The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Usmanu Danfodiyo University

  • Embrace entrepreneurship, Elumelu urges students

    Chairman of Heirs Holdings Limited and founder of Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr Tony Elumelu, has charged students to embrace entrepreneurship to become self-reliant after their studies. Engaging in free enterprise, he said, would make graduates escape the pain of unemployment.

    Elumelu spoke at the National Dialogue Series held penultimate Saturday by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS).

    He described entrepreneurship as the engine room of the 21st century global economy, pointing out that entrepreneurs had helped many countries achieving prosperities through the power of their ideas and innovations. He said his foundation had committed resources to empowering start-ups in businesses and technology to drive their innovation.

    He said: “Of all the offices I have held, the one that gladdens my heart most is the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which is committed to empowering young Africans using their innovative to change the story of the continent. We have committed resources to empower these start-ups as our contribution towards the development of our continent. This is borne out of my deep-rooted belief that entrepreneurship is the single most critical ingredient for economic empowerment and job creation.”

    Elumelu praised the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, for supporting the event, which, he said, could change the lives of the participant positively. He also praised a former student of the school, Dr Shadi Sabeh, at whose instance the event was organised.

    He said: “Dr Shadi Sabeh’s role in organising this event is commendable. He is an entrepreneur and alumnus of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), who is also a winner of the Tony and Awele Elumelu prize for academic excellence. Shadi is a fine example of the great force and impact our young ones can achieve if we support and empower them.”

    Chairman of the event, Alhaji Muhammad Zangaria, praised Elumelu for the impact his foundation had been making in Africa, adding that education and business empowerment was the best legacy to bequeath for the youth.

    Prof Zuru described Elumelu as “African icon”, praising him for nurturing students and young people in business across the continent. The VC made a request of partnership with the TEF in building a School of Business to promote entrepreneurship in the North.

    The SUG president, Idris Mubarak Maibasira, hailed the management for supporting the union’s initiative. He said Elumelu’s presence at the event would continue to inspire UDUS students to innovate and create businesses.

  • Elumelu urges Nigerian students to embrace entrepreneurship

    Elumelu urges Nigerian students to embrace entrepreneurship

    Dr Tony Elumelu, Chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA), urged Nigerian students to embrace entrepreneurship in order to overcome the problem of unemployment.

    Elumelu, founder of the Dr. Tony Elumelu Foundation made the call in Sokoto where he addressed students at the National Dialogue Series organized by the Students’ Union, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

    The Dialogue Series was organised in collaboration with the management of the institution.

    Himself, Tony, a successful entrepreneur, acknowledged with gratitude while expressing happiness for the opportunity accorded him to speak directly to the youths.

    According to him” I applaud this kind of initiative that brings today’s leaders and the people to whom the future truly belongs to interact and share perspectives.

    “ The Tony Elumelu Foundation is committed to empowering young African men and women as my contribution towards the development of our continent.

    ” This is borne out of my deep-rooted belief that entrepreneurship is the single most critical
    ingredient for economic empowerment and jobs creation.”

    Elumelu further commended the efforts of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abdullahi Abdu Zuru and the University’s management for instituting the National Dialogue Series.

    In the same vein, he lauded the efforts of an alumnus of the University Dr. Shadi Sabeh, for his
    efforts and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, respectively in seeing that the National Dialogue Series sees the light of the day while describing Shadi as,” a fine example of the great force and impact our young ones can achieve if we support and empower them.”

    However, the successful entrepreneur also called on the students to be proud of the University which had produced many great men like Shadi, and Sokoto State Governor, Barrister Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, whom he described as,” a digital governor.” adding that,” the Usmanu Danfodiyo University has such rich legacy, an impeccable pedigree, and an outstanding academic track record that distinguishes it as one of Nigeria’s finest institutions.

    “If you are a student of this great university, you have every reason to be proud, and if you are an alumnus, you equally have every reason to be proud.”

    In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Muhammad Zangaria, acknowledged the great impact the guest speaker has been making in seeing that the African Continent joins the league of developed nations.

    Also speaking, Vice-chancellor of the University, Professor Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, lauded the UBA
    Chairman for the intellectual nurturing of students of the institution noting that Elumelu remains an icon of great recognition
    in the continent and globe at large.

