Like a well standing in the middle of the dry savannah, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) continues to draw students from different states in Nigeria and beyond, in search of what seems rare in today’s Nigerian higher education system; affordable education without compromising quality.

Located in the historic Seat of the Caliphate, popularly called “The Sun City” for its intense heat and sunny weather, UDUS find itself located in a region many students would ordinarily avoid. Yet, every academic session, hundreds of students journey from far-flung states from all regions of the country to study in Sokoto, alongside their counterparts from Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara.

What motivates these students to cross bridges, toil roads, despite the level of insecurity in the country? To find answers, Gamji Press’ Komolafe Hammed spoke with students from different departments across the university, who shared how transparent admission processes, affordable tuition and strong academic standards influenced their decision to choose UDUS.

“𝗨𝗗𝗨𝗦 𝗚𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗲 𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗠𝘆 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲”

Usman Idris, 300 level student of Nursing sciences who hails from Niger state narrated how UDUS became the light at the end of the tunnel for him.

“UDUS was not my first choice, I did not even know about the university until I scored 203 in UTME. My Uncle advised me to choose UDUS assuring me that I would get admission into either Pharmacy or Nursing,” he narrated.

“My admission came as a surprise to every member of my family, I thought my UTME score was too low to get admission into any medical course, but UDUS gave me a reason to keep my dreams alive.” he said, while responding to why he chose to study at UDUS.

𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲

Mubashir Qazeem, a 300-level Doctor of optometry student do not have a clear-cut reason behind choosing UDUS. Describing the factors that contributed to his finally becoming a UDUS student, Qozeem said, “UDUS offers affordable tuition without compromising quality. Compared to other institutions, the fees are considerate of students from diverse economic backgrounds.”

“This affordability reduces financial pressure on students and their families, allowing us to focus more on learning and personal development. This was the deciding factor that guided my choice.”

Affordable tuition was an important criteria for Qazeem but was not the ultimate deciding factor, he wanted an institution that could add value to him, one that upholds its academic standard against all odds.

“Affordability alone is not enough if academic quality is weak. UDUS maintains its solid academic standards through qualified lecturers, structured curricula, and a serious approach to teaching and assessment. The university prepares its students to compete academically and professionally. That is why our slogan is ‘iqra’ which means ‘To Read’,” he added.

𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀

Aside financial reasons, the ease associated with the admission process is second to none. Owoeye Grace, a newly admitted student in the department of microbiology traveled all the way from Osun state to the seat of the Caliphate while still in awe of her new admission status.

“I was really surprised when I found out I have been offered admission into UDUS, because I did not even write Post UTME nor purchase any screening form. A lot of people told me that they have never seen a higher institution consider students for admission without requiring them to write the POST-UTME or undergo a screening. But they were dumbfounded when I showed them my admission letter,” She recalled with a hint of excitement.

“Another reason I chose UDUS is because I wanted to learn the HAUSA language,” she added jokingly.

𝗔𝗻 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲

Sodeeq Olamilekan, a 300 level student in the department of Islamic studies, journeyed from Osun state to Sokoto for an infamous reason, to gain deeper knowledge in Islam from the city where it was claimed by some people to have started.

“The Name “Usman bn fodio” resonates with Muslims across the country, he is one of the MUJAHID who brought Islam to northern Nigeria and facilitated the spread to every angle of the country. I believe from the depth of my heart that this school will bring me closer to the Mujahid and maybe one day, become a part of them. By schooling here, I will acquire and knowledge that will benefit me morally, intellectually and spiritually” he said enthusiastically in hopes of one day becoming a part of the rich Islamic history Sokoto has to offer.

Every student has a unique reason for embarking on the voyage in pursuit of education; however, what is common to all of them is distance. The journey is unending as the distances between the southwestern states and Sokoto ranges from 600KM to 1000KM with some other regions having larger distances apart.

Aside the distance, dilapidated roads and the rise of insecurity add to the hours students spend on the road, with many spending more than 24hrs travelling. Buses remain the preferred means of transportation, while a few students from affluent homes result to air travel to reach their respective destination.

There is large population of students who travel long distances to study at UDUS because of the quality education, transparent admission, affordable tuition and high academic standard. Unbeknownst to many, the students credit that UDUS shines as a bright light defying the stereotype of low standard of education in Northern Nigeria.

Note: This is part one of a two-part series focusing on the decisive features of Danfodiyo University that command students’ attraction and the challenges faced by such students.