Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), has rolled out the drums to mark its golden jubilee alongside its 42nd convocation ceremony, celebrating five decades of academic excellence and honouring distinguished Nigerians who have contributed immensely to education, peace, and national development.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday to unveil the week-long programme of events, Vice Chancellor Prof. Bashiru Garba described the celebration as a historic milestone in the life of the institution, which was founded in 1975 as the University of Sokoto and renamed in 1988 after the great Islamic scholar, Sheikh Usmanu Bin Fodiyo.
“Today, we are not just marking 50 years; we are celebrating resilience, progress, and a shared purpose. This golden jubilee is about remembering the past with gratitude while boldly reaffirming our mission for the future of higher education in Nigeria and beyond.”
The Vice Chancellor recalled that the university commenced academic activities in 1977 with just 93 undergraduates and 102 pre-degree students across four faculties. Nearly five decades later, the institution has grown to 16 faculties, 98 academic departments, 16 research centres, over 23,000 students and more than 3,000 staff.
“What started modestly has transformed into a citadel of knowledge with national and international impact,” Prof. Garba said, adding that the university journey reflects not just growth, but transformation.
This year’s convocation will see 4,024 graduates awarded degrees, diplomas and certificates, including 120 PhDs, 323 Master’s, 20 Postgraduate Diplomas, and 3,561 Bachelor’s degrees. Out of the bachelor’s graduates, 119 finished with First Class honours.
The institution will also confer honorary degrees on two eminent Nigerians: Sheikh Muhammad Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, an Islamic scholar and peace advocate, and Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, in recognition of their service to humanity and national development. In addition, Prof. Dejo Abdulrahman will be conferred with the status of Emeritus Professor.
The VC said that the golden jubilee celebration, which will run from September 1 to 6, will feature cultural displays, academic symposia, medical outreach to host communities, a novelty football match between alumni and students, and commissioning of new projects, as well as public lectures, including one on the role of women in university development.
He said Saturday’s grand finale will feature the convocation ceremony proper, with the award of degrees, presentation of prizes, and conferment of honorary awards.
Also, as part of the jubilee, the university announced the renaming of several buildings after pioneer leaders and distinguished personalities who contributed to the development of UDUS. Among them are the Mahdi Adamu Auditorium, the S.A.S. Galadanchi Campus, the Oba Lamidi Adeyemi Convocation Arena, and the A.A. Gwandu Central Mosque.
Prof. Garba pledged that the university will continue to build on its legacy of service, scholarship, and innovation.
“As we celebrate 50 years of scholarship and service, we look to the future with renewed determination to train men and women of vision, discipline, and excellence who will continue to impact society positively.”
