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Praises, attestations as tenure of Vice Chancellor, Saadu Zungur University Ends

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3 years ago

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Praises, attestations as tenure of Vice Chancellor, Saadu Zungur University Ends

By: Mohammed Kaka Misau

Professor Auwalu Uba, the Vice Chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University Gadau, Bauchi state was appointed on 20th December 2017 after serving as the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi from 2016 to 2017.

Born in Hardawa, Misau local government area of Bauchi, the young, Auwalu Uba attended Hardawa Government Primary school before he went to Government Secondary School Misau where he spent three years and then transferred to Government Scuence Secondary School Azare. He was among the pioneers of science secondary school Azare during the administration of late Tatari Ali.

He proceeded to School of Basic Studies, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, got admitted after a year and graduated in 1987 with bachelor’s degree in microbiology.

After graduation, Prof. Uba did his compulsory one year NYSC at General Hospital Katsina in Katsina state, after which he got appointment with the University of Maiduguri teaching hospital where he started his career.

Prof. Uba took up appointment with the University of Maiduguri as a graduate assistant and rose to the rank of lecturer II. From there he transferred his services to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi where he rose through the ranks up to the rank of Professor in 2007.

Commenting about five years stewardship of the VC, Director, Center of Excellence for Research and Innovation in the University, Dr. Kabiru Ibrahim Karamba described him as an exemplary leader to the core, a Professor of microbiology per excellence.

Praises, attestations as tenure of Vice Chancellor, Saadu Zungur University Ends

According to him, the vice Chancellor is the architect of the new Bauchi state university who has established an unbreakable system with all strategic committees in place, among others.

On his part, Abubakar Baba Yakubu, a student with the department of Public Health, faculty of basic medical sciences of the University, and president of the students representative council said that the VC is referred to as the modern architect of Bauchi state university Gadau due to his developmental strides in the institution.

“For the whole of my life I have never seen a leader like him, he always consider us, the students as his biological children, we call him Baba (father) because of his kindness and support to everyone of us”, he said.

Also speaking, the Dean School of science of the University, described Professor Auwalu as one of the best VCs in the country, adding that so many positive changes have been recorded since his assumption of office about five years ago.

“He has recorded tremendous successes particularly in the area of accreditation, before now, this faculty of science, we were expecting so many courses to be accredited, luckily enough since he came on board, so many courses such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, botany, zoology, microbiology, science Laboratory, technology, computer science and many other courses were fully accredited.

In an interview with our Corresspondent, the Vice Chancellor whose tenure is elapsing on 20th December, 2022 said just like any Vice Chancellor, the position carried many challenges.

“Just like every other Vice Chancellor in Nigeria, my tenure has been a challenging one because it’s a position that requires a lot of looking inward and outward”, he said.

The other one is the challenge of funding which is not peculiar with Sa’adu Zungur University Gadau alone and the reality is that the service charges we are collecting from the students are grossly inadequate and the govt cannot cater for everything, it is trying its best but the reality is that we are far being where we need to be in terms of funding.

And then, the environment also with this security challenges you have to be highly vigilant, we do face a lot of challenges. And like I said in the beginning of my conversation with you, bringing up a university or overseeing the affairs of a university for staff that are growing you have to grow with everybody, you have to teach almost everybody the job, but Alhamdulillah they are learning and we have gone far. I think these are some of the basic challenges that we faced.

According to him, “you know the problem with the Nigerian university is funding, funding has been a great challenge”, he said.

Professor Auwalu further explained that one of the challenges he  encountered was heading the university that was just starting.

Praises, attestations as tenure of Vice Chancellor, Saadu Zungur University Ends

“I took over a university that was just about five years old, so the staff are growing with the university, they are learning the job so you have to be a coach for everybody, trying to bring everybody on board”, he added.

The Vice Chancellor while describing the scenario as a sweet experience, said it has made him learned a lot.

