The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto

  • How UDUS students travel on trailers, risk safety

    How UDUS students travel on trailers, risk safety

    In this report, YISHAU BABATUNDE (UDUS) chronicles how students risk their lives to travel on trailers with a paltry N5,000.

    On a cold morning in October, Ibrahim Muhammad, a 300-Level Sociology student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), made his way to Ajia Alimo road in Sokoto market to begin his journey home. With a worried but determined expression, he climbed onto the back of a moving trailer heading towards Kwara State.

    Since his first year in the university, Ibrahim has always struggled to afford transport fare between Sokoto and his hometown. Before discovering that he could travel with just N5,000 by hitching a ride on a trailer, he used to spend N20,000 and above on transportation alone.

    “We don’t do this because we want to,” Ibrahim said, gripping his bag tightly. “But with transport fare now having tripled, this is the only way to reach Ilorin. The buses are just too expensive. We either risk it or stay stranded.”

    Ibrahim’s experience is not unique. Samsudeen Wadud, a 200-Level Engineering student, shared a similar story. When he heard that the bus fare to Ibadan had risen to between N22,000 and N25,000, he knew he couldn’t afford it. His parents had sent him N15,000, which was not even enough for the trip to his state.

    “When a friend told me about using trailers for just N5,000. I didn’t think twice; I gladly said yes,” he recalled.

    Before the fuel subsidy removal, travelling from Sokoto to Kwara, Oyo, or Lagos State through Niger and Kontagora was relatively affordable. Then, students could board commercial buses for between N8,000 and N10,000 depending on the season.

    But since the subsidy removal, petrol prices have tripled, and fares have sharply increased, which now cost between N22,000 and N25,000. For many students, especially those from low-income families, travelling home by trailer has become the only option left.

    Same path, different mindset

    For some students, the trailer journey is not just about cost, it’s about safety. Muhammad Ridwan, a Master’s student at UDUS, said he now finds peace in travelling by trailer, not just because it is cheaper, but because he believes it is safer.

    “I’ve been using trailers for a long time. I’ve never had an accident, never been robbed or kidnapped,” he said. “Look at the recent attacks on students passing through Niger State, they target buses. Trailers are actually safer for me if I must say.”

    Ridwan’s fear is not exaggerated. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 51.8 million cases of crime were recorded in Nigeria alone between May 2023 and April 2024, which reflects a sorry state of security. The NB report also revealed that an estimated 2.2 million kidnapping incidents occurred within the same period, with victims’ families paying an average ransom of N2.7 million per case, totaling more than N2.2 trillion in ransom payments.

    The North-West region recorded the highest number of kidnapping cases at 1.4 million. This is followed by the North-Central region which recorded 317,837, while the South-East region had the least at 110,432.

    Students being kidnapped on  Nigerian roads is not a new trend. In 2024, at least students from the University of Maiduguri were abducted by gunmen in Benue State while they were  going for a medical conference.

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    Similarly, in October 2025, Basheerah Ojedeyi, a newly inducted Radiography graduate of UDUS, was abducted in Niger State and spent weeks in captivity before her release after a huge ransom payment.

    Beyond the price: A torturous journey

    What begins as a cost-saving decision often turns into a nightmare for many student commuters. Samsudeen Wadud recalled how his trailer, loaded with cows, rams, and other goods, became unbearable during the journey.

    “It was not the best way to go home, but it was better than staying at school,” he said. “Just a few hours into the trip, the smell of animal urine and faeces filled the air. I vomited several times. I don’t think I’ll ever board a trailer again.”

    Another student, Abdulraheem Habib, shared a similar experience. Despite swearing never to travel that way again, he later did so due to financial hardship.

    “When it rains, I’m soaked,” he said. “When it’s sunny, the metal burns my skin. You can’t even stop to ease yourself, you only find a way to ease yourself when the trailer is on the move. It’s a terrible experience.”

    Abdulraheem also recalled one frightening incident: “We were on a trailer going to Kontagora when one of the tyres burst. The driver didn’t stop. Everyone screamed. I thought it was the end. But during the next holiday, I still found myself climbing another one. What can I do?”

