After a seven year break, Sokoto State University is set to hold its 8th Combined Convocation Ceremony, with no fewer than 6,000 students expected to receive their degrees during the event scheduled for Saturday.
The long awaited ceremony marks the institution’s return to convocation activities after several years and is regarded as a significant moment in the university’s history. Graduates drawn from five faculties and across different academic sessions will officially complete their academic journey.
Speaking during a pre convocation briefing in Sokoto on Monday, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Muhammad Bello Yarima, said the university had concluded all necessary arrangements to deliver a ceremony that reflects its growing reputation for academic excellence.
According to him, the graduating class includes several students who earned First Class honours. He explained that the institution remained committed to maintaining transparency and high academic standards throughout the graduation process to protect the credibility of its certificates.
Prof. Yarima noted that the convocation represents far more than the presentation of degrees. He described it as a celebration of years of dedication by students, lecturers and the university community, while reaffirming the institution’s resolve to uphold quality education.
The ceremony will also feature the presentation of honorary doctorate degrees to distinguished Nigerians whose contributions have positively impacted education, public service, economic development and national growth.
He stated that those selected for the honour were chosen solely on merit because of their remarkable service to society and their lasting contributions to the development of Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states, as well as other parts of the country.
The Vice Chancellor expressed appreciation to Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, who serves as the university’s Visitor, for his continuous financial and moral support. He disclosed that the governor approved additional funding for the convocation after reviewing the institution’s budget proposal, describing the gesture as another sign of his commitment to the university’s progress.
He also acknowledged the role of former Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, who founded the university. According to Prof. Yarima, the former governor has remained a dependable supporter whose interventions continue to strengthen both infrastructure and academic development.
He revealed that Senator Wamakko facilitated the expansion of the university library through one of his constituency projects. The project, he said, is nearing completion and is expected to improve teaching, learning and research activities across the institution.
Looking beyond the convocation, the Vice Chancellor outlined an ambitious vision for the university over the next decade. He said the institution is working towards becoming a leading centre for innovation and entrepreneurship by aligning its academic programmes with national development priorities.
He explained that the university is placing greater emphasis on practical knowledge and skills that will prepare graduates not only to secure employment but also to create businesses and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
Prof. Yarima credited the university’s steady progress to the dedication, professionalism and teamwork of its management and staff, whose efforts have continued to strengthen the institution’s standing within Nigeria’s higher education sector.
Zoyols News gathered that the convocation ceremony is expected to attract government officials, academics, traditional rulers, business leaders, alumni and other stakeholders from different parts of the country, making it one of the university’s biggest gatherings in recent years.
