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The News Digest Press, UDUS., Ogunia (2025)

29/07/2025

Road to Mission X: The History, Struggles and Foundation of the Indomitable Queens of Nigeria (Part 1)

By Abdulmalik Abdulwahab

Before the protest; before the victories, before the medals, and even before earning the name “Super Falcons”—there was only an aspiration and the battlefield—not of grass and goalposts alone, but of culture, gender, ignorance and silence.

The story of Nigeria women's national team commenced when African women were expected to cheer football and not to play it. Yet, in the era of forgotten stadiums savaged under the crack roofs of neglected training grounds, an assembly of Nigerian women launched a revolutionary mission of breaking barriers, while earning dignity, and writing Africa into the history of women’s football. From shadows to the spotlight, rises the glory of Super Falcons.

Before 1991, the prominence of Nigerian women engaging in football existed in fragments. Some regions held inter-school and inter-town football competitions mainly for girls. The first national competition to unify this dotted innovation was the 1989 Inaugural Women's Championship, held by the Nigeria Federation Association, now known as Nigeria Football Federation. Meanwhile, these were token gestures in a country where women's sports were grossly underfunded, under-publicized, and socially ridiculed.

Operation Phoenix

The 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup was a historic moment for women's football, globally. However, it was something deeper for the Nigeria. It signified the ignition of what now became a continental dynasty—10-time African Champions.

The Nigeria women's national team received an invitation to participate in the inaugural 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup organized in China, becoming the first African representative. The tournament was a leap of faith: no formal training, absence of enough funding, and barely tactical preparation. The journey was not just about football but a culturally, politically, and gender-based motivated rebels, led by young women, having nothing more than a dream.

These "barefoot queens" as some journalists called them, represented Africa with honor but lost all the group stage matches to Germany, Italy and Chinese Taipei, while conceding seven goals without recording a single goal. Yet, there was a victory for African women, and that was their participation. Florence Omagbemi, Patience Are, and Ann Chiejine names stand out despite the odds—the world knew African women played football, the unknown soldiers who lacked support but motivated in spirit.

After the World Cup, the team became the former shadow of itself, as the once international competitor players returned to local jobs, domestic lives, and faded from sport entirely. Underground, new movement began when 1991 young pro like Stella Mbachu, Kikelomo Ajayi, and Nkechi Egbe formed state clubs, forging the support of Non Government Organizations. The governor of Lagos and Beyelsa state also joined in donating their own support for the female teams, modestly.

The Beginning of Unforgettable Fortress

The turning point was unfolded in December 1998, when the Confederation of African Football (CAF), announced the first official African Women's Championship (AWC), hosted in Nigeria. The initiative posed itself as a map to a promised land—a golden opportunity to showcase African talents. This led to the formal commencement of continental dominance for the Nigerian team. The wonder women humbled Egypt 6-0, thrashed Morocco 8-0, humiliated DR Congo 6-0 in the openings. The team secured a comfortable 6-0 victory against Cameroon in the semi-finals, while stunting Ghana 2-0 in the finals, scoring 28 goals in 5 matches without conceding a single goal—a massive dominant that shocked the world of football.

The team became the first African women's football champion, rated the most-complete female side in the continent by CAF, and named the Queens of the Continent by the media outlets. In her comments, the fifth-time goals scorer of the inaugural AWC and 2001 CAF player of the year, Mercy Akide said, " We went there to set a higher goal for African women’s football. We did that."

Despite the amazing dominance, the 1998 African Champions returned home to poor acknowledgement and discouraging remuneration, without provisions for insurance opportunities, no sponsorship deal, and no consistent camps. Every member of the team got ₦50,000, about $500. While their male counterparts got their ten times bonuses despite losing qualifiers that year.

By the end of 1998, the team became a symbol of hope for Nigerian upcoming female stars, and a force of reckoning on the African continent. Appeared at the World Cup, and winning Africa's women first official title, attempted to tackle the gender inequity in sports, inspired female leagues, and birthed next generation stars. If their fathers fly the eagles, then the daughters soared as falcons. They were more than women—they were pioneers, rebels, and icons.

