By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
Professor Bashir Garba, Vice Chancellor of the Sokoto State University has said that the institution is not only after academic excellence but focuses on skills acquisition and character development of students.
Similarly, Professor Garba sought the state government quick attention to the rescue of the institution damaged structures sequel to rainstorm during last season as well recruitment of more staff for its PG progammes and new faculties respectively.
Professor Bashir who spoke on Thursday at the university’s 10th matriculation and oath taking exercise of 3,195 Under Graduate and Post Graduate students also admonished to shun all vices and embrace self discipline , self reliance, good dressing and ensure faithfulness to their studies.
” I urge you to obey the university rules and regulations as the contravention of any of our rules is met with appropriate penalties and in some cases, expulsion from the university”, he pointed out.
According to the Professor of renewable energy who disclosed that 2, 626 and 569 of the matriculating Under and Post Graduate students were admitted and got registered ” we received a total of 4,927 applications for UMTE and DE. Our hope is to produce graduate who will excel in various fields of endeavour.”
However, the Vice Chancellor said the university has additional 16 Under Graduate programmes bringing to 39 with additional 2 faculties of Engineering and Agriculture.
” We don’t compromise standards so, you all have to work extrar-hard.We have provided everything (facilities) for you to excel including conducive atmosphere”, he disclosed while appreciating the resilience and intervention of TETFund, Sokoto state government and JAMB for their pivotal roles in placing the institution where it is today.
The Commissioner Higher Education, Aminu Abdullahi Iya said education was cardinal and dear to the APC led government of Dr Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto explaining that ” is a priority on the template of the governor’s 9 point smart agenda of hope renewal.
” Also know that the governor has approved the renovation of the destroyed part of the university structure”, he said.
He called on the students of the institution to engage in thought provoking discussions and participate fully in discovering their abilities and capacities as feature leaders.
” The state government is ready to upgrade all facilities as a drive to positively reverse challenges being faced in the past.
Also, the state assembly committee chairman on Higher Education, Hon. Buhari Haliru noted that the institution was managed by seasoned administrators and educationist to attain it’s current stand.
The lawmaker said he was optimistic that soon the university would attain the best state of excellence to occupy an enviable position.
While congratulating the matriculants, Haliru pledged the state legislature robust working relationship in supporting education activities in the state.
” I urge you all to make your parent and university proud amidst the struggles to achieving academic excellence at the end of your chosen programmes.”
Meanwhile, Provost FCE Gidan Madi, Professor Umar Farouk, representative of JAMB Sokoto office, VCs, Rectors and Provosts of other institutions were in attendance as messages of goodwill kept pouring in during the event.
