The Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, has rewarded the overall best graduating student of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), Abdullahi Sherif, with a fully sponsored trip to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj. The governor made this announcement during the university's 42nd convocation ceremony held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the main campus in Sokoto.

Sherif, who studied Microbiology, graduated with an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.92, making him the top graduate of the year. Governor Aliyu, himself an alumnus of UDUS, said the Hajj gift was in recognition of Sherif's academic brilliance and hard work. He urged other students to take inspiration from his achievement and remain focused on excellence.

In his address, the governor praised the university for its contributions to education and national development. He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting higher institutions with policies focused on innovation, skills training, and reforms that will strengthen the education sector in Sokoto State.

Aliyu highlighted some of his administration's achievements, including the payment of ₦1.845 billion in accumulated tuition fees for Sokoto medical students studying at home and abroad. He also announced the appointment of four UDUS professors to lead key education sectors in the state and the ongoing renovation of schools across all levels.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Bashir Garba, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's education policies, describing them as transformative for public universities nationwide. He said the reforms are already improving academic quality and infrastructure.

The convocation was graced by dignitaries, including representatives of President Tinubu, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Oba of Lagos, lawmakers, diplomats, and academics. Honorary awards were also conferred on Lt Gen Faruku Yahaya (retd), Sheikh Aminu Durawa, and Professor Dejo Abdulrahman in recognition of their service to the nation and the university.

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