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Inter-watch press UDUS, Sokoto (2025)

05/11/2025

Interwatch Hosts Online Training on Solution Journalism

©️ INTERWATCH

By Tauhid Ndafogi Hauwa

Interwatch Press board on Saturday, 1st November 2025, hosted an online training session on Solution Journalism, featuring former Interwatch editor-in-Chief Mr. Abdullahi Ayinla Muritala, as the guest speaker. The session, held via google meet, was open to both members of the board and the general public. Although scheduled for 5:00pm to 7:00pm, the training lasted for an hour due to power challenges that affected the facilitator’s device.

Mr. Muritala is a freelance journalist from Kwara State currently based in Abuja Nigeria specializing in investigative journalism, fact-checking, community development, social justice reporting and constructive journalism. His works have inspired many young journalists across the country.

During the training, he defined Solution Journalism as reporting that does not only expose problems, but critically investigates evidence based responses to those problems. He emphasized that identifying the problem is the first step before exploring the solution.

He explained the four pillars of Solution Journalism as response, evidence, insight and limitations. According to him, these elements are key in proving that a solution works, identifying lessons that can be replicated elsewhere and revealing the obstacles limiting wider impact.

Mr. Muritala noted that Solution Journalism is not the same as public relations (PR). While some people confuse both, he stressed that Solution Journalism focuses on results and evidence, not promotion or fundraising. He added that a solution journalist role is not to raise funds, but to report solutions based on verified facts.

The session ended with a question and answer session where participants interacted with speakers and sought clarity on various aspects of solution Journalism. The training is part of Interwatch efforts to build capacity among campus journalists and improve the quality of reporting within the board and beyond.

30/10/2025

Interwatch Press Board Presents:
*Campus Journalism Online Training on Solution Journalism*
Guest Speaker:
Mr. Abdulahi Ayinla Muritala
Former Editor-in-Chief, Interwatch Press (2023)

Mr. Muritala is a passionate freelance journalist based in Kwara State, Nigeria. His work spans investigative journalism, fact-checking, community development, and social justice reporting. With years of experience and impact, he continues to inspire a new generation of truth-seekers and storytellers.
📅 Date: Saturday, 1st November
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Venue: Google Meet https://calendar.app.google/QcnxDVJW5JwjECR5A
Don’t miss this powerful session as we uncover how journalism can go beyond reporting problems to creating solutions and driving positive change.Mark your calendar and be part of the movement✅📅

16/10/2025

Sweating Through Exams: Inside UDUS Students Battle with Heat and Frustration

©️ INTERWATCH

Tauhid Ndafogi Hauwa

My heart pounds rapidly as countless thoughts raced through my mind. In one hand, I clutched my exam card, using it as a fan in a futile attempt to ease the discomfort I was feeling at the moment in the other my pen as I tried to stay conscious of the allocated two hours for the exam while deep within, I struggled to suppress the wave of frustration threatening to consume me.

A quick glance around the hall revealed that I was not alone in this predicament as many other students could be seen fanning themselves occasionally, their faces marked with visible distress. For the first time in my three years of studies at Udus I submitted an examination paper without cross checking my answers.

The examination officer from afar could be seen battling with the power connectionsl attempting to restore the fans in the hall since electricity had briefly been available earlier showing that the discomfort was not limited to just the students alone it extends to the lecturers supervising the exams as well, they appeared visibly affected by the heat and the tension filling the hall.

After the examination, I was too shaken by the experience at the exam hall to utter a word and upon returning to my hostel, I shared the ordeal to my roommates explaining that although I had faced similar conditions during classes and previous examinations, this particular instance was the most distressing and unsurprisingly others shared similar experiences, each recounting their own moments of discomfort and frustration.

Several of them spoke about how their hearts raced whenever specific examination halls were assigned to them to write their exams because of how cramped and poorly ventilated those venues are. They described the experience as not only physically exhausting but also emotionally draining leaving a lasting sense of frustration and despair.