29/07/2025

How Practical Year Experience Aids UDUS Agriculture Students in Real-World Settings

By Abdurrahim Ibrahim

Shuaib Ibrahim Hanif, a 400-level agriculture student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), has never thought that his practical year will open him to the real-world setting. To him, the practical knowledge he gained will help him to fit into the agricultural labor market.

“With the knowledge gathered, I realized the demand for my value is readily available only if I'm ready to explore and research on the agricultural value chain. Because the experience tilted my perspective from “Who can I work for?” to “What can I do to offer value or solve a problem?”

He furthered that beyond academic theories, he had a real-time experience of practicals to buttress the theories he knew. He stated how the training exposed him to discover how to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems.

Hanif enunciates his motivation and what kept him going throughout the time despite climatic changes.

“My experience exposed me to various perspectives of how to emerge at all costs, a crucial skill to possess aside from being optimistic. I believe there is light at the end of the tunnel, so I accept every challenge to be what I have to go through to see the light.”

Another student, Adam Umar, a 400L agriculture student who did his industrial training in one of the famous poultry enterprises based in Sokoto, shared how he visualized the theoretical aspects he was taught in class while undergoing the training.

“There were some concepts that I witnessed recently with my eyes that were only said in class. So, I can say being an IT student, there is a good opportunity that I'd love to maximize and learn from.”

He mentioned how the skills gained turned him into a societal problem solver, and he started working on an egg supply business to ease the egg shortage in his area—he learned not only egg production but also an excellent way he could sell the eggs produced to almost everyone. Having believed that since he is well known there and he knows how the business works, he could begin a business at that, which he hoped to continue even after we are done with the IT.

Adam stated how the training shaped his perspective in a positive way, where he discovered some ways he can explore and make the best out of it.

“Before now, I thought production was the only profitable field in agriculture, but now, through IT, I've understood that one could venture into agribusiness, logistics, and other value additions in agriculture. My perception about agriculture has begun to broaden beyond just agronomy or animal husbandry. I now know so many spaces and opportunities one can explore and profit from,” he stated.

He concluded by mentioning how the experience shaped his approach to future projects or challenges.

“However, one thing that has changed about me since the beginning of my IT career, and I hope will continue that way, is that my mind has shifted from government jobs completely and is now on agribusiness. My eyes have now opened, and I now see many opportunities in agriculture like never before. I think this will have a good impact on my future.”

More Impacts on Students

Sumayyah Shuaib, a 400-level student from the Faculty of Agriculture, emphasized that the practical year exposed her to the real-world issues that she can’t find in theory.

“The academic aspect is about being a student and reading about careers like they were in fairy tales. And the practical was the beginning of a real career, me being an agriculturist and doing the work that is expected of me.”

Sumayyah, who's on the verge of scaling to 500-level, where the students are left to choose an area of specialization within the five courses across the faculty, stated how the training made her reshuffle her choice from the previous one in her mind.

“For my own training place, which is the soilless farmlab. They deal with the dual areas of agriculture—both plants and animals. But their major concern is how to make farming generate more income, which is more of an agribusiness and entrepreneurship. And this has made me rethink my choice of specialization.”

She stated how the training experience taught her workplace discipline. By learning how to conduct herself in a real job, as the training approach was different from how it's perceived by students. The discipline has prepared her for future projects and jobs, as she now learns to contribute actively, finish her tasks with dedication and immediacy, respect her superiors, and be kind to her colleagues, as well as keep updating herself on the job roles.

“At first everything was strange, but by simply following instructions, I was able to understand how things worked, and I settled in.”

Another student, Aminat Boluwatife Balogun, a 400-level student of agriculture at UDUS, expected the normal routine of just going to the farm to learn the practical ways of farming. But during the industrial training, she realized how broad agriculture is beyond the classrooms. And she was made to understand and work in teams to face real-time challenges and was taught problem solving beyond textbooks and class lectures.

Boluwatife said how the training helped bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practicals, which made her understand better what structural design is while optimizing the space one has. After being exposed to effective measures of building greenhouses and strategic ways of raising plants and management, which helped broaden her knowledge of agriculture.

