UDUS Students Lament Ordeal, Faces  Extreme Weather Condition 

It was an exciting journey, when Hanifah got admitted into Usmanu Danfodiyo University, UDUS. She felt the joy of being a university student and experiencing new environments, meanwhile she hailed in Lagos State. She had traveled 938km to Sokoto in Nigeria’s far northwest to begin a new chapter of her life. 

A 400-level education English student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, had never given much thought to the weather, assuming it wouldn’t be drastically different from her hometown.

“People would always tell me that the weather was kind of different from where I came from, but I never knew it was totally different until I witnessed it myself ”. she said 

To Hanifah, the weather was extreme every season, whether scorching heat or freezing cold, and she had never experienced anything like it before.

“I don’t really have any experience. All I know is extreme in every season. Be it heat, cold, harmattan compared to my place of birth”. she bewailed

Nevertheless, despite the severity of Sokoto’s weather, students are still struggling to attend lectures, yet they never let the weather hinder their academic performance.

“With the severity of weather in Sokoto, it has never hindered my academics. If I could remember vividly, there was a time in my UG1, I was having a nasty cough due to the weather condition and I still attended lectures.

“Although the weather is not conducive for me, I have to attend lectures and do other activities”. Hanifah asserted 

The Seat of Caliphate, Sokoto, proudly stands between longitudes 11°30 to 13°50 East and latitudes 4° to 6° North. Sokoto boasts a distinct climate that has left many students talking, especially those from southern and central parts of Nigeria, while they often complain about Sokoto weather. 

Located in the savannah zone, Sokoto experiences a hot and dry climate, with little rainfall throughout the year. Also, the city records high temperatures, often above 45°C, especially during the peak dry season which occurs from March to May. 

Nevertheless, during the winter months, from December to February, Sokoto experiences the harmattan season, characterized by a dry, cold wind blowing from the Sahara Desert.

More Students Bewail Experience 

A 300-level student of Computer Science, Abdulbaqi Omokayode Abdulraheem lamented over the Sokoto weather, stressing that it’s totally different from Ilorin weather. 

Abdulbaqi was brought up in Ilorin and he had never been to Northern states before. Gaining admission into Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, marked his first visit to the Northern part of Nigeria. 

“The first thing I noticed when I arrived in Sokoto was the weather. It felt so strange because I had never experienced anything like it before. Everything just seemed out of the ordinary.” Abdulbaqi lamented 

 “I remember the first time I went to collect my confirmation letter. As I stepped out of the hostel, the sun was blazing_it wasn’t just shining, it was too much. It felt like the sun wasn’t even smiling; it was unbearably hot. I quickly went back to my room and decided to postpone my outing for another day. he added 

However, Sarah Adeola Akinlabi, a 200-level Business Administration student, had a different experience. Having visited Niger State before, she was familiar with harsh northern weather, but she found Sokoto’s weather to be even unbearable.

“Although I have only been to two northern states, Niger and Sokoto, Sokoto is the hottest. Niger’s weather is not like this.” she narrated 

Despite the harsh and extremely high temperatures, Sokoto’s weather makes it an ideal location for growing a variety of crops, including millet, cowpeas, potatoes etc. Moreover, over 80% of Sokoto’s inhabitants are engaged in agriculture. The dry weather also facilitates livestocks, reducing the risk of diseases and increasing productivity. 

Expert Reacts 

Mr Nura Sani Rijau, a nurse from Maryam Abacha American University, Kano State, said extreme weather significantly impacts health by increasing the risk of various conditions, which includes, heatstroke, dehydration, exacerbation of chronic illnesses, hypothermia and frostbite, Increased respiratory infections etc. 

Nurse Nura added that dehydration can be cured by drinking plenty of water regularly, even if someone is not feeling thirsty. Likewise, drinking alcohol, caffeine, and surgery can lead to dehydration. 

Northern residents should Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. Hats or umbrellas can provide additional protection when outdoors.

“Stay Indoors During Peak Hours: Minimize outdoor activities, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the heat is most intense. Also,Use Cooling Measures: Use fans, air conditioning, or take cool showers to regulate your body temperature.

“Plan Meals Wisely by eating light, healthy meals that are easy to digest and avoid heavy, greasy foods. Include fruits with high water content, such as watermelon and cucumber.

“Avoid Strenuous Activities: Reduce physical exertion during extreme heat. If exercise is necessary, do it early in the morning or late in the evening when it is cooler.

“Know the Signs of Heat Illness: Be aware of symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, or confusion, and seek medical help immediately if they occur.” she stated.