The Vice Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), Professor Bashir Garba, has charged newly admitted students to pursue their academic journey with integrity, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility as the institution formally matriculated 6,505 students for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Speaking during the matriculation ceremony held in Sokoto on Wednesday, Professor Garba described the occasion as a defining moment for the fresh students, marking their official admission into the academic community.
“By the oath you have taken, you have crossed a significant threshold. You are now full members of this great university community, with rights, responsibilities, and privileges,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor noted that matriculation symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the students, reminding them that their admission was earned through hard work and sacrifice.
“Many applied, but only a few met the criteria. Be proud of this achievement and justify the confidence reposed in you,” he added.
Tracing the history of the institution, Garba recalled that the university was established in 1975 as the University of Sokoto before it was renamed Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
He explained that academic activities commenced in 1977 with just 93 undergraduate students, adding that the university has since grown significantly.
According to him, UDUS now boasts multiple faculties, a College of Health Sciences, a School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, a School of Public Health, and several research centres and institutes.
For the current academic session, admissions were spread across the faculties of Agriculture, Social Sciences, Management Sciences, Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, and the College of Health Sciences.
Garba assured the students of the university’s commitment to nurturing them into capable scholars who will contribute meaningfully to society.
In his remarks, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Tasiu Aminu, urged the fresh students to take their studies seriously, describing the 100-level year as the foundation of academic success.
“Do not joke with your grades at this level. If I were to start all over again, I would put in even more effort,” he advised.
He encouraged them to read the university’s handbook to understand their rights and responsibilities, and to participate in extracurricular activities to build leadership and communication skills.
Aminu commended the university management under Professor Garba for recent achievements, particularly improvements in hostel infrastructure and initiatives aimed at enhancing students’ career prospects.
The ceremony was attended by principal officers of the university, deans, directors, members of Senate and Congregation, parents, and other dignitaries, as the 6,505 fresh students were formally welcomed into what speakers described as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful universities.
With the oath administered and cheers echoing across the hall, the new students officially began their academic journey as “Danfodites,” pledging to uphold the values and traditions of the institution.
