Sokoto Governor’s Hajj Gift to UDUS Best Graduating Student Sparks Debate

Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State has come under scrutiny after rewarding the best graduating student of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) with a fully sponsored Hajj trip.

At the convocation on Saturday, Abdullah Sheriff, a Microbiology graduate with a CGPA of 4.92, was named overall best for the 2023/2024 session. Sheriff was among 119 first-class graduates out of 3,561, according to Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bashir Garba.

The Hajj prize has drawn mixed reactions. On UDUS-based Vanguard Press’s Facebook page, Aesha Abdullahi Shateema wrote: “When he comes back from Hajj what will he do for him next? If he won’t support him after returning, then it would be better to just give him money to start a business.”

Another user, Imam Sarafadeen, questioned: “I’m yet to see the connection between Hajj and being a best graduating student. Scholars in Pragmatics will have to explain what it is that has been violated.”

Others praised the governor’s gesture but suggested alternatives. Hassan Usman said: “Kudos to Mr. Governor… However, in my own view, this fully funded Hajj prize should be something else.” Wahab Afolabi Deenlight added: “Loss priority. Give him a monetary and scholarship award and also add a job offer for him. If he comes back from Hajj, what will happen after that?”

The debate raises wider questions about how best to reward academic excellence in Nigeria symbolic religious gestures or practical support for graduates’ futures.