By Ado Hassan, Sokoto
The Golden Jubilee and 22nd convocation ceremony of the prestigious Shehu Shagari College of Education (SSCOE) Sokoto yesterday awarded various certificates of eduction to no fewer than 11, 348 in strict compliance with NCDC Covid-19 pandemic protocols.
It also awarded fellowships to six distinguished Nigerians including former Niger state Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu( Talban Minna), Shehu Usman Malami(Sarkin Sudan), NCCE Executive Secretary ,Professor Shehu Bappah Aliyu Muhammad , Dr Mustapha Bunza, Captain Muad Bala Shagari (rtd) and Abdullahi S.G. Adiya.
However, the well attended combined ceremony was characterised by adequate use of face mask and appreciable observance of social and physical distance measures .
Speaking , Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal was the Special Guest of Honour and visitor to the college at the epoch making ceremony that took place after six years, assured of upgrading the college to a university of education.
He noted that raising the educational status of a learning institution was the best investment for the advancement of humanity.
According to Tambuwal , SSCOE has remarkably symbolised an enviable and unblemished educational record in many respects of learning and producing qualified teachers of the highest ranks in Nigeria among equals.
The governor acknowledged the unflinching resilience and combined efforts of key players in the institution community.
According to the governor” we have promoted the drive to renew our policy line and initiative to reposition the state education sector. We deliberately premised our focus on a state of emergency as an approach to further strengthen the sector for the benefit of our people .
” I therefore urge the college not to relent in its pursuit and sustenance of responsive academic excellence , morals, discipline and respect in the college.
” I therefore,congratulate the graduands and urge them to be worthy ambassadors in character and learning towards making the college a proud community”, Tambuwal called.
Other important personalities included the Deputy Governor of Sokoto state, Muhammad Manir Dan Iya , Chief Servant and former Governor of Niger state, Dr Mu’ azu Babangida Aliyu , Stan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Speaker of the state assembly, Aminu among score of personalities.
Provost of the College, Dr Muhammad Wadata Hakimi who was also a product of the college, expressed delight at the epoch event which has set another milestone to the college journey towards sustaining academic excellence, morals and discipline.
He reflected on the resounding history of the instituion, noting that it was focused on the core academic values, integrity and extant standards braced by responsive policy reforms that advanced its activities.
This , further availed the college of a sprawling opportunity to under courses in affiliation with ABU and UDUS where degrees were awarded.
He said it was in line with the primary objective of establishing the college by producing qualified teachers through numerous courses.
” Over 12,500 degree holders in its line of student graduates turnover amidst proper staff management and development “, he pointed out.
He however, disclosed that all the college’s NCE programmes had been accredited.
” From 2015 to date over 200 teaching and non teaching staff have benefitted from sponsorship training in and outside the county”, he mentioned.
Also, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Bashir Garba said the college was successfully running 17 affiliated degree programmes .
He noted that the remarkable achievements recorded by the institution were a reflection of the dreams and aspiration of the college founding fathers.
Responding on behalf of the fellowship award recipients, Chief Servant, Muazu Babagida Aliyu who himself was a product of the college between 1974 and 1977, noted that Sokoto has always been the foundation and bedrock of education in Nigeria while appreciating the honour done them.
According to the Talban Minna” the caliphate was founded on the pedestal of knowledge and justice by the renown Islamist , Sheikh Othman Bn Fodiyo which is why it stands out”, he pointed out.
While extending his gesture to the advancement of academic excellence in the College, the former governor said” I as an individual will want to establish an annual N150, 000 for the best teaching practice student.”
Accordingly, he pushed in support of upgrading the college to a University of Education, Sokoto while calling the attention of Governor Tambuwal to the need.
Meanwhile, array of goodwill messages were received in favour of the College during the ceremony.