“Apart from my experience in farming, greenhouse construction, and management, the training impacted my career goals, as I was taught how to navigate different fields in agriculture. I would like to pursue a career in agribusiness while making use of technology.”

Her experience has completely reshaped how she would approach future projects and challenges by making her understand the importance of planning ahead, working collaboratively, understanding challenges, and having a positive mindset.

Amina mentioned how challenging the training seemed before she later coped with the changes and also mentioned how that prepared her for the life ahead.

“Adapting to the environment was both challenging and fun for me. Having to wake up very early in the morning not to go to the classroom but to go to work on real-life work has made me be more disciplined and self-aware and has made me understand the importance of rest in human lives. Working collaboratively with people from different geopolitical zones, different languages, and beliefs has also made me understand the importance of teamwork and staying open-minded to learn from both my peers and my mentors.“ She concluded.

28/07/2025

Too Much to Suffer: How Poor Drainage System Hold Students Hostages After Heavy Downpour Soaks UDUS Communities

By Rasheedat Abidiesin

On a fateful Wednesday afternoon in July 2025, the droplets of water are still descending on the earth. Zainu Abiden’s patience was pushed to the brink after a heavy downpour saw him and his other colleagues sheltered in one of the classes at the Faculty of Engineering and Environmental Science (FEES), in Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), for more than one hour.

The aftermath of the heavy rain turned UDUS communities into a pool of water, making it difficult for students to navigate the waterway while getting back to their various destinations. But Abideen forced his way back to his hostel at Jubril Aminu, one of the hostels under UDUS management.

When Abideen and his classmates got to an area at the mini-market inside the school campus, their journey became challenging. They paused to find an alternative route to boycott the heavy stagnant water that marked the mini-market. With no alternative, the 100-level students forced their passage inside the stagnant water after failing to find another route.

“The downpour starts around 1 p.m. We are inside the class and about to start a lecture around that time. The rain became so heavy and lasted for more than an hour,” he began

“We can no longer wait to head back to the hostel after the rain has stopped. But we meet a big waterfall when we reach the school mini-market. We have no choice but to go through it when we can't see another way.”

Waterlog At UDUS Law Village—A Case Too Many

The journey from Benji to UDUS Faculty of Law takes nothing more than ten minutes on foot. For Akorede Saoban, a 400-level Law student, that few minutes of trekking turned to hours after he was denied a passage through Law Village—a route that led the faculty to his hostel. Why? Because he could not proceed to his hostel after the heavy downpour on Wednesday afternoon.

As a student whom appearing in corporate dress has become an obligatory culture in his faculty, his condition became more unbearable when he started feeling the unforgivable heat immediately after the rainfall. Therefore, he must go back to his hostel in a bid to change to another cloth.

“We can’t go back to our hostel due to the heavy rain. So when the rain stopped and we started feeling heat, we decided to go home. But we saw that we couldn’t pass the route we do pass when coming or going to the faculty.”

He explained that they did not sense the danger until they attempted to enter the water. Just like other people, Saoban was denied access from passing the usual route to his hostel that fateful day. The concern as relates to his expensive shoes that had earlier dived into the stagnant water is now ringing bells in his ears while speaking with Digest Press .

“We had to make a U- turn and pass the road down to our hostel. Although the road is manageable during passage, it also fill with water.”

In a sober tone, Saoban expressed his frustration due to the incident, especially when his N25,000 shoes almost got damaged, saying “I am still sundrying the shoes since the heavy downpour.”

Saobon further mentioned that the major reason that accounted for the inflow of water around the school campus that day was inadequate drainage system.

The plights of UDUS students reflected the general phenomenon battling Nigeria due to poor infrastructural facilities, as the problem of poor drainage is not peculiar to Law Village. Other areas around the university also suffered the same fate.

One could easily tell that inadequate provision of drainage systems in the school communities is responsible for the irregular flow of water.

For example, Benji—a neighborhood that shelters on tens of hectares of land, settled without a proper drainage system that allows water to flow freely whenever there is a downpour. For Jatau Bridge—an overpass that leads Jubril Aminu hostel to the school, the overflow nearly equals the height of the bridge, with farmlands under and around the bridge being flooded.

