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UNMASKING PROF. DILLI DOGO, NEW VC OF NILE UNIVERSITY.

UNMASKING PROF. DILLI DOGO, NEW VC OF NILE UNIVERSITY.
By: Inuwa Bwala
He is a man with a tall CV; as tall as his person and as tall as his name implies. Time and space may not permit a full rundown on the story of Professor Dilli Dogo, who many might have heard about but never crossed his path.
It may no longer be news that Professor Dilli Dogo has been appointed the Vice Chancellor of NILE University, Africa’s foremost Private University: south of the Sahara.
It is not in doubt either that it is deserving, just as it is not surprising.Owners of NILE University seem to know their onions so well, and went for the proverbial rejected stone to be their own cornerstone.
It may seem to have taken a long time to come, but I suppose it is better late than never. This truism is reflected in my brief chat with Professor Dilli Dogo, when I called to congratulate him and to tell him that his appointment is long overdue, and he told me; it is God’s time and it is the best.
Professor Dilli Dogo could pass by and everybody will think he is just another man, because of his humility and frugal nature, but everytime I see him, I picture a great scholar and surgeon, who left his mark at every scene.

He traversed the scholarly and medical space with candour and everywhere he worked, he left behind a nostalgic yearning amongst people who crossed his path in one way or the other.
His landmarks in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital remain indelible and the open yearnings for Dogo’s presence could be seen and felt.
Although a mite older than me, which denies me the privilege of witnessing him play in the sand with his peers, those who grew up with him told me that Dilli Dogo exhibited traits of excellence since his youthful days, as he was never pushed to the second position in class from his primary school days.
He came out as the best graduating student from the GSS Maiduguri, with a distinction in all subjects and so, when he graduated with another distinction in Medicine from the University of Maiduguri, those who knew him felt it was a confirmation of his dodged approach to scholarship.
Professor Dogo took up appointment with the University of Maiduguri immediately after his graduation, and his rapid but meritorical rise to the rank of a Professor of surgery: one of the most delicate areas of medical practice was further testimony to his intellectual endowment.
A summary of his academic and professional attainments indicate that Professor Dogo graduated with a distinction in Bachelor of Medicine/ Bachelor of Surgery, MBBS in 1984.
By 1991 he was already a Fellow of the Medical College of Surgeons, FMCS, and in 1992 Dogo had gone International when he was made Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons, FWACS. He was awarded Fellow of the International College of Surgeons
FICS in 1996 and Fellow of the International Society of Surgeons FISS by 1998.
Apparently conscious that growth in academics and medical practice is based on studies and research, Professor Dogo strived to add to his general Surgery qualification, in 2008 when he sat and obtained a Diploma in Laparoscopic Surgery: a rare field of study even amongst Medical Doctors and later capped it with a certificate in Endoscopic Urology in 2011.
Dogo had earlier sat other examinations and passed in flying colours, leading to yet another recognition in 2018 with the American College of Surgeons conferring on him the Fellow of the College.
Many people were already thinking Professor Dogo was a potential material for the Vice Chancellorship of the University of Maiduguri where he taught and practiced. He held diverse positions at the sub Saharan Center of Excellence and beyond, which prepared him for even greater tasks.
Professor Dilli Dogo held the position of member Governing Board of Management of the University of Maiduguri since 2018 to date.
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He was Provost College of Medical Sciences of the University and Chairman National Association of Colleges of Medicine, NACOM, now APCOM.
Professor Dogo also served as Chairman and member of Council, Faculty of Surgery, National Medical Postgraduate College of Nigeria, in 2015, where he presided over the day to day running of the faculty.
It is also on record that, while performing his academic and professional duties, Professor Dilli Dogo has been serving as honorary Special Adviser to the Borno State Governor on Health.
I stand to challenge anybody who can match Professor Dogo’s service to the Marama Community. I recall being his foot soldier in rendering some of the services to our community, which includes lobbying to have projects executed in Marama to wit roads, water, hospital and school. He organized the first ever merit award to deserving sons and daughters, without prejudice and he brought onboard willing indigenes to unite in community services.
Every year, Professor Dogo doles out food, money and clothing to widows, the aged and the weak and sick.
Today, he is a patron of the Marama Community Development Association, a position he uses to rally support for community based projects and for the staging of the annual Bura Culture Day celebrations.
A Professor of Surgery, and academics, a humble intellectual, go-getter, Knight of the Catholic Church, a socio-political mobilizer, and leader par excellence, Professor Dilli Dogo is today the Vice Chancellor of NILE University.
UNMASKING PROF. DILLI DOGO, NEW VC OF NILE UNIVERSITY.
Columns
UMTH: Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai commended Professor Ahidjo and the management team for uplifting hospital standards beyond national boundaries

