Sokoto State University VC Tackles Half-Decade Convocation Backlog

Sokoto State University’s Vice-Chancellor recently announced the institution's commitment to eliminating a persistent five-year backlog of convocation ceremonies, promising that graduating students would promptly receive their academic certificates following each event.

During a press briefing held on Monday, preceding the university's upcoming combined 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th convocation, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted the annual convocation as a fundamental academic practice expected of all higher institutions. He stated, “A convocation ceremony represents a core academic tradition. Any university responsible for admitting, educating, and graduating students is obligated to host one. Legally, this should occur annually.”

The VC further elaborated that upon taking up his position, he found the university had not conducted a convocation since the 2019/2020 academic year, resulting in numerous graduates being unable to obtain their official certificates. Expressing concern, he remarked, “I questioned how such a significant backlog of convocation ceremonies was permitted to develop. University regulations stipulate that certificates cannot be issued until the convocation event takes place. I felt we had been unjust to our students who completed their studies a considerable time ago.”

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the university’s management has now resolved to clear these outstanding ceremonies and resume annual convocations. This strategy aims to support graduates in accessing employment and pursuing further educational opportunities without unnecessary impediments. He affirmed, “We said, ‘Let’s try to clear the backlog and ensure that every year, every session, we organise a convocation.’ This is to help our students who have graduated.”

The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the absence of these certificates had negatively impacted several graduates seeking jobs and international university admissions. He recounted an instance where a graduate, offered admission to Queen’s University, faced the risk of losing the opportunity due to the inability to present their certificate. “The authorities of Queen’s University wrote that they would send the student back if he did not produce his certificate. We had to write officially to confirm that he graduated from Sokoto State University, and thankfully they accepted our explanation. The student retained his admission.”

He also noted that various organizations, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the Department of State Services, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, had sent similar verification requests. “We have always been attending to such requests, but by Saturday, once the ceremony is concluded, we will make sure every graduate receives his or her certificate.”

The Vice-Chancellor reassured graduates that all certificates are now ready and incorporate advanced security features to combat forgery. “Our certificates are ready. They have seals and all other security arrangements. They cannot be faked. No student who graduates from Sokoto State University will suffer the fate of having a certificate declared fake.” He lauded the university community for their dedication in making the convocation a reality, stating, “I have wonderful staff. With little instruction and short notice, everybody comes on board. The successes we have recorded would not have been possible without their dedication.”

Additionally, the Vice-Chancellor extended gratitude to the Sokoto State Government and Governor Ahmed Aliyu for their financial and administrative backing of the event. “He looked at our budget and said the money was too small for Sokoto State University. He approved additional funding and ensured that preparations moved forward.” He further commended the governor for appointing Muhammadu Nuhu Sanusi as the university’s new Chancellor ahead of the convocation, believing the appointment would elevate the institution’s standing and attract support and collaborations.

In efforts to foster global partnerships, the Vice-Chancellor revealed that the university had engaged with diplomatic missions and international partners. “We visited more than 12 embassies. The Turkish Embassy has indicated interest in collaborating with us and supporting partnerships with universities in Turkey.” He emphasized the university's strategic positioning to capitalize on emerging opportunities in transnational education. “The current thinking is transnational education. Universities across the world are looking for partners in Africa. We want Sokoto State University to be among those institutions that attract international students and academic collaborations.”

Concluding his address, the Vice-Chancellor assured all stakeholders that preparations for the convocation were fully complete. “We are more than ready. Everything is on the ground. What we expect now is for people to come and celebrate with our graduates.”