Students from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) have proven their mettle at the 2024 Campus Journalism Awards; sweeping multiple honours and other awards. Yet, as this piece is being written, the school management deemed it necessary to remain apathetically inclined; this historic feat wasn’t even causally mentioned in the school bulletin!
This lack of recognition is disappointing, especially when other universities are quick to trumpet even a single award won by their students. While UDUS students are busy making waves nationally, our school seems content with silence, as though these achievements do not matter. This is 2025, not the 19th century. Modern universities leverage such milestones to promote their brand and inspire their students. UDUS, sadly, seems stuck in the past.
For example, the Nigerian Educational Loan Fund (NELFUND). How many UDUS students have updates about it? Other universities are actively disseminating information about the loan, ensuring students are aware and prepared for disbursement. UDUS, on the other hand, appears to operate with the philosophy of “if you know, you know.” This lack of communication is not just frustrating; it’s counterproductive.
Celebrating Excellence: A Missed Opportunity
Why is it so hard for UDUS to celebrate its best and brightest? In many universities, outstanding students—whether the best in their faculties or departments—are showcased on official websites and social media. This kind of visibility could open doors to scholarships, job opportunities, and global recognition. During convocation ceremonies, some universities go beyond calling names or printing lists on plain paper; they spotlight their exceptional students, ensuring their achievements are documented online for the world to see.
Imagine a UDUS graduate, decades from now, claiming to have been the best student in their department. They will have no online record to back up their claim because UDUS failed to publish it. Even for current students, the absence of such documentation robs them of potential recognition that could enhance their prospects.
Addressing the Argument of Notification
Some might argue that it is the responsibility of the press boards or the students to notify the school of such achievements. While this may hold some merit, let us consider the circumstances. The Campus Journalism Awards (CJA) is a high-profile event, broadcasted nationally on platforms like NTA News, Arise News, Leadership News, and local media outlets in Sokoto. It is inconceivable that such achievements have gone unnoticed by the university management.
Furthermore, the timing of these awards often coincides with academic breaks, as was the case last year. Expecting students or press boards to physically inform the school during this period is impractical. Even if someone had informed them, the onus of celebrating these achievements still lies with the university. Recognition should not depend solely on reminders; it should be the natural duty of the school to acknowledge its students’ successes.
Interestingly, the school has been quick to notice and react whenever any press board publishes something that contradicts its stance, even if it is just one press board involved. This shows they are aware of campus activities and publications. If they monitor criticism so closely, how much more should they celebrate successes that bring prestige to the university?
Let us also draw a comparison with other institutions. The University of Ilorin, for instance, celebrated just one student who won an award at the CJA in their bulletin. Meanwhile, UDUS produced 10 finalists, 4 winners and 2 runner-ups with additional recognition in other national platforms like the CJID Alfred Opobor Awards, where UDUS had three finalists—the only university to achieve this feat. If other schools can celebrate one or two awards, why does UDUS fail to acknowledge such groundbreaking achievements?
UDUS must understand that this is the 21st century. Information dissemination is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. Recognizing achievements, celebrating excellence, and sharing information in real-time are vital aspects of modern university administration. The achievements of UDUS students in journalism, as well as other fields, should not only be celebrated but also used as a tool to inspire current and future students.
Let us take a cue from other institutions that understand the importance of acknowledgement and publicity. It’s high time UDUS did more to shine the spotlight on its students, not just for their sake but for the university’s reputation as well. The talent is there; the achievements are glaring. All that’s left is for the school to wake up and take its rightful place in the modern world.
To our students: while we await the day UDUS gets its act together, continue to strive for excellence. Your hard work will not go unnoticed forever. Someday, someone will realize the treasure they have been sitting on. Until then, shine on, Danfodites—you are the stars of this university, even if the school doesn’t say it loud enough.
Habibat Sani is Editor-in-Chief
muhammadhabibat2078@gmail.com