UMTH: Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai commended Professor Ahidjo and the management team for uplifting hospital standards beyond national boundaries
By: Balami Lazarus
In a recent workshop organized by the management of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital in collaboration with Fakeeh University Hospital of Dubai on ‘Advances in Kidney and Neurosurgical Management’ in Maiduguri, experts within and without spoke on the latest advances in kidney diseases and neurosurgical treatments/management and their remedies. While some made presentations on advances in neurosurgical management.
Dr. Omer Mohammed Al-Derwish, a urological surgeon/consultant from the Fakeeh University Hospital in Dubai, has commended the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, and his management team for uplifting the standard of the hospital, stating that ‘Your capacity in both human and medical materials/equipment is of global standard.’
Al-Derwish made the observation while giving a talk on ‘Overview of Advances in Urology’ recently at the Babagana Zulum Conference Hall UMTH, medical
Speaking on urinary tract stones, urological cancers, bladder dysfunction, and urodynamics, among other related ailments. Al-Derwish drew the attention of his colleagues to the advances in the treatment and management of these diseases. He also stressed the need for UMTH to replicate Fakeeh University Hospital methods.
Also in his paper, Dr. Tommaso Tufo, a neurosurgeon/consultant, spoke extensively on ‘Overview of Advances in Neurosurgery,’ paying more attention to advances made in neurosurgery. He said that neurosurgery is more scientific than what was obtainable in the past, where death mortality was high in the course of surgery. ‘Today medical neuroscience tools and materials/equipment have heralded a new chapter in neurosurgical treatments and management.’
The Fakeeh University Hospital experts said that CMD Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo and his management team are to be commended for their efforts. Adding that those at the helm of affairs for the day-to-day running of the hospital are to be applauded in no small measure.
During the workshop, Dr. Hassan Dogo of UMTH spoke on ‘Update on Infrastructure/Equipping of Kidney/Urology Centre of UMTH.’ Dr. Dogo informed participants on the available advances in medical tools and equipment at the center, which are of international standard, and these are being utilized in medical treatment of kidney/urology. He, however, said that the center needs more tools, materials, and equipment to meet her patients medical demands. He further said that the center is making progress in the treatments of kidney/urology using the latest medical methods.
In a similar vein, Dr. Babagana Usman, also of UMTH, made a presentation on ‘Update on Infrastructure/Equipping of Stroke and Neuroscience Centre of UMTH,’ making clear that the Stroke and Neuroscience Centre has first-class modern medical materials and equipment for the treatments of stroke. He called for more additional tools/material to achieve her aims.
“Patients and visitors to the hospital are witnesses to all this progress made by the CMD, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, for putting the hospital on the medical world map as being the best in Nigeria.” He said,
NEWSng reports that both experts gave UMTH a pass mark on her medical services, teaching, and research facilities. They promised to initiate the processes of partnership between Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai and UMTH.
UMTH: Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai commended Professor Ahidjo and the management team for uplifting hospital standards beyond national boundaries
Columns
BRIGMASSOSA: Friendship/Relationship Through Alma Mater