More Students Hold Back in Woes

Zainab, a 300-level student of Political Science, also attested to the fact that the poor drainage system is the major driver of the stagnant water around the school premises, further compounding the struggle of students.

In her words “We were about to leave for another lecture at the Faculty of Social Sciences when the rain started. We just finished our lecture at one of the classes at the Faculty of Art. We have to wait until the rain stops and when it stops, we can't proceed to our destination again.”

When Zainab and her colleagues noticed the situation was not improving after waiting for an extended time, the students summoned their courage to navigate the water, with their dresses being soaked with water. During an interview, Zainab recounted a disturbing incident where a car struggled with the irregular water flow.

“There's no proper drainage and gutters in our school. I think that is the main cause of the issue.’’

For Adedamola Kudroh, another student residing in Benji, her ordeal while passing the Benji-Mini Market’s route extended beyond physical inconvenience. As the sand became slippery, she was compelled to come down on a bike and walk inside the flowing water despite paying for the full fare. “The sand is slippery. I can’t risk my life, I had to drop and use my legs to trek back to my hostel.”

Effects of Poor Drainage System

The flood incident has become a major humanitarian crisis across Nigeria. Over 1.8 million individuals have been impacted by relentless rains, leading to widespread displacement, loss of lives and destruction of homes and livelihoods. Houses, farmlands and critical infrastructure have been devastated, with 98,242 homes being affected.

In 2024, over five million people were affected due to flooding in Nigeria. This was disclosed by the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, stating that the 2024 incident resulted in the loss of 1,237 lives and widespread destruction across 35 states of the country.

The report further added that the 2024 floods led to the displacement of over 1.2 million persons, with the destruction of 115,172 houses and 1.4 million hectares of farmland across 401 Local Government Areas.

Therefore, NEMA has recently identified 12 states (including Sokoto) and 43 local governments in Nigeria being prone to high risk of flooding amidst the 2025 rainy season. Another 13 states fall within the low- risk category. Poor drainage system was identified among the major reasons that caused the devastating flood disaster while suggesting improvement of drainage system in those areas.

In 2024, the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), in collaboration NEMA, Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and the Nigeria Red Cross Society (NRCS), identified 81 locations in Sokoto state which were impacted by floods, or received internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to the flooding.

All over the 22 local government areas of Sokoto, which were assessed, the joint assessment identified 41,792 individuals who were affected by floods.The affected population included 26,681 displaced individuals.

To wit; recall that the 2025 flood incident that unfolded in Mokwa, Niger state, claimed nothing less than 100 lives, while displacing 1,005 people, leaving counts of people injured, as others went missing.

28/07/2025

Socio-Economic Implications of Kidnapping and Banditry in Nigeria

By Oyelowo Khalid

Have you ever wondered why Nigeria's economy and social system have remained stagnant and underdeveloped for years? The cause of this calamity is nothing but the rampant noise of kidnappers and bandits.

Kidnapping is the illegal act of abducting or holding someone against their will in a captive, often using force, threats, or deception. Black’s Law Dictionary defines Kidnapping as, “the unlawful taking and carrying away of a person by force or fraud, or the unlawful seizure and detention of a person against their will.” This means the act must be without the victim's consent and involve coercion. Thus, Kidnapping is a grievous in Nigerian law which attracted great penalty—section 273 of the Penal code and section 364 of the Criminal code provides punishment for kidnapping for a term which my extend to 10 years imprisonment.

While banditry, on the other hand, is the use of violence and robbery by armed groups, especially in remote or insecure areas. It involves crimes like attacking people, stealing, kidnapping, and destroying property. According to Black’s Law Dictionary, a bandit is a robber who operates in lawless areas, often as part of a gang. Banditry poses a serious threat to peace, security, and economic activities, particularly in regions with weak law enforcement.

Banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria can be traced back to the time of Boko Haram in the year 2002, during the regime of President Olusegun Obasanjo. It was founded in the Northern side in Borno State, and this group became more deadly in the year 2009. Till date, Boko Haram and the likes have spread from the north to other regions of the country, which severely jeopardizes our economic system in many ways.

