last weekend, the former governor of Sokoto state and senator representing Sokoto North in the Senate of the Federal Republic, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, adorned the doctoral gown of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, in Katsina state and was capped with an honoris causa. He smiled as the doctor was added to his revered name. Honour represents different things to different people. To those who are closely associated with him, it is a testament to his contributions to Nigeria arising from his impactful tenure as governor to his ongoing service as a senator. Through these, Wamakko has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service, education, and social development. Conferring the award to him, the FUDMA leadership said the Wamakko impact aligns very well with the university’s mission, emphasising the importance of education, civic responsibility, and national progress.
The honour of Wamakko is a significant milestone in his career. It is also recognition of his past accomplishments and a reminder of the potential impact individuals in public office can make for the good of society. In pointing at Wamakko, the university only used him to set an example for its students and the community, in reinforcing its ideals of dedication, service, and ethical leadership. In a broader context, the honourary degree is a call to action for leaders across Nigeria to commit themselves to the welfare and progress of the communities they serve. This is because Senator Wamakko exemplifies the potential of leaders to drive transformative change through effective leadership and dedication to the common good. These are ideals that he had demonstrated in Sokoto as its two-term governor and further by leading the change that berthed the incumbent administration in the state led by Dr. Aliyu Ahmed.
In picking Wamakko for the honour, the university continued with a worldwide tradition where institutions of learning recognise distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions in such fields as public service, academia, arts, business, or social causes. It is therefore believed that the university will use the opportunity of the award to inspire its students to pursue excellence and contribute meaningfully to society because the award recipient is, to Nigerians, an excellent gentleman and a harbinger of the good for the people, irrespective of tongue and creed. No doubt, Senator Wamakko has an untainted reputation as a public servant. He had dedicated a substantial part of his life to the development of Sokoto State beginning from his days as a classroom teacher. Wamakko has been unrestrained in his decision to build a career that spans politics, governance, and community service leading to his being elected as the governor of Sokoto State from 2007 to 2015 and now, as a senator for Sokoto North and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. Throughout these times, his leadership and influence have consistently aligned with the developmental goals of Sokoto, especially in the areas of education and infrastructure.
Senator Wamakko’s tenure as governor of Sokoto was marked by several notable achievements, such as the improvement of educational institutions, expansion of healthcare facilities, and infrastructure projects that enhanced the quality of life for residents. These efforts have had a lasting impact on Sokoto State, cementing his legacy as a visionary leader and an advocate for grassroots development. His achievements in public office, coupled with his contributions to educational advancement, meant that he has become a goldfish which has no hiding place. Perhaps, this is why it was easy for the leadership at the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, to spot him for the honoris causa.
Federal University, Dutsin-Ma was established in 2011 and is located in Katsina State. Identifying a man of valuable impact like Wamakko for the honour indicates the university’s vision of espousing the ideals that Wamakko represent as instruction lessons for its students. The university’s mission includes fostering a generation of students who contribute meaningfully to national and global development, which sits very well with Wamakko’s political trajectory. Therefore, bringing the Senator to its podium is an expression of commitment to honouring those who not only excel in their fields but also use their platforms to effect positive change in society. For them, Wamakko is the epitome of integrity and outstanding leadership. He is a leader driven not by wealth but by the desire to improve society. This is why he is never far from his constituents in Sokoto where his gates are never closed against the people irrespective of social status. Sokoto people celebrate him as the only ex-governor who listens to their cries and offers his back to them to lean on.
One area where Wamakko had made a noticeable impact in the lives of the people is in his commitment to education. During his tenure as governor, Wamakko prioritised the development of educational infrastructure in Sokoto State. His administration established numerous primary and secondary schools and allocated resources for the renovation and modernization of existing institutions. His focus on education extended to providing scholarships for Sokoto State indigenes, helping students to access higher education both within Nigeria and abroad. The incumbent governor, Dr. Aliyu Ahmed, borrows a leaf from him here. He has extended the scholarship to every child in Sokoto state, tongue and creed notwithstanding.
Another area of the Wamakko impact on the life of Sokoto state is in infrastructure development. Infrastructure plays a vital role in the social and economic development of every state of Nigeria. And, in Sokoto, Wamakko’s contributions to this area are considered to be very significant. As governor, he spearheaded projects aimed at improving transportation, healthcare, and water supply systems in Sokoto. Under his watch, roads were built and rehabilitated to facilitate the movement of people and goods. This has a huge impact on economic activities in the North West region. He also laid the groundwork for sustainable development in Sokoto. Sadly, these were eroded after he left office.
Wamakko has also been an advocate for social development. Here, he worked to uplift underprivileged communities in Sokoto State. His efforts included initiatives in healthcare, agriculture, and economic empowerment. He was unrestrained in his support programmes that benefit women, youth, and marginalized groups. This endeared him to the people and made him their ‘father’. His contributions to public Service and good governance extend beyond his time as governor. As a Senator, he has continued to advocate for policies that promote social justice and regional development. His work in the Senate has been characterized by his efforts to represent the interests of his constituents and address issues such as poverty, unemployment, and education. Therefore, the honoris causa serves as recognition of Wamakko’s tireless efforts in advancing societal progress. It is also a validation of his work and an encouragement not to drop the anchor yet. The honour on him is a message to others in leadership that dedication to public service and community development will always be valued and celebrated.