Being text of a briefing by vice-chancellor of the usmanu danfodiyo university, sokoto, professor abdullahi Abdul Zuru to members of the press on the occasion of the 35th, 36th and 37th combined convocation ceremonies held at the senate chambers, ahmadu bello house, main campus, on Tuesday 9th April, 2019.
PROTOCOLS
It is with great gratitude to Allah that I welcome you to this pre-convocation press briefing. I want to thank you most sincerely for honouring our invitation and for your continuous support and encouragement. I am particularly grateful to members of the electronic and print media for wonderful cooperation throughout my tenure which winding up in July 2019. I am happy to announce that arrangements have been concluded for the combined 35th, 36th and 37th convocation ceremony which commences with today’s press briefing and runs through the week culminating in the conferment of undergraduate, postgraduate and honourary degrees as well as Emeriti status on Friday 12th and saturday 13th April, 2019 at the convocation ground on the main campus.
I am pleased to inform you that we are presenting a total of twelve thousand, two hundred and eighty-two (12,282) graduands who will receive degrees and diplomas, having been found worthy both in character and learning.
Of this number, one hundred and thirty five(135) will receive Ph.D; seven hundred and seventy (770) Master Degree; ninety six (96) postgraduate diploma, while ten thousand, nine hundred and ninety four (10,994) will receive first Degree and two hundred and eighty seven (287) will receive diploma. In addition, one hundred and nine (109) students will receive various prizes for their excellent performances in their respective disciplines.
The summary is as follows:
GRADUATE DISTRIBUTION BY SESSION BYPROGRAMME For 2015/2016 session:
260 diploma, 4,548 Under graduate, 96 Postgraduate, 300 Masters, 74 Ph.D and in total; 5,278.
For 2016/2017 session: 27 Diploma, 4,166 Undergraduate, 0 PGD, 470 Masters, 61 Ph.D and in total; 4,724
For 2017/2018 session: 0 Diploma, 2,280 Undergraduate degree, 0 PGD, 0 Masters, 0 Ph.D and in total; 2,280. Therefore, total Diploma is 287, total Undergraduate is 10,994, Masters 770, total Ph.D is 135, thus making the total graduands; 12,282.
UNDERGRADUATE DISTRIBUTION BY CLASS OFDEGREEBYSESSION For 2015/2016 session: 29 first claas, 878 second class upper division, 2,886 second class lower division, 584 third class and 171 unclassified; making a total of 4,548.
For 2016/2017 session: 48 first class, 889 second class upper division, 2,473 second class lower division, 654 third class and 102 unclassified; making a total of 4,166.
For 2017/2018 session: 36 first class, 608 second class upper division, 1,244 second class lower division, 318 third class and 74 unclassified; making a total of 2,280.
In combination: For 2015/2016 session; 4,548 graduands, for 2016/2017; 4,166 graduands, for 2017/2018 session; 2,280 graduands. Giving a total of 10,994 graduands.
There are also three eminent Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in their
various endeavours and have contributed immensely to the development of education in particular and Nigeria in general; they who will be conferred with Honorary Doctorate Degrees.
They are:
1. His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammad Iliyasu Bashar, CFR, Emir of Gwandu Doctor of Laws (LLD): Honoris Causa.
2. Alhaji Muhammad Aliko Dangote, GCON Doctor of Science (D.Sc): Honoris Causa; and
3. Sheik Muhammad Mujtaba Isah T/Mafara, Doctor of Letters (D.Litts): Honoris Causa.
Furthermore, the university is honouring two of its illustrious retiree who had dedicated their entire working career to service of Usmanu Danfodiyo University in particular and the nation in general. They will be conferred with the Emeriti Status which binds them to the university for life. They are:
1. H.R.H, Dr. Mohammed Zayyanu Abdullahi, Emir of Yauri: Vice Chancellor Emeritus; and
2. Amb. Prof. Tijjani Mohammed Bende, Permanent Representative to the United Nation: Professor with Emeritus.
At this juncture, it is my pleasure to express our profound gratitude to the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), UDUTH branch for introducing a pre-convocation free medical outreach in all aspects of medical for the university community and its environs. In fact, they conducted the first exercise on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th, April, 2019 at the university clinic, permanent site, main campus, Sokoto. Finally, it is once again my pleasure and honour to, on behalf of council, managrment, staff and students of this great University, register our profound appreciation to the following:
Federal Government of Nigeria under the distinguished leadership of President MuhammaduBuhari, GCFR;
Sokoto State Government and other catchment area states most especially Kebbi, Katsina and Zamfara states etc;
His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto; District Heads in Sokoto State and the University environment for their support on security matters; Our very hospitable hosts: the wonderful people of Sokoto state; Heads of security agencies and their men and women; and Our good friends in print and electronic media.
Thank you.
(Signed) PROFESSORA.A ZURU VICE CHANCELLOR
