JUBRIL Ahmed reports,

The Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, has benefited from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resolve to run an inclusive government, especially as it pertains to the youth. On October 5 and October 9, respectively, the secretariat of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee appointed Mahmud Yusuf and Monsura Salami, students at the varsity’s Department of Economics as Research Analysts and Assistants, notifying them of the feat via email.

Mahmud’s appointment letter

While Mahmud is a 400-Level student, who serves as the Director of Finance to the Students Tax Society (STS) and Financial Secretary to the Nigerian Economics Students Association (NESA) in UDUS, Monsurah is a 200-Level student and the Assistant Secretary General to the Students Tax Society (STS) UDUS. They both secured their appointments after partaking in an online aptitude test across various aspects of fiscal policy and measures in curtailing Nigeria’s dampening economy.

Over their period of engagement with the committee, they will contribute, for three select months, insights towards developing sound fiscal policies that will not only resuscitate the economy but also improve the tax system.

Speaking with PEN PRESS on how he felt upon receiving the news, Mahmud revealed that he “was thrilled when I received an email informing me of my appointment as a Research Assistant and Analyst to the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. I believe this role will be an opportunity to serve and contribute my part to the development of our country”.

Mahmud Yusuf

He went on to dedicate the achievement to Almighty Allah for boundless mercies, noting that his family, fellow students, associates, academics and the entire university community have been instrumental in helping him land the feat.

Monsura Salami

Monsura, on the other hand, admitted that her “recent success was an unexpected one. But Alhamdulillah, it was a great success indeed. I was excited and pleased to see the news. And, In Sha Allah, with HIS guidance and protection, I will try my best not to disappoint myself, my family, my school and the department,” she avouched.

She reassured PEN PRESS that she can balance between her new task and academic activities and still attain satisfactory results, considering her level of study.

Monsura’s appointment letter

She explained that “it depends on the kind of task I am enrolled in. I can cope with the task alongside my academic activities if it won’t take much of my time. Because it [the engagement with the committee is flexible and] actually comes in different phases, I have decided to go for the one that will be convenient for me and won’t be so stressful and as well not affect my ways of reading”.

The Vice President of the UDUS Economics students association, Favour Onda, attributed the appointment of her colleagues to the quality of tutelage they receive at the department and affirmed that “it’s really a big win for us and for them. I’m really happy and proud”.

Whilst speaking with PEN PRESS, the President of STS UDUS, Sadique Tijjani, also seized the opportunity to laud Mahmud, saying that his appointment is proof of his hard work.

In his words; “It’s a nice and wonderful achievement for him and every danfodite. Mahmud absolutely deserves this nomination because I worked with him and I really testify to his dedication and perseverance and wish him more success ahead”.

He further affirmed that Monsura’s appointment is a reward for her dedication and an inspiration for her and the university community, and sent her his best wishes.

“One cannot overlook the forces behind any success; behind every achievement lies an untold sacrifice. Like Prof Jimoh Amzat said, ‘Hard work does not kill; rather, it lays golden eggs’, the successes achieved are a testament to commitment, dedication, perseverance, resilience, and most important of all, prayers. To achieve success, imbibe these qualities. Even if you face setbacks, don’t give up for a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. It’s evident that we need to prepare more and tighten up. The activities have just begun, and it’s not time to relax. The appointment letter clearly states the conditions for further opportunities”, Mahmud encouraged fellow students to remain steadfast in their pursuit of success.

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