By Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Sokoto State University will graduate no fewer than 6,000 students during its 8th Combined Convocation Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, bringing to an end a convocation backlog that has lasted about seven years, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Muhammad Bello Yarima, has announced.
Prof. Yarima disclosed this on Monday during the university’s pre-convocation press conference in Sokoto, where he unveiled activities lined up for the week-long event leading to the convocation ceremony.
He said the graduating students are drawn from the university’s five faculties, adding that the institution would also celebrate several First Class graduates during the ceremony.
“We are taking our time to organise a world-class event,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
According to him, the university will also confer honorary doctorate degrees on distinguished personalities from within and outside Sokoto State in recognition of their outstanding contributions to education and socio-economic development.
“All of them will be awarded on merit. These are distinguished individuals who have contributed immensely to the educational and socio-economic development of Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states, as well as other parts of Nigeria,” he stated.
Prof. Yarima commended the Governor of Sokoto State, , who is also the Visitor to the university, for his continued moral and financial support to the institution.
According to him, the governor reviewed the convocation budget and approved an increase running into several millions of naira to ensure a successful event.
“The Governor has indeed remained a true father and benefactor to Sokoto State University, and we appreciate him,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also praised the university’s founder, , for his unwavering support, particularly for funding the expansion of the university library through a constituency project, which he said is nearing completion.
Looking ahead, Prof. Yarima said his administration aims to transform Sokoto State University into a leading entrepreneurship hub within the next decade.
“The state government has given us the mandate to produce graduates who can create jobs and not only job seekers,” he added.
He further commended the university’s management and staff for their dedication, resilience and teamwork, describing their collective commitment as a major factor behind the institution’s achievements and steady growth.
