By Musa A. Nawwas
Dear newly matriculated students(Jambitos), welcome to Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
Let me tell you the motto of the varsity, even though you must have boldly caught a glance at it on the entrances. The motto is “iqra.” The first Qur’anic idea that entered into the consciousness of the prophet and was printed on it—imperatively commanding him to read.
Indeed, to you also, this is a command, a call to striving and persevering, energy and commitment. A clarion call for acquisition, reacquisition, learning, forgetting and relearning. That’s why responding to this call “iqra” means wider responsibilities & a greater degree of inner and outer trial and striving for every student.
Know that this is a university, where you meet different people from different walks of life, with different way of doing things; people with sharp or weak intellects, people who are friendly & unfriendly.
Not only that. You would also meet Moroccans and those who are totally indifferent about girls, those who prioritize academics above all else and those who flex and cruise more than they study; those that value good grades and those that “okay” passing with “E”. Grades don’t really matter to them. This short piece will center on this last category of students.
The truth is, this set of senior students whose grades are “laughable” go great lengths to comfort themselves with the dumb phrase “grades don’t matter…” and that’s a lie from the pit of hell. They’d go to the extent of inserting this belief in you. Telling you that first class is impossible. That there’s no need wasting your time “lyk 2moro no dey” trying to grab it. Since they couldn’t make it, they now derive pleasure in injecting the “Cannot-do-spirit” into you. Do not listen to them. In fact, avoid them like plague!
Moreso, UDUS isn’t just a school, it is a world in itself: The pile of voluminous books to read by day and by night just to pass, the hectic lecture routines, the smoldering soaking heat of the hot dry land, tinge of depression that comes with Serious Absence of Pecuniary Advantage (SAPA) are all red flags that “there’s no place for anyone who cannot cope.” Once again, congratulations and Happy Matriculation to you all.
Bottom Line: know yourself, set goals, start early & be consistent in your readings. Flex & cruise when necessary, but never give room to any DISTRACTION that’ll veer you off your desired track. Above all, PRAY.