    Zuru further advocated the establishment of the Tony Elumelu Business School in the University, in partnership with Elumelu while disclosing that the proposed School would be training budding Entrepreneurs in the country, to further tame poverty, unemployment and youths restiveness.

    Similarly, the Vice Chancellor opined that the proposed school would help in providing plausible solutions to the formidable socio-economic problems plaguing Nigeria.

    While commending the management of the institution, President of the Students Union, Comrade Idris Mubarak Maibasira said,” the unparalleled philanthropic movement of Elumelu had taken a myriad of Nigerians out of poverty and had equipped scores with entrepreneurial skills.

    He further enjoined the Sokoto State Government and Elumelu ‎ to assist in easing students accommodation problems on campuses while requesting the UBA Chairman to construct a pedestrian bridge at the “Kofar mata” route, to serve as part of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility.“

  • Retired Justice highlights genesis of Nigeria’s challenges

    Retired Justice highlights genesis of Nigeria’s challenges

    A retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Usman Muhammad, says neglect of history and the numerous lessons contained in it was the genesis of myriad of challenges plaguing Nigeria.

    Muhammad spoke in Sokoto at the opening of the second National Conference of the Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that theme of the conference is: ”History, People, Religion and Culture of Kebbi (Kabi) Kingdom since 1515”.

    Muhammad, who was the chairman of the occasion said: ”This neglect covers nearly all levels of our educational system.

    “It is disheartening that History, in spite of its relevance to the life of individual and group and its contributions to national development, we learned, has been phased out of the school curricula.

    “If what we continue to hear about the fate of History in our schools is true, then, this is shocking news for the nation, as we are merely helping to either erode or erase our own identities.”

    In his remarks, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State announced a donation of N30 million as a grant to the institution by three states- Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara- for further researches into the defunct Kebbi, Gobir and Kabi Kingdoms.

    Tambuwal also challenged the nation’s universities to help in proffering possible solutions to the problems bedeviling the nation.

    His Kebbi State counterpart, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, called for urgent revival and imbibing of values and ethics that the nation’s forefathers used to build a solid foundation for it.

    ”They include honesty, dedication, patriotism, peaceful coexistence, respect for one another, piety and patience,” he said.

    The keynote speaker, Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi (APC-Kebbi North), called for a spirited fight against corruption, the revival of local industries and the training of youths in modern skills.

    ”We must dig deep into our history to bring forth our values and traditions in the task of tackling the major problems facing us today and building our future.

    ” These include knowledge and scholarship, selfless leadership and strength of character, as well as tenacity, sense of purpose, religious faith and multiculturalism, among others,’’ Abdullahi said.

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, said that the contributions of ancestors of the defunct Kabi Kingdom and their successors in building a virile society for the last five centuries were unparalleled.

    Zuru promised the university’s resolve to continue to discharge its mandate of diligent teaching and learning, as well as helping to solve societal problems.

    Also, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Mera, said any nation that does not know its history could hardly and accurately measure its progress and growth.

  • Varsity lecturer dismissed for altering results

    Varsity lecturer dismissed for altering results

    The Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, said it had dismissed a lecturer (names withheld), for altering students’ results.

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto on Saturday but declined to mention the affected lecturer’s full details.

    Zuru said “that management of the university took that drastic action to serve as a deterrent to others.

    “The action is to remind academic and non-academic staffers of what might happen if they try such an act.

    “We will not hesitate to wield the big stick on any staff found wanting for any infractions in this regard.

    “The university has no fewer than 30,000 students and the guidelines are there for all to follow. We will not compromise the set standards.”

    Zuru cautioned students against examination malpractice and vices, stressing that the university would not tolerate any ill behaviour.

    He said students must conduct both their academic and extracurricular activities in line with laid down rules and regulations or be sanctioned accordingly.

  • Firm offers scholarship to medical students, others

    The Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCCN) on Tuesday awarded scholarships to 15 students studying medicine, engineering and other related courses.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the students are all indigenes of host communities to the company.

    Speaking at a ceremony to announce the scholarships, the Managing Director of the company, Mr Aminu Ibrahim, said the students would undergo their courses in institutions in Nigeria.