Speaking with Oyewande Olusegun Obasanjo a 200 level Mass Communication student of the university, he narrated that his experience with excessive heat at the university extends beyond classrooms and examination halls it extends to night classes as well. In his words “During my first year in school, I was determined that I would start reading at the Multipurpose Hall (MH2). But things changed when the heat kept increasing as the night drew nearer. I couldn’t continue reading because I was finding it hard to concentrate in such a condition, and I was sweating like someone working in a gold mine." Similarly he further recounted his experience in B09 Hall, where he wrote his first semester examination saying “That place was the backyard of hellfire. I had to drop my pen and use my confirmation letter as a fan because I could not concentrate on the exam I was writing.”

From frustration over poor ventilation to unbearable heat in examination halls, malfunctioning fans, overcrowded rooms and suffocating air, students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), express their dissatisfaction with exam conditions that often feel as challenging as the papers themselves.

In a separate interview with one of the recently graduated students of the university, he described how unbearable the condition of some classrooms are and has further urged the school management to address the issue. According to him “I have also experienced that kind of discomfort many times during exams and it really affects concentration, the heat usually makes it hard to focus and I often have to pause just to catch my breath or fan myself. It is honestly something the school should take seriously, especially during exams when we students are already under pressure.”

Recounting one particularly unpleasant incident from his 200-level days, he added “I can remember vividly when I was in the 200 level I wrote a paper at ETF3. The heat was unbearable from the start and just when I was trying to manage that, the sun came out fiercely. I had no other option than to keep moving from one spot to another just to find a little relief as this kind of environment is not ideal for any serious academic activity.”

Experiences like this highlights the urgent need for improvement in the learning and examination conditions of the university as this persistent issue of excessive heat in classrooms and examination halls not only affects students concentration and performance but also poses serious health and psychological concerns.

The university administration should prioritize the provision of adequate ventilation, functional fans and better maintenance of examination venues and classrooms to achieve a more conducive academic environment as it is not merely a matter of comfort, it is a fundamental requirement for effective learning and fair assessment.

15/10/2025

NELFUND Assures Students That ASUU Strike Will Not Disrupt Loan Operations

©️ INTERWATCH

By Abdullahi Alatare

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian education loan fund (NELFUND), Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, has assured students and stakeholders that the ongoing strike by the academic staff union of Universities (ASUU) will not disrupt the operations of the student loan scheme.

Speaking on Channels television’s the morning brief programme on Tuesday, Sawyerr said that the government is handling the situation carefully and expressed hope that ongoing talks between the federal government and ASUU will end on a positive note.

According to him, the discussions are being led by the minister of education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who has continued to engage with all parties to ensure that students do not suffer from the industrial action.

“The strike has just begun, and I believe that under the capable leadership of the Honourable Minister for Education, negotiations will move in the right direction,” he said.

Sawyerr explained that the student loan scheme is structured to remain stable despite temporary challenges within the education system. He emphasized that NELFUND’s role is to make higher education more accessible to Nigerian students, and that the strike should not derail this goal.

“As of today, the strike will not affect student upkeep or our operations,” he added. “However, we are closely monitoring developments and will take further guidance from the Minister as events unfold.”

Sawyerr reiterated that NELFUND was created to address key issues in the education sector, including financial challenges faced by students. He called for calm and cooperation among students, assuring them that the loan programme remains secure and active.

“We don’t want students to be negatively affected in any way,” he said. “We are working hand in hand with the ministry of education to make sure learning continues smoothly.”

He noted that NELFUND will continue to complement other government efforts aimed at improving access to quality education and providing long-term solutions to funding gaps in tertiary institutions.

Meanwhile, ASUU President, Dr. Chris Piwuna, has maintained that the union will not be intimidated by the government’s “No Work, No Pay” policy. Speaking on Channels Television’s politics today programme, Piwuna said the union remains united and committed to its cause.

“We don’t respond to threats, and nobody can threaten us,” he stated.

He further explained that all academic bodies, including the Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), are standing in solidarity with ASUU during the strike.

The Federal Government had earlier directed universities to enforce the “No Work, No Pay” rule for lecturers participating in the strike. However, talks are still ongoing in hopes of reaching a peaceful resolution.

13/10/2025

Rad. Ojedeyi Basirat Regains Freedom After Two Weeks in Captivity.

©️ INTERWATCH

Oluwafemi Oluwabunmi Esther

Recall that on the 29th of September 2025, the kidnap of Rad. Ojedeyi Basirat a graduate of Radiography at Usman Danfodiyo university sokoto state was announced, as she was abducted in Niger state on her way back from her induction ceremony at the university.

