The Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) has marked its 40th anniversary in a big way. Some eminent Nigerians were conferred with honorary degrees during the convocation, which coincided with the milestone. Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos was installed as the university’s Chancellor. SULEIMAN ADAMU, HALIMAH AKANBI (400-Level Law) and ISLAMIYAT ABDURAHMAN (300-Level Islamic Studies) report.
•Varsity honours Danjuma, Tinubu, Sultan, others at convocation
The Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) was aglow when it marked its 40th anniversary and joint convocation for 32nd, 33rd and 34th classes of graduands.
Five eminent Nigerians, including All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, and former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, bagged honorary degrees.
Also, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos was installed as the third Chancellor of the university. The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Abdullahi Zuru conferred them with the awards on behalf of the Governing Council.
Tinubu got Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa), Sultan Abubakar, PhD in Law and Danjuma, Doctor of Science. Another recipient, Alhaji Dauda Lawal, bagged Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa).
While installing Akiolu as chancellor, Zuru described the institution as the most peaceful in the country, promising staff support for the new chancellor.
In his acceptance speech, Akiolu said: “I am happy to be in Sokoto, the centre of Islamic civilisation. There is no prayer said in the state that will not be answered.”
The monarch said he was aware of his responsibility and the challenges facing the school, promising to do his best to put things in order. He advised the granduands to be good ambassadors of the school, while also appealing to students to run from vices that could tarnish the cherished name of the school.
Akiolu said the honorees had contributed immensely to the development of the nation, urging them to justify the honour by attracting more development-oriented projects to the institution.
Tinubu, speaking on behalf of the recipients, praised the school management for maintaining peace and unity in the school, saying true development would only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace.
Tinubu said: “On behalf of the recipients, I thank the university for counting us worthy of the honour. This citadel of learning has been great institution and its administrators must continue to maintain the greatness of the renowned school in line with values and philosophy of Sheikh Usmanu Danfodiyo of great memory after whom the university is named.”
The university churned out 11,513 granduands in the joint convocation. More than 474 got doctoral degrees, 883 received their Master’s degree, 9,513 got Bachelor’s degree and 293, Diploma.
Of the graduands who got their first degree, 57passed with a First Class, 192 has Second Class (Upper Division), 5,420 got Second Class (Lower Division), 2,166 had Third Class and 2,200, Pass.
Some 68 graduated with unclassified degrees.
Some of the graduands, who spoke with CAMPUSLIFE, could not hide their joy. Tawakaltu Issah, a Law graduate, said: “It is dream come true for me to wear this academic gown. I am happy and I believe this is a stepping stone for greater achievements.”
Another graduand, Naimat Nurudeen, said she was moved by the calibre of dignitaries in attendance. “These are the important personalities in our country and they gathered here because of us. It makes the convocation symbolic. I am excited and give all glory to Allah,” she said.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion included the Governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Abdul-Aziz Yari (Zamfara), Atiku Bagudo (Kebbi) and Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos), Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and former chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande, among others.