Shamsudeen Abubakar reports
A groundbreaking initiative, “Campus Legacy,” has been launched by students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) to equip their peers with essential skills for academic and professional success.
Founded on the 7h of November, 2024, by final-year Law students Olayiwola Ridwan Adetunji and Shereefdeen Ahmad Sawe, this initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic excellence and real-world employability by offering practical experience and mentorship.
Olayiwola and Sawe are both prominent figures within the UDUS community. Olayiwola serves as the Grand Khadi of the LAWSAN Judiciary, UDUS chapter, while Sawe is the President of the National Association of Campus Journalists, UDUS chapter. They observed that despite strong academic records, many graduates struggle to secure employment due to a lack of hands-on skills.
According to Olayiwola, today’s job market requires more than academic qualifications; it demands practical skills to complement academic knowledge. “The lack of these essential tools for success after campus spurred our interest to think and implement strategic ideas to address this gap and provide permanent remedies,” he explained.
Sawe added, “We’ve heard of students graduating without the knowledge of what a CV is all about. It’s on this note that we come to think of this initiative to save one or more students since we have seen the benefit of these activities.”
The main objective of Campus Legacy, as the founders stated, is to foster an environment where students can unlock their potential both on and off-campus.
“Our mission is to ensure that undergraduate students have clearly defined goals before graduating, and all the essential tools to actualize their dreams are readily available at their disposal,” Olayiwola noted, expressing concern that a lack of direction can hinder students’ future success.
Campus Legacy encourages students to balance academic excellence with skills development. “Skills are now more valuable to employers than just academic grades,” Olayiwola emphasised. “Success starts from campus, not after.”
The program is designed to guide students in setting clear career goals and developing relevant skills through mentorship and extracurricular activities. This support is especially valuable for students who may not be involved in campus clubs or activities, as it encourages them to pursue personal growth and professional development.