Today being 13th of October 2025, two weeks after her kidnap relief and celebration filled the air as the national association of Osun State Students (NAOSS) Health Wing ,In an official statement signed by former president Ademola Adam Oluwafisola and former secretary general Olarinde Sodiq Opeyemi, confirmes the release of Basirat around 6:00PM today

The association expressed profound gratitude to the good people of Nigeria for their support, prayers, and financial contributions toward securing her release. “We owe the good people of Nigeria an eternal gratitude and appreciation for supporting and hastening the release of Rad. Ojedeyi Basirat,” the statement read.

NAOSS Health Wing also cautioned the public against sending any further funds to the account previously used for the rescue efforts, noting that “the target has been reached and she has been released.”

The statement concluded with words of thanksgiving “May God not leave you to your affairs, and may you find favor with God and man. We, NAOSS Health Wing, and the family of Rad. Ojedeyi Basirat says thank you.”

Ojedeyi’s safe return marks the end of a distressing two-week ordeal that had drawn widespread concern among students, friends, and well-wishers across the country.

10/10/2025

Controversy Trails Report on Ex-CTC PRO’s Scholarship Promise

©️ INTERWATCH

By Oladimeji kabir

A report published by Habibulahi Tamako a reporter from News Digest UDUS Chapter on April 1, concerning the former Ex-CTC PRO Comrade Abdullahi Ọpẹ́yẹmí, and his unfulfilled scholarship promise has stirred controversy among students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS). The tension heightened after the ex-officer threatened legal action, alleging the publication defamed his reputation.

When contacted for clarification, the News Digest reporter, Comrade Habibulahi Tamako, explained the background and intent behind the story. According to him, “Earlier this year, we reported about Comrade Opeyemi’s pledge to initiate a scholarship program for brilliant and less privileged students. He personally invited us to his birthday celebration and asked that we cover the story, which we did. Indeed, he made the promise publicly. However, when information later reached us that the promise had not been fulfilled, we decided to publish a follow-up report reflecting that development”.

Tamako further noted that the follow-up story was professionally handled. “Before publishing, I reached out to him for comments, which were included in the story. Nevertheless, after publication, he messaged me, alleging defamation and threatening to pursue legal action”, he added.

In response, Comrade Abdullahi Opyemi explained that the delay in fulfilling the scholarship pledge was not deliberate but due to communication lapses. He stated, “The immediate past president of the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS-UDUS), Zakari Yari, failed to submit the list of beneficiaries as agreed. I later contacted the current president to provide the names starting from the next academic session.”

He maintained his commitment to the promise, emphasizing that the delay stemmed solely from administrative issues. “I never said I would not fulfil my promise, the problem is that no beneficiary list was submitted, and since I have now graduated, I have limited contact with the students”, he clarified.

It is safe to say the controversy surrounding the unfulfilled scholarship appears to have resulted from miscommunication and administrative lapses rather than intentional neglect and the news digest acted within its journalistic duty to inform the public.

08/10/2025

UDUS students fight against mosquitoes amidst exam preparations

©️ INTERWATCH

By Muhammad Ballo

Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto is known as the most peaceful university in northern Nigeria, however the same cannot be said about the mosquitoes which are always present at the classrooms at night persistently biting and disturbing the students as they study

Students are seen taking preventive measures to fight against mosquitoes while studying as they have no choice other than to read despite the harsh conditions. Students are seen using mosquito nets, coils and leaves to protect themselves from harsh mosquito bites. "Whenever I'm going to night class I usually put on socks to prevent mosquito bites but still I will still feel them bite me through my socks." Lamented Jamiu Idaoba a 300 level of Economics.

Similarly speaking with Abdulbash*t Sebutu, a 200 level of microbiology, he said "at this point I think the mosquitoes are unpreventable, they are really bad and disturbing and I don't have an option rather than to read at the hostel". He further said "we students should utilize more preventive measures."