What really caused banditry and kidnapping?

To start with, the economic factor of Nigeria is one of the causes of kidnapping in Nigeria, inflation, unemployment, poverty and the likes caused depression and desperation, and this led many youth to indulge in kidnapping and Banditry as a source of living.

Also, Bad governance in Nigeria is a major cause of kidnapping and Banditry. Corrupt, overzealous and sentimental political leaders in Nigeria turned the country upside down and what is expected of youth, witnessing his leaders embezzling money meant for masses. How our government utilizes youth as machinery to disrupt elections won't be overlooked also.

Kidnapping and banditry are crippling Nigeria's socio-economic system by undermining security, displacing communities, tarnishing the image of the country, and more.

Therefore, human capital loss is one of the harms caused by kidnapping and banditry—for example, school closures. This can be further expatiate by referring to the mass abduction of students in Zamfara and Kaduna in February 2021. Many students, especially girls (the number was not certain), were abducted by the bandits who demanded heavy ransom.

Furthermore, displacement and poverty are some of the harmful implications of kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria. Real examples are not far-fetched as we hear news daily on these issues. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) 2013, over 3 million citizens of Nigeria were classified as internally displaced persons (IDPs). People flee their houses and leave their workplaces all because of the disasters caused by banditry and kidnappers. This mass displacement led to loss of livelihood, education and healthcare gaps, psychological and social trauma, and also overstretched resources as host communities or camps often lacked enough amenities and food to cater for the mass IDPs. This mess caused by kidnapping and banditry led to the death of many. Even till date, some are still not seen—dead or alive.

Also, agricultural and food insecurity is one of the major deadly implications of banditry and kidnapping. It happens daily. Farmers are killed by Fulani bandits, and farmers flee from the farm to remain alive. These bandits won’t only kill any farmer that stays, but will still r**e the wife of such innocent farmers. This mostly happens in rural areas. Gradually, scarcity of food is erupting in the country, and before we know it, inflation will kill many in Nigeria. Banditry and kidnapping are brutally affecting our agricultural sector as farmers are hindered from farming, and this is already leading to famine as we are already battling with inflation—which won’t stop any day unless the wings of the deadly bandits and kidnappers are clipped and tied.

However, we can’t turn a blind eye to the healthcare collapse, especially in rural areas, and also its bad impact on our educational sector. Destruction and closure of healthcare facilities due to the deadly activities of the bandits—healthcare staff are not to blame for their absence in the hospital, as many of them flee for their dear lives in order not to fall victim to the bandits and kidnappers. This deadly activity mostly happens in the reserved areas of the north, like Borno, Zamfara, and others. In conflict-affected zones like Borno State, about 35% of health facilities were completely destroyed and 30% partially damaged by 2017.

Moreover, business and investment loss remain persistent due to the insecurity in Nigeria. Foreign direct investment drops in affected areas and regions. For foreign direct investment to flourish, some conditions are given, such as political stability, strong security, and others. So far, many of these have been compromised. Foreign investors deter from investing in anything in Nigeria. Foreign investors are scared to establish or invest in states like Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, and Borno where bandits operate undeterred. For example, in 2021, several foreign investors halted their operations in Zamfara due to persistent bandit attacks. Despite the state's richness in gold and the like, the banditry and kidnapping chased away foreign investors.

There are different ways the Nigerian government could employ to fight bandits and kidnapping in Nigeria. Rebuilding local security and architecture is one. This involves encouraging community policing, funding local government councils, and also ensuring strict monitoring of local police, as many are corrupt and overzealous. Any arrested bandits and kidnappers should be made to face the wrath of the law, and such a person should be rehabilitated and trained into the armed forces so they can serve as a useful means for the country and the community.

Also, rural development and education access should be one thing the government should work on. Our rural areas being underdeveloped and reserved made a safe abode for kidnappers and bandits. Axiomatically, many of these kidnappings and banditry happen mostly in rural areas. Free education should be encouraged.Government, especially in the rural areas, needs to sponsor free education. This is currently happening in Sokoto and Kebbi, as many of their students are enjoying free education, and it is helping them and the country a bit.

