Debate Trails Sokoto Governor’s Hajj Gift to UDUS Best Graduate

By Babatunji Wusu

• Governor Ahmad Aliyu rewards UDUS best graduating student with fully sponsored Hajj trip

• Graduate, Abdullah Sheriff, finished with 4.92 CGPA in Microbiology

• Social media users question relevance of Hajj prize, suggest scholarships or jobs instead

• Debate reignites calls for more practical support for Nigerian graduates

Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State has sparked debate after awarding a fully sponsored Hajj trip to Abdullah Sheriff, the overall best graduating student of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), at the institution’s 2023/2024 convocation.

Sheriff, a Microbiology graduate with a CGPA of 4.92, emerged top among 3,561 graduates, including 119 who finished with first-class honors, according to Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bashir Garba.

While some lauded the governor’s gesture, others argued that a pilgrimage reward does little to secure the student’s future.

On UDUS-based Vanguard Press’s Facebook page, Aesha Abdullahi Shateema remarked: “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.”

Imam Sarafadeen added: “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.”

Some suggested alternatives such as scholarships, job offers, or financial grants. “Kudos to Mr. Governor… However, in my own view, this fully funded Hajj prize should be something else,” wrote Hassan Usman. Wahab Afolabi Deenlight said: “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 reactions highlight a recurring national debate over how best to reward academic excellence — with symbolic gestures or with practical support that ensures career development and long-term impact.