By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO: Sokoto State University (SSU) on Saturday celebrated a major academic milestone as 42 graduates emerged with First Class Degrees during its 8th Combined Convocation Ceremony, marking the end of a seven-year hiatus in the institution’s convocation activities.

The historic event combined the university’s 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th convocation ceremonies and honoured thousands of graduates from the Faculties of Arts, Education, Sciences, Computing, and Social and Management Sciences.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sokoto State Governor and Visitor to the University, Dr Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, described the occasion as a landmark achievement in the institution’s history.

“This convocation marks another momentous milestone in the history of Sokoto State University. It is an opportunity to celebrate the academic achievements of our graduates and reflect on the progress recorded by the institution since its establishment,” the governor said.

He congratulated the graduating students, saying their success reflected years of hard work, discipline and determination.

“Your graduation today is a testament to your perseverance and commitment to academic excellence. I also congratulate your parents, guardians, lecturers and all those who contributed to your success,” he stated.

Aliyu noted that the combined convocation offered an opportunity to honour graduates from five academic sessions whose achievements have contributed to the university’s growth and reputation.

“We are proud of your accomplishments and confident that the knowledge and skills acquired here will enable you to contribute meaningfully to the development of our state, nation and humanity at large,” he added.

The governor reiterated that education remains a central pillar of his administration’s Nine-Point Smart Innovative Agenda, stressing that no society can attain sustainable development without investing in quality education.

“Since assuming office, our government has continued to prioritise investment in education through infrastructural development, staff welfare, research support and improved learning facilities across the state,” he said.

Aliyu recalled that the university faced serious infrastructural challenges when he assumed office but said his administration had taken decisive steps to reposition the institution.

According to him, the government cleared salary arrears and allowances owed visiting professors and sabbatical staff, implemented salary enhancements for academic staff, renovated staff quarters and commenced the construction of a modern sports complex within the university.

“As a responsible government that values education, we will continue to initiate policies and programmes that strengthen academic activities in this university and across the state,” he assured.

The Chancellor of the university, Emir Hameem Nuhu Sanusi of Dutse, commended the governor for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to work towards ensuring that the institution ranks among the best universities in Nigeria and beyond.

Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Ambassador Abubakar Muhammad Sani, praised the state government’s investments in education, while the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Isa Muhammad Maishanu, described education as the most powerful instrument for societal transformation and sustainable development.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Muhammad Bello Yarima, expressed appreciation to the governor for his sustained support and disclosed that the university had proposed 22 new academic programmes currently awaiting approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Yarima further revealed that four First Class graduates had already been employed by the university in line with the state government’s policy of providing automatic employment to outstanding indigenous graduates.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on former Governor of old Sokoto State, Malam Yahaya Abdulkarim, Kogi State Governor Alhaji Usman Ododo, and former Chief Finance Officer of NNPCL Limited, Alhaji Umaru Ajiya, in recognition of their contributions to public service and national development.

The event attracted prominent personalities from across the country, including the founder of the university, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, Minister of Labour and Employment Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of State for Works Bello Muhammad Goronyo, traditional rulers, academics and other distinguished guests.