There was a spirited, energetic atmosphere at the 40th convocation ceremony of the Ahmadu Bello University ( ABU ) Zaria on Saturday.

Although the school was on break, hordes of students were seen streaming through the gates of the school as early as 8:00 a.m.

It was pomp and pageantry ad graduands, their family and friends were seen full of joy at the occasion, which doubled as the 50th anniversary of the institution.

Speaking to our correspondent, a Public Administration graduate, Hauwa Musa, could not stop smiling as she said “I cannot just explain how I feel.

“I sought this admission for years and today is the crown to all my efforts. My father and mother and siblings too are overjoyed,’’ she said, pointing to a group of people nearby.

Also, Abubakar Yahaya, who studied Arabic and was taking pictures in his gown, said “Alhamdulillah! Today, I leave ABU but the school will never leave me.

“This is a great institution and what I have learnt here will remain with me for the rest of my life.’’

Another graduating student, Bello Abdulkareem, said: “I am graduating as a medical doctor; the first in my family; I am joyous; I am happy and I give thanks to God.’’

NAN also spoke to Simon Caleb, who graduated from the Department of Social Studies and Civic Education.

He said said: “I hope to impart what I have learnt to the upcoming generation.