In conclusion, Nigeria is a country full of intellectual people and different mineral resources for survival. Nigeria is a country that has a blooming future—though underdeveloped, the potential is there. For Nigeria to be better, for the socio-economic system of Nigeria to be blooming and shining, the insecurity across the country needs to be fought. Banditry needs to be erased, kidnapping needs to be eliminated. There is a need to fight these deadly activities in Nigeria. This cannot be done by the government alone, but the people need to give a helping hand. With insecurity eating up Nigeria, our socio-economic system will remain at the bottom. Eliminating banditry and kidnapping will make us a better and one of the best countries.

28/07/2025

Last week was a week of productivity and hard work. We published tons of big investigative stories. We dished out series of engaging stories that highly resonated with our audience.

Have a perusal through our weekly spotlight:

Produced and edited by Shamsudeen Abubakar.

28/07/2025

Examination Malpractice: A Single Act That Kills Bigger Dreams

By Oyelowo Khalid

Nigerian institutions widely condemn all forms of indiscipline, especially examination malpractice. This harmful practice is rampant among students today, with many opting for shortcuts rather than diligent study. "I cannot kill myself" is a common refrain among those who engage in malpractice, reflecting a troubling nonchalance towards academic integrity.

Institutions Are Fighting Back
Despite its prevalence, many institutions are cracking down on examination malpractice, and these efforts are proving effective. Over the years, countless students who engaged in this dishonest act have faced severe consequences. The majority are caught, and schools are strictly enforcing the punishments outlined in their regulations.

The Harsh Reality of Consequences
When a student is caught and disciplined, a common lament among their peers is, "Why would they rusticate him now? He's a final-year student!" While some students deem these decisions harsh, such firm action is essential to deter others. Final-year students, once on the cusp of graduation, have left campuses without their certificates, their dreams shattered. Some linger, holding onto false hope for what is already lost.

Dreams Derailed: Real-World Examples
The dream of a brighter future for many students has been abruptly cut short due to examination malpractice. Expulsion and rustication are common outcomes. For instance, in July 2023, Federal University Gusau (FUGUS) expelled 7 students and rusticated 6 more for examination malpractice.

Similarly, in 2024, the University of Ilorin expelled 14 students for the same offense, with 9 of them being final-year students. According to Sahara Reporters, Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) rusticated 25 students and indefinitely suspended 58 others, all due to examination malpractice.

Many students have become shadows of their former selves, haunted by regret. "Had I known" becomes their bitter refrain, leaving them to live with the consequences for the rest of their lives. The once-bright prospect of their dream course meets a tragic end the moment they choose examination malpractice.

The Only Path to Success
There is no trick, no magic measure that can help a student pass an exam other than genuine study. It may be difficult, even Herculean, and certainly time-consuming, but hard work is the only true way to achieve those bigger dreams. While malpractice might seem helpful if one is fortunate enough to escape detection, it inevitably turns bitter when caught, leaving a lasting taste of regret.

28/07/2025

Grazing Cattle on Campus: A Mounting Threat to Student Safety and Well-being at UDUS

By Shehu Uthman

The presence of grazing cattle on the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) campus continues to be a persistent concern for students, despite past assurances from the Chief Security Officer (CSO). This ongoing issue raises questions about student safety, health risks, and the overall campus environment.

In an earlier meeting with Abdullahi Gwandu, the UDUS Chief Security Officer, pledged to address the problem. He stated his intention to meet with nomadic leaders to put an end to the "quirky attitude" of grazing animals within university premises. However, for many students, these words have yet to translate into meaningful action.

Students frequently share walkways with cattle, often leading to delays and anxiety. Those with a fear of animals worry about potential injuries while navigating through herds, leading some to question if the university management has lost its battle against the herders. The pervasive presence of cattle has also raised widespread discussion and mixed reactions among the students

Hamza Idris, a 400-level Veterinary Medicine student, voiced significant health concerns, highlighting the risk of zoonotic diseases – illnesses transmissible from animals to humans.