    Crossing the Auna River: A journey of fear

    For Ibrahim Muhammad, the most terrifying part of his journey is crossing the Auna–Salka–Ibeto route in Niger State, where a collapsed bridge forces travellers to use an old ferry.

    “It was terrifying,” he said. “The ferry was rusty and shaking. There were no life jackets, and the engine sounded weak. I just held onto the metal and prayed to survive.”

    “Every wave felt like danger. At one point, my hand slipped, and someone had to pull me back. That day, I saw death. I questioned why I agreed to travel this way.”

    A Sign of Economic Desperation

    A transportation expert, Mr. Yusuf Adewale, described the situation as “a tragic reflection of national decay.”

    “When students, the country’s future,  are forced to ride trailers meant for goods, it’s not just a safety issue; it’s an indictment of governance and infrastructure failure,” he said.

    He added that the situation mirrors a broader pattern of neglect in rural transport systems across northern Nigeria. “Communities in Niger, Kebbi, and Sokoto still depend on unsafe trucks and ferries for mobility,” Adewale explained. “It shows the deep gap between urban transport development and rural accessibility.”

    He warned that if the situation is not addressed urgently, lives will continue to be lost.

  • Students trained on leadership, others

    Students trained on leadership, others

    • By Abdulrasaq Nafisat Taiye

    PEN PRESS, a reputable campus-based outlet at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto(UDUS) has hosted a Media and Leadership Conference themed: “Amplifying Youth Voices: Media, Leadership and Civic Responsibility in the 21st Century.”

    It was held at at the university’s Energy Research Centre.

    Africa Editor at the Centre for  Collaborative Investigative Journalism (CCIJ) Ajibola Amzat  delivered the keynote address: “From Local Action to Global Impact: Re-Imagining Youth Leadership in a Fragmented World” on behalf of CCIJ’s Executive Director, Prof.  Jeff Kelly Lowenstein.

    He blended leadership philosophical theories with his personal experiences to explain what it means to not only lead but impact others. He noted that campus journalism is evolving as there are multiple opportunities that were not available during his years as a campus journalist in Unilagsun, a campus based newspaper outlet in University of Lagos.

    I“We need youth leaders who embody the idea of servant leadership because the future of this country, this continent, depends on the quality of leadership offered by the youth,” he said.

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    He concluded by encouraging student leaders to be intentional in their willingness to serve.

    The conference convened over 100 delegates from across all departments and faculties, equipping them with the leadership skills needed for their personal growth.

    The convener, Dauda Musbau, said :”We aim to provide a platform for the student delegates cut across different fields within the campus to explore the role of media and leadership in the development of Nigeria and the world at large.”

    The conference featured panel discussion from notable student leaders in diverse fields including Journalism, Advocacy, Public Speaking, and Academic Excellence.

    The one-day conference ended with over 100 delegates receiving certificate of participation.

  • ‘I feel like my hand is burning with fire from inside’

    A student of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), Habibu Abubakar, lost his two hands when he was attacked by unknown assailants. His road to recovery is a long one that requires lots of funds, reports ABIODUN JAMIU, a 200-Level student of Political Science UDUS.

    All was well with Habibu Abubakar, a 200-Level student of Modern European Languages and Linguistics at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) until Sunday when he was dealt a cruel fate by unknown men who chopped off his two hands.

    Abubakar, who was class representative for his set, was attacked around 2a.m by the men at Mana area of the metropolis who also took away his motorcycle.

    The act has been condemned by all and sundry, including students and the university’s Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof Aminu Mode.

    Uchenna Emelife, a 200-Level student of Literature in English, expressed sadness at the inhumane treatment Abubakar got from his attackers.

    “I cannot bring myself to imagine the pain and trauma he must be passing through now.  Habibu is the most egocentric person I have ever met.  His competence is outstanding, ever ready to speak up and act in defense of the students he represented,” he said.

    Another student, Muneer Yakub, who is in his final year studying Microbiology, said: “I cannot believe some peole could actually go as far as cutting off a fellow man’s hands and steal his bike.”