Lukman Onis an education Arabic student, said " before the examination I used to read in class putting on black socks even though I still get bitten by the mosquitoes but since the beginning of examination I prefer reading in my hostel to avoid the mosquitoes”

The persistent mosquito problem faced by students during night classes at UDUS proposes a serious challenge to their academic preparation, especially during examination periods. Despite individual efforts to be protective like wearing protective clothing, nets, and even as far as leaves, the issue remains largely unresolved and continues to affect students’ concentration and comfort.

A 300 level of Education English, Usman Muhammad Kolapo said "Mosquitoes make it difficult for many students to read in class at night, especially if there's blank out, that is why I always wear my long sleeve sweater whenever I'm going to class, put on my socks and sometimes nylon with head warmer." He didn't stop there and said "Students are to wear full covered clothes to protect themselves. If possible mosquitoes coil can also be used but we should consider the health of others before using it. Anti mosquitoes cream can also be used.”

Students are therefore relying on the school management to intervene by providing lasting solutions such as regular fumigation of classrooms, provision of insect-repellent facilities and improving the overall sanitary conditions around lecture halls to ensure a safe and conducive reading environment is essential for students academic success and wellbeing.

27/09/2025

Big shout out to my newest top fans! Ahmmed Abdulsomad, Nabeelah Bint Misbahudeen, حبيب الله حنفي, Abdul Bash*t Sebutu, DO LA PO, Ishorlar Kabir Horlardimayji, Muhammad Ballo, Hussain Wahab 😍

18/09/2025

Big shout out to my newest top fans!🙏 Nabeelah Bint Misbahudeen, حبيب الله حنفي, Abdul Bash*t Sebutu, DO LA PO, Ishorlar Kabir Horlardimayji, Muhammad Ballo, Hussain Wahab, Ahmmed Abdulsomad

05/09/2025

UDUS Marks 50 Years of Women Development in Academia

©️ INTERWATCH

By Abdullahi Alatare

Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), on the 4th of September 2025 held a public lecture on women's role in academic development at the university's auditorium main campus, marking its 50th anniversary and 42nd convocation ceremony, with a focus on the role of women in academic development.

The lecture, titled “Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies: 50 Years of Women’s Development in Academia at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto,” was delivered by Professor (Mrs) Asabe Kabir Usman of the department of english and literary studies from the faculty of Arts.

In the opening remarks by Professor M.A. Iliya commended the resilience of female scholars in the university’s history, while the deputy vice chancellor (Administration), Professor M.M. Maishanu, conveyed goodwill messages before the lecture.

Professor Asabe Kabir is the second female professor to deliver an inaugural lecture in the history of UDUS and also the university’s 18th inaugural lecturer, highlighting the steady progress of women in academia.

She revealed that between 1975 and 2000, the university had only 20 female academic staff. From 2000 to 2010, the number rose to 36. Today in 2025 out of the school's 1,700 academic staff, 107 are female among which 24 are professors, 12 are readers and 26 are senior lecturers.

Going further she listed females in the field who have contributed greatly to research, teaching and leadership from 2001 till date amongst them includes Dr Kudirat Abiola the first female to become the universities librarian in 2024, Dr Ummu Safiya the first examination officer of the facility of law. Asiya Bagudo Abubakar Bagudo who became a professor in 2023 a former head of department and supporter of inclusive education in northern Nigeria, Professor Hafsatu Sidi who until last week was the sole administrator of Usman danfodio university model secondary school prof and Professor Aisha Bawa female vice chairman of academic staff union (ASSU) UDUS. These milestones demonstrate the gradual but significant strides women have made in shaping the university’s academic landscape.

She highlighted several challenges faced by women at the frontline. Among the most pressing, she noted the intense workload. In her words "most of us would leave here today and walk straight into the kitchen after taking our lectures we take care of the children we do everything and then if we don't do the work they say female members of staff are lazy”. She also spoke about the burden of family expectations, stressing that it is almost a taboo to admit that professional responsibilities sometimes limit family attention. Other challenges she outlined include the lack of mentorship despite management’s efforts, more improvement is needed, restricted mobility as many women can only attend conferences close to home due family duties, limited support from counterparts and also insufficient gender-sensitive structures.

Finally despite these obstacles, she emphasized that women continue to excel in science, education, humanities and public health. She concluded by commending the UDUS management for its commitment to promoting women’s inclusiveness.

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