Northwest University Sokoto (NWUS) has inaugurated an eight-member Central Planning Committee to organise its maiden convocation ceremony.
The committee, inaugurated by the university’s Governing Council, is chaired by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, while the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mukhtar Umar Bunza, serves as Co-Chairman.
Other members are Council members Alhaji Abdulkadir Jelani Kalgo, Prof. Musa Garba Maitafsir, Hon. Ahmed Abdullahi Kalambaina and Engr. Farouk Mayana. The Registrar, Alhaji M.U. Garunbabba, is the Secretary, while the Bursar, Alhaji Garba Sarkin Baki, is also a member.
NWUS was established and granted operating approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC) on May 12, 2022.
Speaking at the committee’s inaugural meeting at the Senate Chambers of the institution, Goronyo commended the Founder and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Sarkin Yamman Sokoto, for his investment in education and vision for the university.
He described the maiden convocation as evidence that Wamakko’s vision of expanding access to higher education was becoming a reality.
“It has been the dream of our father, our leader and elder statesman, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, to provide education for the teeming youth, not only of Sokoto State but of Nigeria as a whole.
“Today, that dream is becoming a reality. Northwest University Sokoto is no longer just an idea; it is a growing institution contributing to the development of human capital and providing opportunities for young Nigerians to acquire quality education,” Goronyo said.
The minister thanked Wamakko for entrusting members of the committee with the responsibility of organising the university’s first convocation.
“We appreciate our father and leader for his magnanimity, trust and confidence in finding us worthy to serve on this Central Planning Committee. We assure him that we will not take this responsibility for granted. We will work collectively to ensure that the maiden convocation reflects the vision and standard he envisaged for this university,” he said.
Goronyo also praised Bunza and the university management for the progress recorded since the institution’s establishment.
“Under the Vice Chancellor’s leadership, so much has been achieved in this young institution. Each time you come here, you see one improvement or another. That is a clear indication that the university is steadily realising our father’s dream,” he said.
The minister expressed confidence that NWUS would soon compete favourably with established universities in Nigeria and attract international partnerships.
“This university will, in no distant time, compete favourably with many universities across the country. I believe it has the potential to become one of the greatest universities in Nigeria and an institution that will attract partnerships and collaborations from across the globe.
“The foundation is being laid, and with sustained commitment, good leadership and the support of the Governing Council, this institution will continue to grow,” Goronyo said.
The maiden convocation will mark a major milestone for the four-year-old university as it prepares to celebrate its first graduating set.