    He said: “I have seen the pictures, but I don’t really know how it happened.  I heard different versions of the attacks; some said he (Abubakar) was attacked by political thugs while another version alleged that he was confronted by thugs who stopped him on the way not because he belongs to any political party. They wanted his motorcycle.

    “To me, that is simply inhumane! Even animals are better than them.”

    The DSA said he was deeply touched by the attack because the victim was his student, noting that he had sent a team of departmental executives to visit him at the Orthopaedic Hospital in Wamakko where he is being treated.

    “I am deeply touched. They have just rendered him helpless because 90 per cent of what we do in life is through the hands,” he said.

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    Abubakar has two sessions and one semester more to go to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Modern European Languages and Linguistics.  However, how it will not be so easy to do so anymore without support.

    Speaking when executive members of the Modern European Languages and Linguistics (MELL) visited him at the hospital, Abubakar said he would want to continue his education without taking a break.

    “I feel like my hand is burning with fire from inside.  However, I do not wish to dfer my academics even for a session. But I will wait patiently to wee my health condition improve before I resume,” he said.

    According to www.webmd.com, it may take up to two months for wounds from an amputation following surgery to heal.  This medical recovery should be followed by rehabilitation for the patient to learn to live as normally as possible without his limbs.  For that, Abubakar would need the services of an Occupational Therapist.  Abubakar would also need psychological counseling to deal with the trauma.

    Ideally, Abubakar’s life would be easier with the aid of prosthetic limbs.  However, whether his family can afford them is another matter.

    With advances in science and technology, prosthetic limbs are now much more sophisticated such that amputees can achieve more.  However, they do not come cheap.  According to the website of the Alliance of Advanced Biomedical Engineering (https://aabme.asme.org/posts/3-d-printing-to-lower-prosthetic-costs), sophisticated prosthetic limbs cost between $5,000 to $50,000 – amounts barely affordable for citizens of industrialised countries, and way beyond the poor in developing countries like Nigeria.

    Prosthetic devices have become more sophisticated, enabling amputees to accomplish more of the tasks that were once difficult or impossible because of missing hands, feet, or limbs. Additional functionality, however, comes at a price: advanced prosthetic limbs can cost anywhere from $5,000 (N1.8 million) to $100,000 (N36 million).

    Foreign firms are now exploring the use of 3-D Printing Technology to lower the cost of prosthetic limbs.  But that is not likely an immediate reality for Habibu.

    Prof Mode said the University would support Habibu to graduate from the university – though he did not say the form the support would take.

    “I assure that whatever can be done to ensure the completion of his programme will be done.  The Vice Chancellor, Prof Abdu Abdullah Zuru, is aware of the situation and I know he has students in his mind. In fact, he has directed me to look into it so as to see what the management can do about the matter,” he said.

  • Varsity produces First Class in Geology

    Abdullahi Aminu Al-Ameen has become the first student of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) to graduate with a first class in the Department of Geology, Faculty of Science. The department, since its inception in 2013, has not produced a first class graduate.

    Al-Ameen, 23-year-old,    had already graduated from Kebbi State University with a cumulate grade point average (CGPA) of 4.54. But, he has had passion for Geology since his secondary school days. And when the opportunity was available at UDUS to read Geology, he quickly grabbed it.

    To him, achieving the feat was not an easy task despite his position as the class representative. His involvement in the school’s extra-curricular activities coupled with his low CGPA in his first year, was not at all inspiring. Nonetheless, Al-Ameen took it as a challenge – a decision that paid off eventually.

    In an interview with CampusLife, Al-Ameen explained that being admitted for his choice of study really boosted his morale to aim for the top.

    He said: “Actually Geology was my dream course since I was in secondary school because I heard so much about it from my Geography teacher,” Al-Ameed said durijg UDUS graduation.

    “Geography was my favorite subject back in secondary school, so I tried to study a course in science field related to Geography and my teacher recommended Geology to me. When I sat for UTME in 2014, I had 241; that’s why I was given Geology because of the high scores, according to one of my lecturers. Geology was my choice and when the school offered me Geology, I was very happy and I strived very hard to clinch the feat.”

