselves from such dastardly acts.

    He told former Head of State, Gen. Abubakar when he visited him that “ Islam abhors the killing of any innocent souls, without following the due, legal processes.”

    According to the monarch, “we are always committed to the growth and development of Islamic religion, but in line with its teachings and law.

    “Muslims should even persuade non-Muslims to join the religion by their good conduct and strict adherence to the Islamic law.