“Because of this position, I have learned a lot about people, I wouldn’t want to say it has not been difficult but Alhamdulillah, this is where we are, by God’s grace my tenure is coming to an end on 20th of December, 2022, but it has been a challenging period”, he confessed

 Professor Auwalu who said his assumption was that the deanship of students’ affairs is the most difficult position in the university system not knowing that the VC manages everybody in the university and as such, has the most herculean task.

He said having a large students population living in a campus where there are limited accommodation space has been a challenge that most universities have to live with.

Professor Auwalu expressed delight that the management of the University under his leadership has been able to work harmoniously with the host communities where 80 percent of the students in Gadau lives. 

 “For Misau we don’t have problem but for Bauchi campus, we have zero campus. So we always have to intervene, this is one of the major challenges”, Professor Auwalu revealed.

He said understaffing has been the problem bedeviling almost every university in Nigeria, adding that over 90 percent of public universities are understaffed.

“Public universities are understaffed, particularly academic staff. That is why for every discipline, whether arts, humanity, science, medicine, engineering there is what we call, the students – teacher ratio and in almost every university, that has been exceeded and we are not different from them”, the University Don said.

He said that the the management of the Bauchi state owned University are striving hard to train many people to occupy those positions but are hindered by the limitation of funds.

“We can’t employ all the compliments of all the academic and non academic staff that we may need but we are managing, we compliment that shortage by what we call visiting lecturers that usually come from other universities and they teach and we pay them on monthly bases”, the Vice Chancellor revealed.

The VC who said that the university has been living harmoniously with its host communities, added that the management has been up and doing regarding its corporate social responsibility.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/nigeria-ingo-forum-expressed-concern-over-killing-of-aid-worker-reiterates-commitment-to-life-saving-in-borno/

The Vice Chancellor who recalled that the university had in 2019, carried out a rehabilitation work on a clinic in Yuli, added that, as a result, the village head of Yuli honored him with the traditional title of Dan-Madamin Yuli.

“In 2020, we purchased and distributed drugs to communities in Gadau, Misau, including the general hospital Misau, in Mada and in Yuli also, we assisted them with drugs and that they appreciated”, he said.

To further cement the relationship between the university and the host Communities, Prof  Auwalu said, in most cases youth from the area are given preference in the area of employment as casual workers, most especially security.

“More importantly, when it’s time for admission, they bring their request and whoever that is qualified is given admission and this gesture has created peaceful living with our host communities, they are involved in everything that we do”, he noted.

The Vice Chancellor said he has in 2019, brought on board post graduate programs into the university where it run 19 out of 39 post graduate programs ranging from PGD, masters, Academic masters, professional masters and PhDs.

“As I am talking to you now, I just came back from a seminar presented by one of my PhD student, we have graduated so many masters students, we run 39 masters and PhD programs that cut across the faculties of arts, faculty of science, faculty of management sciences and the faculty of social sciences as well as faculty of education”, he added.

The VC who pointed out that the university is yet to start post graduate program on agriculture because it has not graduated the first set, equally said that the university has not started in the faculty of law but plans are under way.

“We have not started with pharmaceutical sciences because we have not graduated any set, we have not started in basic medical sciences for short of academic staff, so this is the run down of PG academic programs, we have 39 PG programs”, he said.

Professor Auwal who described the relationship between the management, staff and students of the University as very extremely cordial, said 98 percent of the Staff, students and the management are on the same page.

He said that the university has inculcated the idea of peaceful co-existence between the students most especially between different ethnic religious groups.

“Just last week I saw the NUBASS president wrote on his social media handle that he has visited the fellowship of christian students and they received them. I can tell you that the last Quranic recitation competition final that I attended in the university, the Muslim students invited their christian counterpart and they attended and all of us were there and we were very happy, so we live peacefully and cordially here”, the VC said.

Praises, attestations as tenure of Vice Chancellor, Saadu Zungur University Ends

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Education

Zulum opens 48-classroom school

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4 days ago

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September 6, 2025

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Zulum opens 48-classroom school

Approves meal, stipends to spike enrollment 

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has inaugurated the Higher Islamic College, Gajiganna, in the northern part of the state.

The college will blend the traditional Almajiri education system (Sangaya) with the formal education system.

