An effective orientation program is essential for helping students adjust to a new academic setting. It helps them feel more confident, organized, and ready to succeed. Students gain a clear understanding of their school or college, both in terms of academics and social life, which is crucial for a positive start to their educational journey.

Recall, Usmanu Danfodiyo University is a second generation university established in 1975 in the seat of the caliphate by the Federal government of Nigeria.

However, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) has struggled with organizing effective orientation programs for new students, resulting in misplaced priorities across various departments.

UDUS Gate

Talking from my own experience when I was admitted to the university, I found myself lacking essential orientation on crucial issues on how the school system works, application for accommodations, and other necessary procedures.

During the 2022/2023 academic session, as I began my journey at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, I met one of my hostel mates, Samad who shared his experience. He told me that his first semester was quite dull because he had no guidance on school settings. He felt as though he was still at home until he faced the reality of being in a tertiary institution.

When his first-semester results were released over the holiday, he realized just how much the absence of orientation impacted him.

In our second semester, while we were sitting together, we stumbled upon a flyer on WhatsApp inviting new students to an orientation session. We both exchanged thoughts and concluded that it was no longer relevant to us.

As time went on, I grew sceptical about the effect of holding orientation programs during the second semester. By that point in time, essential tasks such as; course registration, faculty registration, and departmental registration would have been completed. New students need immediate guidance to avoid costly mistakes.

Moreover, I recognise that organizing orientation in the second semester also has its demerit — covering various aspects like file submissions and more. It’s crucial to align the orientation with the timeline in which it takes place.

It’s been a diction and we know that the second semester is shorter, everyone is often busy with numerous activities, such as cultural events, various happenings on campus, and first-year brethren activities (FYB).These distractions can diminish the effectiveness of orientation programs.

On a final note, It would be fine that this session orientation program is conducted during the first semester to prepare the new students on what they need to know and familiarize themselves with the institution setting.

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