🎓 🇳🇬 UDUS Confers Honorary Doctorate on Former Army Chief Faruk Yahaya

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya (Rtd), has been honoured with a Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) by Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS).

Zig Diaries Defence
Date: Sunday, 07 September 2025
Time: 20:00 WAT
Location: 📍 Sokoto, Nigeria

The honour came as part of UDUS’ 50th anniversary and 42nd convocation ceremony, underscoring the university’s recognition of Yahaya’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s defence and national security.

A statement by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 8 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Shittu, confirmed the recognition, noting that the university’s Governing Council conferred the honorary doctorate on 6 September 2025. 

The citation described General Yahaya as a strategic leader whose tenure as COAS between 2021 and 2023 reshaped Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and banditry.

According to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Bashiru Garba, General Yahaya’s stewardship “significantly strengthened the Nigerian Army and left an enduring legacy in advancing national security.”

General Yahaya’s time in office marked decisive milestones: the elimination of Boko Haram commander Abubakar Shekau in 2021, coordinated victories against ISWAP and bandit networks, and securing the 2023 general elections. 

The Nigerian Army under his watch achieved a technical defeat of multiple threats that had plagued the country’s North East and North West.

The convocation also served as a reunion of military and civic leaders. Former COAS Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd), the Secretary to the Sokoto State Government, Alhaji Muhammad Bello Sifawa, NDA 37th Regular Course members, the Sifawa Development Forum, and other dignitaries joined Yahaya’s family and well-wishers for a grand reception.

The celebration featured goodwill messages, lunch, souvenirs, and group photographs, cementing the symbolic honour of Yahaya’s service to Nigeria.

Fact-Check & Background Context

Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), established in 1975, marked its 50th anniversary this year. General Yahaya is the first former Chief of Army Staff to be awarded an honorary doctorate by the institution.

Yahaya was appointed COAS in May 2021 after the death of Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru. His tenure prioritized counter-terrorism in the North East and stabilization in the North West at a time when banditry escalated.

🏷️ Tags: Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Faruk Yahaya, Nigerian Army, Defence Leadership, Boko Haram, Sokoto News, Honourary Doctorate, National Security, Nigerian Military History

#ZigDiariesDefence #UDUS50Years #FarukYahaya #NigerianArmy #NationalSecurity #MilitaryLeadership