    He noted that his performance in his first year was not worth bragging about for a first class student.  He recalled: “My 100-Level wasn’t impressive due to my lack of experience in campus life and how to stay focus on my studies, I managed 4.49 in 100-Level, but when I was in 200-Level, I began to realise my purpose of being in school which was to study; and with the experience of 100-Level, I began to pay more attention to my studies and less attention to campus activities. Although, I participated in campus politics, but that did not stop me from achieving my dream. From that point on, I started planning and managing my time everyday.”

    He explained that working with students with the same mindset also helped him a lot.

    Al-Ameen noted that he was never a nocturnal reader, adding that his intellectual weapon was extensive study at daytime.

    “Whenever I was given a material, I always make some research on my own.  I read one course everyday for at least three hours and at most four hours every morning  from 8-12, especially on days I did not have lectures.

    “I don’t read in the night. Whenever I read in the morning, whenever examination approached, I always increased my reading to at least five hours everyday and at most seven hours, sometimes from 9am to 2pm and sometimes 9am to 4pm.”

  • CAMPUSLIFE writers win seven of 15 awards

    Seven campuslife writers were among the 15 journalists honoured during the second edition of The Youths’ Digest magazine Campus Journalism Awards (CJA 2019) held at the Nicon Luxury Hotels, Abuja on Sunday.

    They were selected from 241 entries received for the award among which 30 finalists were shortlisted. Of the 30, 15 awardees emerged. The award committee assessed entries for accuracy, clarity, originality, creativity and unique delivery styles.

    Maryam Abdullah, a 400 level student of Modern European Languages and Linguistics at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), was the star writer of the event as she won two categories, the gender equality award, and the prestigious campus journalism awards.

    Her classmate, Ibrahim Adeyemi, bagged the Editor of the year award, while Mahmud Abdulsalam of Niger State, won the Upcoming Writer category.

    Other CAMPUSLIFE writers were: Ekpali Joseph, a 400-Level Mass Communication at University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, (Best Feature); Adejumo Kabir, an English student of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife (Best Photojournalist); Yusuf Akinpelu of the University of Ibadan, UI (Best News Reporter); and Oluwatobi Odeyinka of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) Abeokuta (Best Opinion Writer).

    Winners of other categories were: Abdulhamid Aliyu of Bayero University Kano, BUK (Best Entertainment Writer); Emmanuel Ayamga of Ghana Institute of Journalism (Best Sports Reporter); UNILORIN Watch represented by Daud Adebayo (Best Magazine); Aondover Eric of Bayero University Kano, BUK (Best Author); Alfred Olufemi of OAU (Best Investigative Reporter), Adekola Mercy of Adekunle Ajasin University, AAUA (Best Broadcaster); Fatima Abbas of University of Maiduguri, UNIMAID (Social Media Influencer of the Year); and  MAPOLY Press (Best Pen Club).

    For her feat, Maryam has been offered an all-expense paid trip travel to the U.S. for a two-week course on female and gender development, courtesy of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC).

    Executive-Director, CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, while making the pledge, expressed delight in a female winning the star award.

    “The fact that a female student emerged as campus journalist of the year at this event CISLAC partnered is absolutely wonderful. This goes to show that there are immense potentials in our young girls. Therefore, I urge Maryam to build on this unique and brilliant achievement by remaining focused and continue to write edifying and must-read opinion articles and news reports so as to harvest more special awards for herself.  I, on behalf of CISLAC, congratulate and heartily felicitate with Maryam Abdullahi on this special occasion,” he said.

    Rafsanjani also promised Maryam a cash gift of N50, 000 as well as offered automatic employment to all final-year students among the 15 awardees.

    Commenting on her victory, Maryam Mariam who shouted, “Oh, My God!” when she was named winner said: “It is amazing. I did not expect it.”