Speaking on Friday in Gajiganna town, Zulum stressed that about 20 similar colleges had been built in different local government areas to provide Almajirai with basic literacy and vocational skills. 

The governor said: “our goal is clear: to provide our children, especially Sangaya learners, with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in today’s world. 

“In pursuit of this, the institutions we are establishing operate under a curriculum approved by the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) which harmoniously blends Islamic scholarship with Science, Mathematics, Technology and Foundational English.

“At the same time, we have remained unwavering in our commitment to revitalising the Sangaya education system—an enduring pillar of Islamic learning that has shaped our society for generations. 

“Our reforms have been deliberate and balanced: safeguarding the cherished values of traditional Islamic scholarship while introducing modern subjects and vocational training.”

Governor Zulum also commissioned the  Government Day Secondary School, Gajiganna, which will serve as a referral centre for hundreds of pupils completing their primary education in Gajiganna town.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, commended Governor Zulum for delivering over 104 mega schools in six years.

“Your Excellency, to proudly highlight that under your stewardship, 104 Mega Schools have already been completed and delivered across the state, with an additional 35 at different stages of construction, excluding those already advertised and awaiting commencement,” Wakilbe said.

The commissioner added: “This is a remarkable achievement that reflects not only infrastructure but vision, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to generations yet unborn.”

The event was attended by the Senate Chief whip and the senator representing northern Borno, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, members of the House of Representatives, Usman Zannah, Abdulkadir Rahis and Engr Bukar Talba.

Also in attendance were the Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan; APC Chairman, Bello Ayuba; the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijani; the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustahpa Mallumbe, among other senior government officials.

Approves one meal/day, stipends to spike enrollment 

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Zulum has directed the provision of one square meal to the students in high Islamic colleges and schools with low enrollment.

According to the governor, the directive is to spike the enrollment in the northern part of the state, which had suffered devastation from over a decade of insurgency.

He said: “We must establish deliberate measures to promote education in northern Borno. This is the only region in Borno State that has not been developed in terms of education. So, both the secondary and primary education board chairmen are here. I want you to put more emphasis on northern Borno. You can see a situation whereby in this town with a total population of about 50,000 people, only 90 students were enrolled in a secondary school.

The Governor added, “We must support the parents of these 90 students from towns like Gajiganna. It is imperative to ensure that these 90 students complete their studies, it would represent significant progress. We will approve stipends of N250,000 for their fathers and N50,000 for each of their mothers. For the students themselves, we are setting aside N50,000 each, which will provide them with financial support for their essential needs.”

Zulum opens 48-classroom school

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Education

Billionaire Indimi inaugurated for a second term as Pro Chancellor of the Kashim Ibrahim University Maiduguri

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6 days ago

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September 3, 2025

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Billionaire Indimi inaugurated for a second term as Pro Chancellor of the Kashim Ibrahim University Maiduguri

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Nigerian Billionaire Dr Mohammed Indimi has been inaugurated for the second term as Pro Chancellor of the Borno State government owned Kashim Ibrahim University (KIU).

Indimi and his team were inaugurated monday by Governor Babagana Zulum to continue developing the state owned University which has grown massively since he took charge four years ago as pro chancellor.

Speaking after their inauguration, Zulum, tasked the Governing Council of the University to foster the culture of cutting-edge research, innovation and community development to address the challenges and opportunities of the post-insurgency recovery efforts.

The Governor noted that the inauguration is part of the broader effort to reposition the University as a beacon of knowledge, innovation and moral rectitude, not just for the North-East, but for Nigeria as a whole.

He stressed that the challenges before the new council was significant as the opportunities are myriad adding that “we task you with fostering a culture of rigorous research, innovative teaching and community-relevant curricula that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of our post-insurgency recovery and development”.

Governor Zulum expressed delight that the student population alone had grown from a mere 300 in the beginning to about 10,000 in the last 6 years.

He charged the new council to prioritize the welfare of both staff and students and uphold the highest standards of academic excellence, transparency and prudent management of resources.

