The atmosphere was electric at Northwest University Sokoto (NWUS) as it marked its 3rd matriculation ceremony—a proud moment that welcomed 644 new students into its growing academic community for the 2024–2025 session. Held at the Senate Building Theatre, the event was more than a formal academic exercise—it was a bold statement of vision and promise from a university fast emerging as a rising star in Nigeria’s educational space.
The Northwest University, Sokoto (NWUS)’s maiden matriculation ceremony for the 2022/2013 academic session, was held on Saturday, August 5, 2013. The University admitted 110 students. For the second matriculation, the institution admitted 37 students for the 2024/2025 academic session, which was held on August 12, 2023. 644 students for the third year is a tall walk.
A day of inspiration and big dreams
The occasion was graced by, among many other inspiring figures, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, the university’s Founder and Pro-Chancellor, and Jelani Aliyu, Nigeria’s globally respected automotive designer, and the Governor of Sokoto state, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu. Their messages were clear and powerful.
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Others in attendance were members of the Governing Council of the University and visiting Vice Chancellors of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS); Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK); Sokoto State University (SSU) and Shehu Shagari University of Education Sokoto (SSUES).
Senator Wamakko urged the university to take bold steps in preparing students for the future—particularly by embracing artificial intelligence, IT, entrepreneurship, and investment studies. He reminded everyone of the intellectual strength of the Sokoto Caliphate, and called on NWUS to draw from that heritage while embracing innovation that fits today’s rapidly changing world.
Jelani Aliyu, known for his cutting-edge work in automotive design, charged the students to be creative, resilient, and forward-looking. Drawing from personal and national experience, he encouraged them not just to dream, but to build. His message rang out: “Nigeria may have tripped, but it hasn’t fallen.” This matriculation, he said, isn’t just a milestone—it’s a launchpad.
NWUS: Building strong foundations for a brighter tomorrow
With this third matriculation, NWUS is not just adding to its numbers—it’s showing real growth and purpose. From the strength of government support to international scholarship partnerships, the university is clearly on a mission.
What truly sets NWUS apart, though, is its ambition. It’s crafting a curriculum that prepares students to be fluent in AI, confident in entrepreneurship, and capable of turning ideas into solutions. This isn’t about ticking boxes or chasing degrees—it’s about shaping innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders.
NWUS: Taking the tall walk
As each student took their matriculation oath, there was a sense that something meaningful was beginning. NWUS isn’t looking to produce graduates who wait around for jobs. It’s aiming to nurture people who create jobs, start companies, launch ideas, and uplift communities.
With AI and tech woven into every programme, and entrepreneurship placed front and center, NWUS is giving its students the tools to step into the future with confidence. Add to that a deep sense of cultural identity and a global outlook, and it’s easy to see the kind of transformation the university is aiming for.
Looking ahead
What happened at NWUS on matriculation day wasn’t just a celebration—it was a signal. A signal that this young university is walking tall, with big dreams, strong leadership, and a commitment to shaping the future.
As these 644 students begin their journey, they carry with them more than just hopes. They’re part of a movement—one that blends technology, tradition, and vision into something truly powerful. NWUS is on the rise, and if this ceremony is any indication, it won’t be long before it becomes a name that resonates not just across Nigeria, but far beyond.
NWUS is no longer just a response to local demand. It’s growing into a hub of knowledge, innovation, and purpose—a university with its eyes on the world, and its feet firmly planted on the ground.