    “The students were nominated by the communities, screened by the company and found suitable for the award.

    Ibrahim said that each of the beneficiaries would be given N100, 000 annually for the duration of the courses.

    “Put in your very best and justify the huge expenses on you,” the managing director said, noting that the company was taking ”a giant step in the educational development of our host communities.

    “CCNN has continuously offered assistance and projects to its host communities in the areas of provision of water, rural roads, healthcare, women and youths empowerment,” he stated.

    In a related development, the company has donated 2,800 bags of cement, worth N 7.3 million to 68 of its host communities.

    “The donation is usually given out to support the communities to renovate communal facilities before the onset of the raining season.

    “We sincerely hope that the donation will be used for the purpose intended.”

    Ibrahim commended the State Government, Wamakko Local Government Council and other stakeholders for their support to the company.

    The Chairman of the Local Government, Alhaji Ahmed Kalambaina, lauded the company for its gesture to host communities.

    A spokesman for the students, Mr Abubakar Tukur, a 300-level medical student of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, commended the firm for its assistance to students.

    He pledged that the benefitting students would not let the company down.

  • NUC approves four engineering programmes for Usmanu Danfodiyo varsity

    NUC approves four engineering programmes for Usmanu Danfodiyo varsity

    Approval has been given to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto by the National Universities Commission (NUC), to commence four core engineering programmes.

    The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru disclosed this to journalists in Sokoto on Wednesday.

    Zuru named the programmes as Civil, Electrical/Electronics, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, adding that the programmes would take off in the 2016/2017 academic session.

    He said:” This feat was achieved sequel to series of accreditation visits conducted at the institution by various teams from the commission.

    ” The routine accreditations for other programmes at the university are also ongoing.

    ” This is to ensure that all the academic programmes of the institution are being done according to the set standards.”

    According to Zuru, the exercises focused on issues such as the provision of adequate and qualified lecturers, laboratories, classrooms and equipment, among others.

    ”The exercises are ongoing and so far, so good, we are not anticipating any problem.”

    On Treasury Single Account (TSA),Zuru said that it had not hampered the activities of the university.

    He stated that the university was getting all its requests approved, saying that the initial teething problems of the system had been overcome.

    ” Hitherto, the system affected the issues of research grants and funds meant for endowments.

    ” However, these problems are now history and all is well.”

    Zuru, however, advocated more funding for the education sector at all levels in the country.

    Meanwhile, Zuru has commended the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr Raji Fashola, for ensuring the commencement of the rehabilitation work on the Sokoto city to the university’s main campus road.

    ” Major works are ongoing on the bridges and culverts on the road was devastated by flood in 2010.

    ” The project, when completed, will really boost academic and socioeconomic activities in the institution and some adjoining communities.

    ”We are also appealing to the Minister to extend the similar gesture to the dilapidated internal road network at our main campus.”

  • ‘Tradition hinders girl-child education in North’

    Dr Balkisu Sa’idu, a lecturer in the Faculty of Law, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, says tradition is the major problem with girl-child education in the North.

    Sa’idu made the observation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto on Thursday.

    ”Traditionally girls are considered to be mere visitors in the family who would pass to another man’s house.

    ”The girl-child has very limited time to spend with her family in the northern part of the country before she is being betrothed to a man.

    “So, the time she will spend with her family is very limited.

    ”For that reason, any system of education that requires six years in primary school, six years in secondary school and four to five years in higher institution means a lady cannot get married until she is 23 years or there about.

    “This is not acceptable to a community that marries out their daughters at the age of 13,” she said.

    Saidu said there were also misconceptions that the Western education exposed girls to some modern behaviours that were not acceptable to the communities.

    ”All these are part of the challenges militating against the development of girl-child education in the North.”

    Saidu, who is an expert on international law, however, urged the government to focus on mass enlightenment on the importance of girl-child education.

    She said this could be done through the use of traditional and religious leaders within the communities, among other strategies.

    She said that searching for knowledge was compulsory to every male and female Muslim.

    Saidu said: “according to UNESCO report, about 90 million children are not in school and majority of them are children.

    ” Most girls do not have access to education despite the fact that it is their rights.

