From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
In a remarkable feat, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has given full accreditation status to all the 18 undergraduate degree programmes presented for the accreditation exercise by the Sokoto State University (SSU).
This was contained in a summary of the results letter presented to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bashir Garba, and signed by the Ag. Director of Accreditation, Egnr. Abraham Chundusu, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the Commission.
According to the letter, the programmes that get full accreditation status are Computer Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Microbiology.
A statement issued on Friday by Zayyanu Shehu, Information Officer of the Institute further said others are Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Arabic, Hausa, History, and Islamic Studies. The rest are Education Computer Science, Education Mathematics, Education Physics, Education Biology, and Education Chemistry, respectively.
While commenting on the results of the accreditation, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Bashir Garba expressed the institution’s warm appreciation to the Commission for the outcomes of the exercise.
He assured that the University would remain committed to attaining academic standards to continue meeting all the NUC requirements for global ranking.
“Indeed, this achievement underscores the University’s commitment to academic excellence and its dedication to meeting the highest standards set by the NUC. Scoring full accreditation status for all the programmes presented to the NUC required commitment and dedication,” Prof. Garba enthused.
He, therefore, emphasized their readiness to invest more time, energy, and resources in the accredited programmes and the 60 other undergraduate and postgraduate courses that would be due for accreditation soon.”We have come a long way.
The Sokoto State Government hugely invested resources for the success of this University and the roots of success are gradually creeping out.
“Because Sokoto State University joins the ranks of a selected few Universities that have all their programmes fully accredited.
“Therefore, the journey has begun in earnest towards providing quality education, and producing graduates who can compete globally,” the Vice-Chancellor vowed.
Professor Garba has specifically acknowledged the support of the Visitor to the University, and the Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto.
He also expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the founder of the institution, Distinguished Senator, Dr. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (Sarkin Yamman Sokoto), for his unwavering support and commitment to the growth and development of the University.
Prof. Garba acknowledged the Senator’s wisdom and leadership qualities in establishing the institution, which has become a beacon of academic excellence in the region.
The Vice-Chancellor praised the significant contributions of development partners, particularly, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), in transforming the educational landscape in Nigeria.
He expressed his gratitude for TETFund’s funding initiatives, which according to him, enabled the University to upgrade its infrastructure, procure modern equipment, and train its staff.
Prof. Garba appreciated the commitments and support of the State Ministry for Higher Education, Management, Staff, Students and the entire University Community as well as other stakeholders in the State toward the success of the exercise.
The NUC accreditation teams visited the University between October and November 2023 to assess the quality and content of 18 out of the 78 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offered by the institution.
The full accreditation status is a resounding endorsement of SSU’s academic standards and its capacity to produce graduates who can make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields of human endeavour.