“You are now the legal custodians of this university’s destiny, entrusted with a sacred mandate to provide strategic direction, ensure financial prudence, uphold the highest standards of academic excellence and safeguard the welfare of both staff and students.

“This ceremony is a fulfilment of our administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the governance structures of all tertiary institutions in Borno State.

“It is pivotal to repositioning this University as a beacon of knowledge, innovation and moral rectitude, not just for the North-East, but Nigeria as a whole”.

“Section 1(1) (c) of the Third Schedule of the Kashim Ibrahim University Law, 2018, as amended, empowers me to constitute a Governing Council as the supreme governing body of the University charged with the general control and superintendence of the policy, finances and administration of the institution”.

“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to you all. Your selection was not by chance. It was a deliberate choice based on your proven integrity, vast experience and demonstrable passion for education and community development.

“In particular, I wish to address our Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Indimi. Your legendary philanthropy and unwavering support for education are well-known,” he concluded.

Responding, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr Muhammadu Indimi said he graciously accepted the appointment with the aim of serving his state and promised to provide positive change in the University.

“I accepted this position because I have to support my state. With my able lieutenants, we promise to provide positive change in the University,” Indimi assured.

Billionaire Indimi inaugurated for a second term as Pro Chancellor of the Kashim Ibrahim University Maiduguri

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Education

Zulum Tasks University Council on Innovative Research for Post-Insurgency Recovery

Published

1 week ago

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September 2, 2025

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Zulum Tasks University Council on Innovative Research for Post-Insurgency Recovery

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has tasked the Governing Council of Kashim Ibrahim University to foster the culture of cutting-edge research, innovation and community development to address the challenges and opportunities of the post-insurgency recovery effort.

The governor gave the task on Monday while inaugurating the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr Muhammadu Indimi and members of the Governing Council of the University at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Maiduguri.

He noted that the inauguration is part of the broader effort to reposition the University as a beacon of knowledge, innovation and moral rectitude, not just for the North-East, but for Nigeria as a whole.

“The challenges before you are as significant as the opportunities. We task you with fostering a culture of rigorous research, innovative teaching and community-relevant curricula that address the unique challenges and opportunities of our post-insurgency recovery and development,” Zulum stated.

Governor Zulum expressed delight that the student population has grown from 300 to about 10,000 in the last 6 years.

He charged them to prioritize the welfare of both staff and students and uphold the highest standards of academic excellence, transparency and prudent management of resources.

“You are now the legal custodians of this university’s destiny, entrusted with a sacred mandate to provide strategic direction, ensure financial prudence, uphold the highest standards of academic excellence and safeguard the welfare of both staff and students,” He stressed.

“This ceremony is a fulfilment of our administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the governance structures of all tertiary institutions in Borno State. It is pivotal to repositioning this University as a beacon of knowledge, innovation and moral rectitude, not just for the North-East, but Nigeria as a whole”.

Governor Zulum remarked that his administration is making unprecedented investments in education, constructed 139 new mega schools, rehabilitated many others and recruited thousands of teachers. “We are establishing six centres of excellence and have banned political thuggery to redirect the energies of our youth towards scholarly and vocational pursuits”.

“Section 1(1) (c) of the Third Schedule of the Kashim Ibrahim University Law, 2018, as amended, empowers me to constitute a Governing Council as the supreme governing body of the University charged with the general control and superintendence of the policy, finances and administration of the institution”.

He congratulated the Chairman and members of the Council for their commitment, integrity and passion for the advancement of the institution.

“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to you all. Your selection was not by chance. It was a deliberate choice based on your proven integrity, vast experience and demonstrable passion for education and community development. In particular, I wish to address our Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Indimi. Your legendary philanthropy and unwavering support for education are well-known,” he concluded.

Responding, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr Muhammadu Indimi said he graciously accepted the appointment with the aim of serving his state and promised to provide positive change in the university.

“I accepted this position because I have to support my state. With my able lieutenants, we promise to provide positive change in the university,” Indimi assured.

Zulum Tasks University Council on Innovative Research for Post-Insurgency Recovery

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