    ”The girl-child is often saddled with responsibilities which may make her not to have access to quality education.

    ”A 2007 UNESCO and UNICEF report addressed the issue of education from a rights-based approach.

    ”Three inter-related rights are specified and must be addressed in concert in order to provide education for all,” Sa’idu said.

    According to her, these rights include access to education and the right for respect within the learning environment, among others.

    ”Beyond the basic needs for education to support one’s self and family in later years, every girl-child in the society should stand tall and be a role model for the growing up girls.

    ”This is in order to build a great nation in later years, many social ills occur in the vacuum of free and accessible education,” she said.

  • Ebola: Suspected patient tests negative in Sokoto

    Ebola: Suspected patient tests negative in Sokoto

    A 25-year-old suspected patient of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) brought to the accident and emergency unit of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto at the weekend has tested negative to the deadly virus.

    The patient whose identity was not disclosed was said to be manifesting symptoms of EVD while receiving treatment at the institution.

    A statement signed by the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Yakubu Ahmed, said tests revealed the unidentified patient was not infected with Ebola, Lassa, Dengue and West Nile diseases.

    Stating that the hospital has the approval of the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, to speak on the suspected case, Ahmed said the patient was taken to the hospital on September 1st on the accounts of vomiting, weakness of the body, cough and bleeding from the nostrils.

    His conditions generated panic and sudden fear among residents, with many believing he was infected with EVD.

    According to Ahmed: “The patient was initially managed at a private hospital on account of gastro-enteritis. He got better and was discharged only to start presenting such symptoms.”

    “His sample was immediately taken and sent to the reference laboratory in Lagos for Ebola virus test.

    “In line with this and while we commend the efforts of the health workers for their vigilance and courage in the management of the case, we urge people not to panic and be assured that the federal government is committed to the safety of Nigerians.”

     

  • No election for for UDUS students

    No election for for UDUS students

    Students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) aspiring for various positions in campus politics of the 2014/2015 academic session, had their hopes dashed when the outgoing Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr Ibrahim Magawatta, hinted that there would be no election in the school.

    Dr Magawata disclosed this during an emergency meeting with students’ leaders at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Students’ Centre.

    He said: “It has become necessary for the university to place a ban on elections in unions and association on campus for the 2014/2015 academic session, considering the present situation. We are running a concurrent session of 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 and we cannot afford to embark on any activity that will hinder the smooth running of our programmes. Space for lectures has been a problem, and it will be more difficult if we allow political activities to go on this year. On this premise, I want to inform you that the university management has placed a ban on all political activities till further notice.”

    He added: “In the meantime, caretaker committees will run the affairs of campus associations. I will announce the dissolution of the students’ union in due course and a caretaker committee will be constituted to run the affairs of the union. This will also apply to other registered association on the campus.”

    Danladi Waziri, a 200-Level student said: “This is rude shock to all of us.We least expected a ban on political activities because it is very important we appoint those that will direct our affairs. I hope the management will rescind this decision.” Another student, Sanni Muhammad said: “Banning political activities will do more harm than good because it will give room for corruption. The management should think twice.”

  • UDUS matriculates 4,024

    UDUS matriculates 4,024

    No fewer than 4,024 fresh intakes for the 2013/2014 academic session took the matriculation oath of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS).

    With 1,394, Faculty of Science had the highest number of new students, while the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, with 34 students, had the lowest. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Riskuwa Shehu, said the successful students were admitted out of over 9,000 applicants from both the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and Direct entry.

    He said priority was given to Science-related programmes during the admissions exercise. He said the school will also prepare potential students through its School of Matriculation Studies

    “This is our response to the desire of the country for rapid advances in Science and Technology. To further guarantee this, we have been able to reposition, strengthen and sustain our School of Matriculation Studies. This is to continuously prepare science students for eventual placement into our various Science and Science-related programmes,” he added.

    He called on the students to be hard working and adhere strictly to the rules and regulations of the university.

    Shehu also urged them to ensure high moral standards, respect for authorities, shun extremism and contribute to nation-building, among others.

    Similarly, Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr Ibrahim Magawata, said that the Institution has recorded minimal social vices, while it is free from cultism and examinations misconduct.