The Vice Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Professor Bashir Garba, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s education policies, describing them as impactful and transformative for Nigeria’s higher education sector.
Professor Garba gave the commendation on Saturday during the university’s combined 50th anniversary and 42nd convocation ceremony held at the main campus.
“The Tinubu administration’s commitment to revitalising public universities has already begun to yield positive results,” Garba stated.
“From improved funding frameworks to policy reforms aimed at enhancing academic quality and institutional autonomy, this dispensation is laying a stronger foundation for sustainable growth in higher education.”
In her remarks, the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, who represented the Visitor to the School, President Bola Tinubu, reiterated the federal government’s determination to expand access to quality education nationwide.
She highlighted the introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as a major step toward supporting students’ academic pursuits.
“As part of efforts to ensure that more students achieve their educational dreams, President Tinubu introduced NELFUND to enable young Nigerians to pursue their studies without financial constraints,” she said.
Suwaiba disclosed that the president has earmarked N120 billion for vocational education in the country as part of his commitment.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, who attended the ceremony as an alumnus, celebrated the institution’s milestone achievements and pledged stronger collaboration with the university in the areas of innovation, skills development, and educational reform.
Governor Aliyu also announced a special reward for the university’s best graduating student, Abdullahi Sherif, from the Department of Microbiology, who earned a 4.92 CGPA.
The governor awarded him a Hajj seat in recognition of his academic excellence.
“This university has profoundly impacted lives both within Nigeria and beyond Africa, Aliyu said.
“Its contributions to national and international development can not be overestimated, and today’s graduates should be proud to be part of that legacy.”
He further outlined several education-focused initiatives under his administration, including settling N1.845 billion in accumulated tuition fees for Sokoto medical students studying locally and abroad, appointing four professors from UDUS to head key education sectors in the state, and initiating the renovation of primary, secondary, and tertiary schools across Sokoto.
The convocation attracted distinguished dignitaries, including representatives of President Tinubu, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Oba of Lagos (Chancellor of the University), members of the National Assembly, diplomats, traditional rulers, senior academics, and alumni from across the country.
Three distinguish individuals were honoured at the convocation, and they included the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruku Yahaya (retd) who was conferred with the Doctor of Science, a renowned Islamic schooler, Sheikh Aminu Durawa, Doctor of letters while Prof Dejo Abdulraman was conferred with the Emeriti Professor award in recognition of his service to the school.
Arewa PUNCH reports that the event further marked a historic milestone for UDUS, celebrating half a century of academic excellence and its role in shaping Nigeria’s intellectual, socio-economic, and cultural development.
