Some eminent Nigerians have been honoured with Doctorates in various disciplines and other academic honours during the 42nd Convocation and Golden Jubilee Anniversary ceremony of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, which took place recently at the Convocation Arena of the University.

The awardees included the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Yahaya Abubakar; Dr. Aminu Daurawa, a renowned Islamic cleric and scholar; Professor Emeritus Dejo AbdulRahman; and Prof. Shehu Galadanci.

The grand occasion, which was hosted by Prof. Bashir Garba, the Vice Chancellor of the University, witnessed the attendance of distinguished intellectuals, both serving and retired.

Other prominent personalities present were: the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, FCNA; former Governor of Sokoto State, Sen. Aliyu Magatarda Wamakko; His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar III; former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega; all former Vice Chancellors of the institution; the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Zayyanu Abdullahi; Prof. Tijani Bande; Prof. A. A. Zuru; and Prof. Riskuwa, among others.

The Best Overall Student, from the Department of Microbiology, was awarded a prize by the Governor of Sokoto State, as well as a seat reservation to perform the 2026 Hajj Pilgrimage to Makkah in Saudi Arabia.

Also present were the Vice Chancellors of various universities, including those of University of Abuja, Zamfara State University, Iconic University, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Sokoto State University, Shehu Shagari University of Education, Abdullahi Fodio University, Aliero, and Federal University Gusau, among others.

Earlier, in his goodwill message, the JAMB Sokoto Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Ibrahim Muazu Hassan, who was represented by Mr. Sani Dabo, eulogised the Management of the University for keeping the hope of the founding fathers of the institution alive.

He said honouring these distinguished personalities would go a long way towards upholding the good name which the noble institution stands for.

Hassan enjoined the graduates to continue to make the institution proud by contributing their own quota to the larger society.

The highlight of the event was the display of several cultural and intellectual performances by the university community and family members of the graduates.