Four Nigerian Professors May Take Up Prominent Positions At Gambian University

By: Michael Mike

Four Nigerian Professors with Engineering backgrounds are set to take on key positions at the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET) in The Gambia.

This development follows the submission of a report by a taskforce set up by the Gambia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and the Governing Council of USET.

The Ministry has requested endorsement from Nigerians for their appointment. The letter requesting endorsement, addressed to the Nigerian Mission in Kanifing and copied to the Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, was received on Friday in Abuja.

The Volunteer- Professors were selected after a thorough process, following openings created by the imminent end of the tenure of the current Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof.Samuel Owusu-Ofori, whose tenure comes to an end on September 30 this year.

The Professors and their positions include:
Vice Chancellor – *Nazmat Surajudeen- Bakinde; Vice Chancellor (Academics)- Prof. Ado Yusuf Abdulfatah; Director, Research and Grants- Prof. Akinlabi Oyetunji; as well as Director, Academic Planning and Quality Assurance- Prof. David Terfa Gundu.

According to a statement signed by the Special Assistant to the DG, NTAC, on Media and Publicity, Nkem Anyata-Lafia made available to the media on Saturday, the deployment of this crop of Volunteers by NTAC to The Gambia earlier in the year as part of the 24-month Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps scheme, was aimed to provide technical assistance to that country.

The statement added that the current move by the Gambian authorities remains significant, as it highlights the strong partnership between the country and Nigeria in the areas of education and technical co-operation.

It will be recalled that The Gambia remains one of the first and highest country-subscribers to the TAC Scheme and has at the last count received over 12,000 Nigerians as Volunteers, including Engineers, Lawyers and Medical Professionals since the establishment of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps in 1987.

Four Nigerian Professors May Take Up Prominent Positions At Gambian University

Abducted Students of Federal University Gusau and Staff Regain Freedom

By: Zagazola Makama

The students of Federal University Gusau (FUG) and some staff members who were abducted seven months ago have regained their freedom from their captors.

Reports confirmed that these students and staff were kidnapped during an attack by bandits in the Gusau area in February of this year.

After spending an extended period in captivity, it has been confirmed that all the abducted individuals have returned in good health.

Although details of how their release was secured remain unclear, security forces were said to have played a crucial role in their rescue.

Abducted Students of Federal University Gusau and Staff Regain Freedom

UNIMAID GETS NEW VICE-CHANCELLOR

By: Bodunrin kayode

The Governing Council of the University of Maiduguri at its special meeting held on the 18th September, 2024 has approved the appointment of Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele as the substantive Vice-Chancellor (VC).

This followed the recommendation of the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board, which interviewed four applicants for the post including former Deputy VC Academics Professor Saidu Baba.

A statement by the Registrar of the University Ahmed Lawan stated that the appointment takes effect from Wednesday, 18th September, 2024.

Professor Mohammed Mele is a distinguished scholar of English Language and Linguistics with over two decades of dedicated service in Teaching, Research and Community Service in the University.

Prior to this appointment, he was the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University and had held several Academic and Administrative positions in the University, including that of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Central Administration).

Professor Mele’s remarkable achievements in scholarship have earned him numerous meritorious awards and distinctions, both nationally and internationally in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of English Language and Linguistics.

Professor Mele hails from Mafa council area of Borno State and is widely traveled across the globe. He is happily married with Children and enjoys Reading, mentoring younger professionals and engaging in charity and community activities.

“On behalf of the staff, students and the entire University of Maiduguri community, I hereby congratulate Professor Mele for this well-merited appointment and wish him a successful tenure in office” The registrar stated in the release.

UNIMAID GETS NEW VICE-CHANCELLOR