Usman Danfodiyo University Sokoto

By Asma’u Sa’adu Waziri

For many students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), academic life extends beyond lecture halls and classrooms. While lectures form the core of university education, a growing number of students now engage in side hustles to support themselves and cope with the realities of campus life.

Across the university and its surrounding communities, students can be seen involved in small-scale trading, tutoring, and other income-generating activities. These engagements are often carried out after lectures, on weekends, or during free periods. For many students, such activities are not driven by choice but by necessity.

Rising living expenses, transportation costs, and the need for basic learning materials have made it increasingly difficult for some students to rely solely on home allowances. As a result, combining academics with part-time work has become common among many undergraduates.

A student reads on campus, reflecting the academic demands students balance alongside other responsibilities.

Balancing academic responsibilities with side hustles, however, comes with its challenges. Managing time effectively remains a major concern, as students must attend lectures, complete assignments, and still find time to work. During test and examination periods, pressure increases, with students striving to meet academic expectations while maintaining their sources of income.

Despite these challenges, some students view their experiences as part of personal development. Engaging in side hustles has helped many students develop discipline, responsibility, and basic financial management skills. It has also exposed them to real-life experiences beyond academic learning.

University life is often perceived as a period solely dedicated to education, but for many UDUS students, it also involves navigating economic realities. Between lectures and side hustles, students continue to adapt, balancing academic goals with the practical demands of everyday life.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The academic community is mourning the passing of Professor Abubakar Roko, a respected lecturer in the Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Physical and Computing. He died after a period of illness, despite efforts made to secure advanced medical treatment abroad.

Professor Roko had been battling a critical health condition that required specialist care, prompting a crowdfunding campaign to support his medical trip to Cairo, Egypt. The campaign received overwhelming support from colleagues, students, friends, and well-wishers.

Notably, the Governor of Kano State, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, contributed ₦5,000,000 to the cause, a gesture that was widely appreciated by the family and academic community.

In a message announcing his passing, the department expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported him during his time of need. “We are saddened to announce the demise of Professor Abubakar Roko… May Allah SWT reward you abundantly,” the statement read.

Prayers are being offered across the campus and beyond for the repose of his soul. “May Allah bestow His grace on him,” the department added.

Professor Roko is remembered not only for his academic excellence but also for his humility and dedication to the advancement of computer science education in Nigeria.

By Rashida Aliyu

The term ‘Jambites’ refers to new or fresh students at the university, and they often display certain characteristics that set them apart from returning students.

Upon their arrival at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, the faces of Jambites reflected a mixture of excitement and confusion, marking their transition from a secondary school environment to university life.

In observations, Jambites often exhibit behavior characterized by anxiety, as the university setting is entirely new to them. Many struggle with finding their way, navigating registration processes, and adapting to the academic system. As a result, they frequently seek assistance from returning students or university staff to understand how things work.

The fashion of Freshers and their engagement on social media is notable; Jambites tend to wear trendy outfits in an attempt to make a good first impression. They often document their initial experiences by sharing pictures and updates online to inform friends and family about their new journey.

Financial mismanagement is a common issue for many new students, particularly those living on campus. They often receive significant amounts of money from their parents to cover expenses, but inadequate financial planning—largely due to a lack of understanding of the environment—can lead some to spend extravagantly on unnecessary items during the initial weeks, resulting in financial difficulties later.

Eager to attend lectures, Jambites typically arrive early and try to secure seats at the front of the lecture hall to impress their lecturers. However, as the semester progresses, some may become less punctual as they settle into their new school life.

Jambites often seek guidance from senior students, who may either genuinely help them or exploit their naivety. Some returning students mislead newcomers by either exaggerating school rules or soliciting money for the assistance they provide.

Additionally, members of the local community and operators of computer business centers can sometimes betray the trust of new students. For instance, during the accommodation process, many new students are deceived by locals who take their money without providing housing. Furthermore, computer business centers and stationery shops often overcharge freshers for items and services compared to what regular students pay.

Hafsat Muhammad Tsamaye from the Faculty of FEED shared her experiences of life as a Jambite. She mentioned enjoying wandering around the campus without any specific purpose, simply to observe the movement of people. “During my first year, which people referred to as Jambito, it was amusing and easy because I was a Jambito. There were three things I normally did during that time: I was always looking for free Wi-Fi to download more movies than I could watch, even though I didn’t end up watching a lot of them,” she recalled.

Hafsat also shared her experience of attending night classes, remarking, “During my first semester as a Jambito, I always attended night classes, but I didn’t study much; I mostly just slept and changed classes every hour, spending money without any control. The funniest part was that I always cooked for others.”

The behaviors exhibited by Jambites upon their arrival at UDUS vary, but most of them show excitement, anxiety, and a strong desire to fit in.

In my opinion, the university management should implement a comprehensive orientation program to guide newcomers and facilitate their smooth transition into university life. This would help prevent potential issues. Additionally, returning students should treat freshers as their juniors and ensure they do not mislead them.