Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu has drawn mixed reactions after awarding the best graduating student of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), a fully sponsored pilgrimage to Hajj. The decision, announced at the university’s recent convocation, has ignited heated conversations across campuses and social media platforms.
The recipient of the governor’s gift, Abdulah Sherif, graduated with a degree in Microbiology and an outstanding grade point average of 4.92, making him the top student for the 2023/2024 academic year. Out of 3,561 graduates, Sherif stood out among the 119 who finished with first-class honors, according to Vice Chancellor Prof. Bashir Garba.
While the governor’s gesture was applauded by some as a recognition of both academic and spiritual excellence, others argued it failed to address the pressing challenges faced by young graduates in Nigeria. On the university’s Vanguard Press Facebook page, one commenter, Aesha Abdullahi Shateema, questioned the long-term benefit of the trip, suggesting that a start-up fund would better equip the graduate for life after school. Another user, Imam Sarafadeen, said the award seemed disconnected from the academic achievement it was meant to celebrate, insisting that its true meaning needed further explanation.
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Reactions have since multiplied, with some urging the state government to adopt more practical incentives. While Hassan Usman praised the governor for acknowledging the graduate’s hard work, he advised that scholarships, monetary grants, or even job placements would be a more impactful way to reward academic excellence. Wahab Afolabi Deenlight echoed this view, recommending a mix of financial support and employment opportunities to ensure the graduate’s long-term stability after Hajj.
The controversy has opened up a broader conversation about how Nigeria recognizes its brightest minds. Should the highest-performing students be rewarded with symbolic gestures like pilgrimages, or should they receive tangible assistance that can ease their transition into the workforce? The debate over Abdulah Sherif’s reward highlights the tension between tradition and modern realities in a country where millions of young people struggle with unemployment despite academic success.
As Nigerians continue to weigh in, the story highlights a critical national question: how can academic excellence be celebrated in ways that both honor cultural values and empower graduates to thrive in today’s economy?
