The Vice-Chancellor of Sokoto State University (SSU), Prof. Mohammed Yerima, charged graduands of the university to be job creators instead of job seekers.
Yerima gave the charge on Monday during the university’s pre-convocation press conference in Sokoto.
According to him, the call becomes necessary because white-collar jobs are no longer readily available, and such jobs cannot accommodate everyone.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 6,000 graduates will be awarded degrees at the institution’s 8th combined convocation ceremony scheduled for Saturday.
The vice-chancellor said the graduating students were drawn from the university’s five faculties.
He added that the convocation would also feature the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on distinguished individuals in recognition of their contributions to educational and socio-economic development in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states, as well as other parts of the country.
Yerima commended the Sokoto State Governor and Visitor to the university, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, for his sustained moral and financial support to the institution.
The V-C said the governor demonstrated his commitment by approving additional funds for the convocation after reviewing the proposed budget.
“He reviewed the budget for this convocation ceremony and immediately increased the allocation by several million naira.
“The governor has indeed remained a true father and benefactor to Sokoto state university, and we will always cherish his support,” Yerima said.
He also lauded the university’s founder, Sen. Aliyu Wamakko, for his continued support, particularly the ongoing expansion of the university library through one of his constituency projects.
“His magnanimity in executing the library expansion project, which is nearing completion, is highly commendable,” he said.
Speaking on his vision for the institution, Yerima said the university aimed to become a leading hub for entrepreneurship in the next 10 years.
He noted that the state government had mandated the university to produce graduates equipped to create jobs rather than depend solely on paid employment.
“The state government has given us a clear mandate to produce students who will become job creators, not just job seekers,” he said.
The vice-chancellor also praised the university’s management and staff for their dedication, resilience, and teamwork, attributing the institution’s achievements to their unwavering commitment. (NAN)
