Financial logjam hinders students’ registration at UDUS

It was also learnt that of the over 5,000 students of Sokoto origin who got admission into the school, only 2,000 are duly registered, a development that has generated criticisms, especially from members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).However, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Riskuwa Arabu Shehu, has dispelled the allegation, saying […]

It was also learnt that of the over 5,000 students of Sokoto origin who got admission into the school, only 2,000 are duly registered, a development that has generated criticisms, especially from members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
However, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Riskuwa Arabu Shehu, has dispelled the allegation, saying the unresolved fracas between UDUS and Sokoto State government did not stop the students’ registration.
But he acknowledged that there was an outstanding payment in respect of the students’ registration for 2013/2014 academic session which was made by the government.
Professor Shehu told Daily Trust that the problem started as a result of the new system the school adopted in registering new students.
“Before now, we used to register students manually but the system we just introduced is digital, which is less cumbersome, accurate, accountable and in line with international standard.
“In the first year, we found it difficult registering students from Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states. These states pay for their students; and after the registration we give them their bills for onward payments. With the new system, this arrangement is no longer obtainable because while registering on-line there is a limitation for those who have not paid their fees,” he explained.
The VC added: “So when this problem surfaced, we explained it to the three affected states. This was why the government of Sokoto State approved as deposit the sum of N100m in respect of 2012-2013 registration exercise of its students. The money was exhausted but we made a sacrifice by accommodating the remaining students who were not covered by the deposit.
“Last year there was lack of cooperation from the state’s scholarship board over an outstanding payment so UDUS insisted that the money should be paid and there should be no more registration on credit.”
Shehu, who said the university has no reason to engage Governor Wamakko as he has been supportive since he became the governor of the state, said some bad elements are trying to politicise the matter.
He stressed that their decision was not influenced by any politician as being alleged by some people whom he said wanted to cash in on it.
The VC added: “What do we stand to gain if we fight our host governor? I know even the governor will not say he is having problems with us.”
When contacted, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Sahabi Isah Gada, also denied having any form of fracas with the management of the university.
Gada described the incidence as a ‘minor problem’ which he assured would soon be resolved, admitting that there was outstanding payment which he said government has constituted a committee to verify before it offsets the bill.
He said the relationship between the state government and the management of the university is still cordial.