Yobe State University Commends Governor Mai Mala Buni on Commissioning of BioRTC Permanent Facility

By: Kolo Gulani

The Vice-Chancellor of Yobe State University, Prof. Muhammad Bashir Tahir has expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Yobe State, His Excellency, Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni, CON, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support toward the advancement of science, research, and higher education in the state.

The commendation was made at the official commissioning of the permanent facility of the Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC) in Damaturu, a landmark event that further positions Yobe State as an emerging hub for advanced biomedical research in Nigeria and Africa.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor described the commissioning as far more than the opening of a physical structure, noting that it represents the consolidation of an idea that has already attained credibility, impact, and international relevance.

“BioRTC stands today as one of the most visible and globally connected research initiatives associated with Yobe State University. Its growth affirms that when vision is matched with leadership, partnership, and sustained commitment, excellence is achievable anywhere,” ~the Vice-Chancellor stated.

The Vice-Chancellor particularly applauded Governor Buni’s foresight and courage in prioritising investment in advanced scientific infrastructure, describing it as a clear demonstration of leadership that understands development as investment in people, knowledge, and institutions, rather than short-term gains.

He noted that the Governor’s commitment has extended beyond BioRTC to the wider development of Yobe State University, resulting in measurable academic outcomes. Between 2019 and 2025, the University recorded the graduation of 106 First-Class graduates across disciplines including the sciences, humanities, and management studies an achievement described as a strategic human capital asset for Yobe State and Nigeria at large.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, these achievements demonstrate that talent flourishes when opportunity is equitably provided and excellence is deliberately nurtured, regardless of geography or circumstance.

Within this broader academic progress, BioRTC was highlighted as a powerful institutional model one that is globally engaged, scientifically independent, locally relevant, and firmly anchored in public service.

The Vice-Chancellor also formally recognised Professor Mahmoud Bukar Maina, Founder and Director of BioRTC, for his scientific leadership, persistence, and commitment to capacity building in Yobe State, describing his decision to establish a centre of international calibre in Yobe as a strong vote of confidence in the University and the State.

He reaffirmed Yobe State University’s commitment to providing an enabling institutional environment that supports academic excellence, innovation, and transparent partnerships, while strengthening constructive engagement with BioRTC for the benefit of students, researchers, and the people of Yobe State.

The Vice-Chancellor concluded by congratulating the Government of Yobe State, the leadership of BioRTC, and all partners who contributed to the successful completion of the permanent facility, expressing confidence that the Centre will serve science, society, and future generations.

Yobe State University Commends Governor Mai Mala Buni on Commissioning of BioRTC Permanent Facility

Troops arrest armed robbers, rescue abducted woman in Adamawa

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested two armed robbery suspects and rescued an abducted woman during separate operations in Mubi North and Hong Local Government Areas of Adamawa.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the first incident occurred at about 2:30 a.m. on Jan. 29 when troops received a distress call from Barama community in Mubi North LGA.

The sources said the troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and arrested two suspects who were attempting to rob a student of the Federal Polytechnic in the students’ village area.

“In the process, one of the suspects was shot in the thigh while attempting to confront the troops and was taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Mubi, for treatment. The suspects have been handed over to the police for further action,” the report said.

Items recovered from the suspects included three cutlasses, two laptops, four mobile phones and a power bank.

In a related development, the report said that at about noon on Jan. 28, troops in conjunction with local vigilantes conducted a fighting patrol along Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong LGA.

“During the patrol, troops made contact with terrorists and engaged them with a high volume of fire, forcing them to withdraw in disarray,” it said.

The troops also rescued a woman who had been abducted by the terrorists and carried out exploitation of the general area.

Items recovered during the operation included one AK-47 rifle with registration number 2056792 and two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one sub-machine gun rifle and 42 rounds of ammunition.
End

17th Convocation of TASUED

By: Our Reporter

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON, bags Doctorate Degree of Science in Childhood Education at the 17th Convocation of TAI SOLARIN University of Education Ogun State.

Donates ₦50m to Best Female Graduating Student’s Endowment Fund

TAI SOLARIN University of Education (TASUED) in Ijagun, Ogun State is Nigeria’s first specialised University of Education established on 29th January 2005. It was later converted to a federal university offering 4year and 5‑year degree programmes along with postgraduate studies and part‑time options.
The Institution operates a collegiate system with seven colleges and is recognised as a Premier large‑scale teacher‑training institution.

Marking its 17th convocation 21 years after its establishment, the institution graduated Four Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty‑Five (4,785) students of whom forty (40) obtained First Class degrees. Honorary degrees were also conferred on notable personalities including the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, who was conferred with Doctor of Science (D.Sc.Ed) Honoris Causa in Childhood Education for her unwavering commitment to educational reforms.

The Governor of Ogun State Prince Dapo Abiodun CON, was conferred with Doctor of Science in Education (Education Management), and Aremo Olusegun Osooba Former Governor of Ogun State was conferred with Doctor of Science in Education (Political Science).

In an Acceptance Speech, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON, expressed appreciation to the Senate and Governing Council of the institution for finding her worthy of such recognition. She was represented by the Wife of the Vice President of Nigeria, Hajiya Nana Shettima, who said that, being a lifelong teacher, this honour holds special meaning as it comes from a university dedicated to the Education and Development of teachers.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu reiterated that education remains the foundation of individual empowerment and national transformation affirming her commitment to promoting access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the First Lady said education remains an essential pillar of national development and on its part the Renewed Hope Initiative will continue to support causes that promote education, health and the wellbeing of women.

As a mark of commitment to supporting education and encouraging young women to excel in their studies, the First Lady donated the sum of Fifty Million Naira (₦50,000,000) to an Endowment Fund for the overall Best Graduating Female Student of the institution to be sustained in the years ahead.

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun in his remarks, congratulated the graduands and the management of TASUED for sustaining excellence in teacher education. He applauded the university’s transition and growth noting its crucial role in producing well‑trained teachers who drive national development. The Governor reiterated his administration’s readiness to collaborate with federal and institutional partners to strengthen education infrastructure, support research and create opportunities for graduate employment and professional development.

Governor Abiodun urged the graduands to remain committed to lifelong learning and public service. He pledged continued state support for initiatives that enhance teacher training, improve learning outcomes and expand access to quality education across Ogun State.

Acting Vice‑Chancellor of TAI SOLARIN University of Education, Professor Adekunle Adeogun described the convocation as a celebration of transformation standing on the threshold of history as the institution marks its first convocation under its new identity as a federal university. The VC enumerated the achievements of the institution and progress made in Teacher Education.

The Representative of the First Lady, Hajiya Nana Shettima, presented awards to the best graduating students across faculties.

17th Convocation of TASUED