Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto

PROF. AHMED H. AMFANI @ 70!

It is with much gratitude to Almighty Allah that I jubilate my birthday. Today, 21st day of July 2026, marks my 70th birthday, andy final day in the service of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. I joined the service of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (then University of Sokoto) with a B. A. (Hons) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in August, 1981. UDUS offered me the opportunity to obtain M.A. (Linguistics) from University of London (1984) and Ph D (Linguistics) from University of Ibadan (1996).
While in service, I held positions both inside and outside the university. I served as Head of Department, Dean of Faculty and member and Chairman of several committees. Outside the university, I served as Director, Council for Arts and Culture, Kaduna State, Chairman Technical Committee for the production of National Language Policy for Nigeria, Board member, National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), Aba, Abia State, Board member, Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council ( NERDC), Abuja, President, Linguistic Association of Nigeria (LAN), Council member, West African Linguistic Society (WALS), Member, Hausa Language Board, Patron, Zaria Educational Development Association (ZEDA), Visiting Professor and Leventis Fellow, Centre for African Studies, SOAS, University of London, Visiting Professor, University of Jos, Professor on Sabbatical, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Visiting Fellow, University du Tour, France, External Examiner University of University of Port Harcourt, University of Ilorin, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja), University of Maiduguri, Bayero University Kano, Al-Qalam University, Katsina, Co-author (with Bernard Caron) of Dictionnaire francais-haoussa suivi d'un index haoussa-francais, Coordinator of some TETFUND projects, Fellow, Linguistic Association of Nigeria, Member, Nigerian Academy of Letters, author of over 50 publications.

I started as a Graduate Assistant in 1981 and rose to the rank of Professor in 2004. I spent 45 years in Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto teaching and conducting research in Linguistics and Hausa Grammar. I really enjoyed my academic journey at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and indeed Sokoto is my second home. I am thankful to Almighty God for seeing me through these fruitful years of active service in the university. Glory be to Allah for his mercies.

I am married to my beloved late wife with whom we had four children ( 2 boys, 2 girls). I wish to thank all my students and colleagues for the memorable and joyous moments we had together. I also wish to humbly seek for your kind forgiveness in all matters in which I have offended you. I forgive everybody.
Thank you all
Long live UDUS.
Long live ASUU.
Long live NIGERIA.

New Leadership Appointments at Usmanu Danfodiyo University!

We are pleased to announce the appointment of three new Service Directors following the University Governing Council's 178th (Special) meeting held on July 3, 2026:

Arc. Muhammad Hassan – Director, Physical Planning & Development
An accomplished Architect with over 18 years of experience within the university system. He holds a B.Tech and M.Tech in Architecture from FUT Minna and has steadily risen through the ranks from Architect II to Deputy Director. He brings vast expertise in infrastructural project management and physical planning.

Dr. Zainab Abdullahi – Director, Health Services
A seasoned medical practitioner with an MBBS, MPH, and Fellowship in Community Medicine (WACP). With over two decades of service at UDU and experience at Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, she has held multiple senior medical roles and is well-equipped to lead the University Health Services.

Wing Commander Abubakar Usman – Director, Security
A senior officer in the Nigerian Air Force with over 23 years of military service. He holds an HND, PGD, and Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering (Power and Machines) from the Nigerian Defence Academy. He has extensive experience in operations, security, engineering, and explosive management, alongside local and international military training.

Each appointment is for a single non-renewable term of five (5) years, effective from the date of assumption of duty.

Congratulations to all appointees! We wish them impactful tenures in service to our university community. 👏🏽📚

Career Opportunities at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto!

We are hiring for two key leadership positions:

1. Director, Estate & Municipal Services

· Oversee university infrastructure, buildings, roads, and landscape.
· Requires a degree in Estate Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related fields + 12 years’ experience (4 in senior management).
· Must be registered with relevant regulatory bodies.

2. Director, Procurement

· Lead procurement functions, ensuring compliance with the Public Procurement Act 2007.
· Requires a degree in Economics, Accounting, Supply Chain, or related fields + 12 years’ experience (4 in senior management).
· Must have BPP procurement certification.

Both roles:

· Single 5-year non-renewable term.
· Attractive federal government-approved benefits.

Apply: Submit 15 copies of application & CV with credentials to the Registrar. Referees’ reports must be sent directly. Deadline: 6 weeks from publication (08/07/2026). Age limit: under 59 years.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ADVERTISEMENT
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the following positions:
1. Director, Estates and Municipal Services
2. Director, Physical Planning and Development
3. Director, University Health Services
4. Director, Procurement
5. Director, Security

For details, refer to the attachments.

*UDUS Governing Council at NIPSS Capacity Building Retreat*

The Council members of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) are currently participating in the 5th Batch of the Capacity Building Retreat for Governing Council Members of Federal Universities in Nigeria, holding in Calabar from April 22–26, 2026.

Organized by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education (FMoE), this year's retreat is themed: "Strengthening University Governance, Accountability and Institutional Performance."

Leading the 17-member UDUS delegation is the Chairman of the Council, Prof. Attahiru M. Jega, OFR. He is joined by key university officials, including:

Prof. Bashiru Garba (Vice-Chancellor)
Prof. M.M. Maishanu (DVC, Administration)
Prof. S.U. Gulumbe (DVC, Academic)
Prof. Aliyu Jibril (DVC, Research, Innovation & Development).

UDUS is participating alongside teams from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

OUR STUDENTS CONTINUE TO MAKE NIGERIA PROUD

Mr. Muneer Yaqub, studying for a PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Texas, Dallas, has been awarded Outstanding Graduate Student Award (PhD) for his "academic excellence, service (to the discipline, university or community), and perseverance in the face of challenges"

Mr. Yakubu graduated from UDUS with a BSc in Microbiology.

The Vice Chancellor, staff and students of Usmanu University, Sokoto congratulate Mr. Yakubu for this wonderful achievement. We pray for successful completion of your program and bright future ahead.

*Danfodite No Dey Carry Last!*

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/873107-nigerian-wins-top-graduate-award-at-us-university.html

APPOINTMENTS OF DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLORS (DVCs)

The Governing Council of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, at its 176th meeting held on Wednesday, 1st April, 2026, in line with the provision of the Law, has approved the appointments of the following:

1. Professor Muhammad Malami Maishanu, Department of Accounting, as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration)

2. Professor Shehu Usman Gulumbe,
Department of Statistics, as the
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)

3. Professor Aliyu Jibrin, Department of
Theriogenology and Animal Production, as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Development).

Congratulations to the appointed DVCs. We pray for a successful service to our university.