Sokoto State University Vice-Chancellor Receives Sir Ahmadu Bello Platinum Award
The award was presented by the Association of Northern Nigerian Students (ANNS) during a ceremony at the university.
Binye-lum 
Professor Mohammed Bello Yerima, Vice-Chancellor of Sokoto State University, was conferred with the prestigious Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna Transparency and Services Award of Excellence on Friday, October 18, 2024. The award was presented by the Association of Northern Nigerian Students (ANNS) during a ceremony at the university.
Comrade Abdullahi Yahuza, the Vice President for Special Duties of ANNS, highlighted that the association is the second-largest student movement in sub-Saharan Africa, representing 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He noted that the award recognizes Prof. Yerima's dedication to selfless service, societal transformation, educational development, and youth empowerment, aiming to motivate him to continue his impactful contributions.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Yerima expressed his gratitude and dedicated the award to the staff and students of Sokoto State University. He emphasized his admiration for Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna's leadership qualities and patriotism, expressing pride in receiving recognition from a student body representing diverse higher education institutions in Northern Nigeria.
Addressing concerns regarding rising tuition fees, the Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed Sokoto State University’s commitment to affordability, stating that there will be no fee increases and that flexible payment plans will be available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. He also mentioned that the Sokoto State government covers school fees for its indigenes.
Prof. Yerima encouraged students to develop soft skills and aspire to become employers rather than merely seeking traditional job opportunities. He urged governments at all levels to address the challenges facing the nation’s education sector.
The Vice-Chancellor also commended Sokoto State Governor Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto for ensuring the timely payment of outstanding salaries and allowances for visiting and sabbatical lecturers. He revealed that the governor has allocated resources for the renovation of university structures and is supporting the institution’s preparation for the upcoming National Universities Commission accreditation exercise.
Additionally, Prof. Yerima acknowledged the contributions of the university’s founder, Distinguished Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, who has facilitated renovations of student hostels and pledged further support for the institution.
In a vote of thanks, the Registrar of Sokoto State University, Hajiya Kuluwa Abubakar Nuhu, thanked the association for honoring the Vice-Chancellor, describing the award as well-deserved. She urged students to remain dedicated to their studies and to act as good ambassadors for their respective institutions and Northern Nigeria.
The Bursar, Alh. Muhammad Sahabi Tambuwal, and the University Librarian, Dr. Ibrahim Muhammad Maidamma Furfuri, also congratulated Prof. Yerima, wishing him continued success and recognition in the future.