"There are repercussions of students living with animals because there is what is called zoonotic disease that is transmitted from animals to man, and cattle are not an exception to that, Idris lamented. He cited examples such as anthrax, Q fever, and cowpox, emphasizing their potential to cause serious illness and even be fatal to both cattle and humans.

He further explained how these diseases can spread: "These can be contagious and be transmitted by contact or air. When the animals sneeze or cough, it can be spread and a person can be infected. That is why cattle rearers cough a lot.

Statistical Evidence of Risks
Relevant data supports these student concerns:

According to the WHO (2019), cattle can carry diseases like E. coli, Salmonella, and Lassa fever, transmissible to humans through contact with contaminated f***s or urine.

A study by Johnson (2017) found that 40% of cattle on university premises tested positive for zoonotic diseases. Students interacting with infected cattle face a heightened risk of contracting these illnesses, which can have severe health consequences.

Kumar (2018) reported that 75% of students who encountered cattle on campus felt threatened or intimidated.

In a documented incident, a student was kicked by a cow on campus, resulting in severe injuries (Daily News, 2020). Research by Smith (2015) suggests cattle can be unpredictable and may attack without warning, posing a significant risk to student safety.

Daily Disruptions and Unsanitary Conditions
For Sodiq Kolawole Yusuf, a 300-level Law student, the most frustrating aspect of cattle on campus is the unavoidable sharing of walkways and the unsanitary conditions that result.

"It is truly disheartening to see cattle sharing the same paths with students in a university environment, each time these animals pass through, they leave behind faeces that litter the roads, making it almost inevitable for students to step on them. This is unacceptable, especially in a reputable higher institution like UDUS. You hardly see this happen in other universities.

"On several occasions, we (students) have had to wait for the cattle to pass before continuing on our way, and some students who are rushing to class have missed significant parts of the lectures. Some are not allowed to enter due to late arrival caused by cattle. The truth is, these cattle could headbutt anyone without warning while mingling in their midst to find your way.

Jeshap Jerry, a 400-level Chemistry student, recounted a personal experience where cattle impeded her movement.

"I was very tired yesterday when I was coming back from class, and the short route to my hostel, where I was supposed to pass, was congested with cattle that were feeding around. I had to pass a long route even though I was really tired.

The Nomads' Perspective
In an interview with the News Digest Press, M.A. Dundaye, a nomad and resident of Dundaye Village, claimed that the university management has never explicitly ordered them to vacate the premises, though they are restricted from certain areas.

"The school has never officially warned us not to graze on the campus premises, but we are restrained from grazing in some places like VC premises, fenced/barred faculties like Agriculture, and also the hostels premises, Dundaye stated. He added, with a grimaced face, "We have no place to go. We are sons and daughters of Sokoto, we don't know any other place than here.

Expert Opinion
Professor Usman Borgu, an alumnus of UDUS from the Department of Agriculture, weighed in on the dangers of students interacting with cattle on campus.

"Though animals like cattle are domestic animals, they are at times hostile, especially if students try to play or tamper with their calves," he explained. "It may headbutt a student, or if a student wants to pass near it unconsciously and upon getting near the cow, it may get scared and kick such a person with its hind legs.

Professor Borgu also highlighted the environmental nuisance: "The excretions of the animals might be a nuisance on campus, with a lot of bad smell inconveniencing the students.

School Management's Stance
In an exclusive interview, Comrade Abdullahi Gwandu, the Chief Security Officer of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, reiterated the complex nature of the issue. He acknowledged that the cattle rearers consider the campus their home and have limited alternatives for grazing.

"This is their home, they don't have anywhere to rear their cattle and they live within the university perimeter. However, we are going to find a balance, taking into consideration that it is their home because, if they make the mistake of grazing the cattle in a far away place, the bandits will confiscate the cattle, bringing them back to square zero.

However, Gwandu did promise that the security department would advise the school management to seek a comprehensive solution, acknowledging that such a resolution would require time and collaboration with the state government. "We will look at it objectively and advise the management on implementing 'No Grazing on the school campus'.

"We will look at that from a humanitarian point of view. It's beyond the security, even beyond the university management, even beyond the University Governing Council, because it must liaise with the state government. He added.

The News Digest Press, UDUS.

29/07/2025

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