Sokoto Governor rewards UDUS top graduate with fully funded Hajj pilgrimage

Governor Ahmed Aliyu announced a fully sponsored trip to Saudi Arabia for Hajj in 2026 as a reward to the best graduating student, Abdullahi Sherif, at the 42nd convocation ceremony of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS). The announcement took place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the university’s main campus.

Governor Aliyu, an alumnus of the institution himself, commended Abdullahi for his outstanding academic performance, graduating with an impressive 4.92 CGPA from the Microbiology Department. This academic achievement earned him the special religious pilgrimage prize, as a result of his diligence towards his academic pursuits.

The governor stressed the vital role of the university in shaping leadership and innovation not only across Nigeria but also beyond the African continent. He emphasized the university’s contributions to national and global development, encouraging the graduates to embrace their part in this enduring legacy.

Additionally, Governor Aliyu outlined several key education-related programs under his administration. These include the clearance of N1.845 billion in outstanding tuition fees for medical students from Sokoto studying domestically and internationally, the appointment of four UDUS professors to lead major educational sectors in the state, and a comprehensive renovation campaign targeting primary, secondary, and tertiary schools across Sokoto.

University Vice Chancellor Professor Bashir Garba praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformative policies on education, noting their substantial influence on public universities nationwide. He stated that the current administration is dedicated to improving funding and to transform the academic standards with tangible benefits and setting a strong foundation for the future of higher learning nationwide.

The convocation event attracted a distinguished assembly of guests, including presidential representatives, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Oba of Lagos (the university Chancellor), members of the National Assembly, diplomats, traditional leaders, senior academics, and alumni from various regions.

At the ceremony, three notable individuals were honored with prestigious awards: retired Lt. Gen. Faruku Yahaya received a Doctor of Science degree; renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Aminu Durawa was conferred with a Doctor of Letters; and Professor Dejo Abdulrahman was designated as Emeritus Professor in recognition of his distinguished service to the university.