    She continued: “Though, journalism itself has always been time amazing and as well time consuming; the fact that one has to focus on academic which is the primary assignment and also the second assignment, Journalism.  I want to use this medium to say a special “Thank you” to Youth Digest for organising such an amazing event.”

    Editor of Youths’ Digest, Mr Gidado Shuaib, said the objective of the annual event was to encourage students to do quality journalism.

    “As the CJA enters its second year, I want to remind us of the reasons why we at Youths’ Digest started it. The award is primarily aimed at motivating, recognising and celebrating student journalists, young writers, pen clubs and campus media outlets,” he said.

    To address challenges students faced practicing journalism on campus, Shuaib announced the launch of the campus journalism dialogue (CJD) which he said would help fight unethical practices of journalism in campuses.

    “While we bask in the merry of today’s event, I want to point out the fact that campus journalists face challenges- victimisation, absence of quality mentorship and non-availability of funds for investigative reports.

    “Indeed this motivation has birthed the campus journalism dialogue which we intend to flag off this year. This intiative will address key areas in campus journalism and support victims of oppression who are often deserted by their peers after a fall” he said.

    Speaking further, Mr. Olarenwaju Oyedeji , Senior Reporter, Youths Digest, said CJD would serve as a platform to properly mentor brilliant student-writers and campus journalists.

    He said CJD would visit campuses to educate participants on issues such as hate speech, fake news, defamation, libelous publications, and brown envelope syndrome, among others, in contemporary journalism practice.

  • Danfodiyo varsity hosts Gobir cultural conference

    The main auditorium of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), was filled to the brim as Gobir tribesmen gathered to celebrate their culture, values and norms. The five-day cultural conference tagged: Gobir Kingdom: The past present and the future, was hosted by the Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies.

    The event was organised with the objectives to unite the people of Gobir Kingdom, home and abroad, by reflection of historical pasts to determine and proffer solutions to their collective challenges.

    Chairman of the occasion, Senator Abdullahi Gobir, hailed the participants for turning out for the event. He appreciated the faculty for hosting the conference, saying the event brought honour to the ancient kingdom.

    He said: “While I am welcoming you all to this historical conference, it is believed  that the aspirations of average Gobir man are to see education being brought close to him, to see job opportunities being brought closer to him and so on. Gobir cherishes honesty and hard work.”

    Republic of  Niger President, Mahammado Yossouf, represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs, hailed the school for providing the platform for the conference. He promised that  his government would not relent in maintaining good relationships with Nigeria government.

    Speakers at the conference included Prof Djibbbo Hammani, from Abdul Moumouni University in Niamey, Niger Republic, Prof Hakeem Danmole of Al-Hikmah University in Ilorin, Kwara State, and Prof Addou Muhamman, Vice-Chancellor of University of Tahoua in Niger Republic.

    Others were: Prof Illa Maikasuwa, former Niger’s Minister of Education, and Prof Aliyu Muhammad Bunza, Dean, Faculty of Education and Humanities, Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara State.

    The conference featured exhibition of cultural totems and materials of the Gobir Kingdom. Books and pamphlets detailing historical events and mythology of Gobir Kingdom were sold at the event.

    Personalities at the conference included the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by Sar’kin Dundaye, Sultan of Tsibiri in Niger Republic, Alhaji Abdul Bala Marafa, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, his Kebbi State and Zamfara State counterparts, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, and Alhaji Abdul-Aziz Yari, among others.

    UDUS Vice-Chancellor, Prof Abdullahi Zuru, in his vote of thanks, said the school was honoured to have hosted the event.

  • Danfodiyo varsity gets new Registrar

    The Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) has appointed Malam Nurudeen Belko as its new Registrar.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Public Relation Officer (PRO) of the University Malam Ismail Yauri and issued to Newsman on Friday in Sokoto.

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    The statement reads, “The Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto Governing Council, has at its 145th meeting, approved the appointment of Malam Nurudeen Abubakar Belko as new registrar of the university.

    “The registrar is the chief Administrative Officer of the university responsible to the Vice Chancellor for the day to day administrative work of the university.

    “This appointment would be for a single term of five year and the new registrar has since assumed duty.”

    NAN