BRIGMASSOSA: Friendship/Relationship Through Alma Mater
By: Balami Lazarus
Growing up for many of us was interesting because for some of us that had the privilege of time and space provided by our parents, and our stubbornness as kids has helped us to explore our environment far and wide, having a range of friends.
Primary school was the beginning of our friendship and relationship through secondary school—Brigadier Maimalari Secondary School Maiduguri. These stages provided us with both childhood memories and those of secondary school. Giving us a strong and standing relationship through our alma mater. Where both senior and junior students are members, some by default with absence from the association register.
The old students association is one place where memories are recalled and remembered by the mere presence of classmate(s) or sets of groups valued by those who appreciate the alma mater relationship.
I pity those old students that take alma mater relationships for granted. I believe as we are growing older, we need more of such associational relationships, including that of childhood.
Samaru Nostalgia Group (SNG) Zaria is my childhood group, where we addressed ourselves as brothers and sisters because our relationship is far over and above us; it has its origin from our parents when living was communally bounded. For some, such childhood relationship and connection is lost. Why are some deliberately depriving themselves of the good opportunity of a lifetime friendship/relationship?
The benefits derived from this relationship are above penny and kobo. While many out there are refusing to take a position and ownership of such a union of their alma mater to harvest the pros.
Recently there was an overflow of condolences when we lost a committed member, a fine gentleman. What caught my attention were the tributes by Pastor Ngale Lautong and that of Dr. Edmund Richard Egbe. These tributes say it all about the deceased. And it reads in parts: ‘You responded to a call placed on you. You have shown commitment to the Association and its members in terms of contributions and assistance.’ On the other it reads, ‘We have indeed lost Luka, a gentle soul, a bridge builder, and a peace-loving brother.’ These testimonies will be engraved in the annals of the Brigadier Maimalari Secondary School Old Students Association (BRIGMASSOSA).
No individual can have it all. We need to lean on each other as a fraternity to accomplish some goals and objectives. There is strength in numbers.
Balami, a publisher/columnist. 08036779290
BRIGMASSOSA: Friendship/Relationship Through Alma Mater
Columns
Mangun Gruesome Killings: What is the Rational Behind this Act?

Mangun Gruesome Killings: What is the Rational Behind this Act?
By: Balami Lazarus
When I heard of the killings of the innocent travelers that happened at Manjul in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, who are my brothers and sisters? I sat down and began to think, trying to reason out why and what the rationale is behind these killings. My thought raised so many questions regarding this brutal murder, ruling out some motives. But political motive kept whispering, telling me the rationale is politically motivated considering the quantum of killings on the Plateau in places like Bokkos, Bassa, and Mangu, which has become a vicious cycle in these areas. And in addition, there were utterances from some politicians complicating issues.
I hereby condole with the families of my brothers and sisters from Zaria-Basawa, Samaru, Hayin Dogo (Kallo Kura), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) community main campus Samaru who lost their lives in the Mangun brutal killings of 20th June, 2025, on their way to Qua-anpan for a wedding. May their souls rest in peace.
The killings of these innocent Nigerians were carried out with no reason or cause, neither threat nor provocation of any kind, much lessreligion or ethnicity, as some irrational persons want us to believe. I stand and write with the power of the pen to say in print that the sentiments aforementioned are far and kept away from such unfortunate incidents, which have been peddled around by some enemies of peace and progress on the Plateau.
It is on record that so many Nigerians have condemned in totality the killings of these innocent travelers. While the government and the good people of Plateau State have long condemned this act in strong terms. Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration has properly condoled and sympathized with the government and people of Kaduna State, including the management and staff of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. In his effort as the executive governor, Mutfwang is working tirelessly to see that justice takes its course on those involved in this crime. Besides, his administration is making an effort to compensate the affected families, according to sources.
It might surprise some readers why I emotionally addressed those murdered as my brothers and sisters from Zaria-Basawa, Hayin Dogo (Kallo Kura), Samaru, and ABU main campus, which are integral parts of the Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. I am an indigene of Zaria, having been born and bred outside the ganuwa (city walls) of the ancient Zaria city in Gaskiya, Kongo, ABU main campus, and Samaru, all addressed as Zaria, where I had my childhood spree. Therefore, I will not be queried by identifying with the deceased and their families as my own people, for we are linked one way or the other.
Let me hereinafter tell you why I suspect political motive was behind these killings of the travelers in Mangun-Mangu. I partly grew up on the Plateau, shuttling between Jos and Sharam in Kanke Local Government Area as a student and still living in Jos. Moreover, I have some good understanding of the people, their sociopolitical and economic happenings, and their dynamics on the one hand. And I once led a political group on the other. The utterances of some politicians and their cohorts/allies are questionable because they are not happy with the people-oriented projects of the Caleb Mutfwang administration. And that they were accused of sponsoring the killings going on in the state. The case of Mangun, 20th June, 2025, holds water going by the alleged accusations and the kind of politics playing out in Plateau State.
Findings have revealed that there were interventions by some youth leaders, elders, and vigilantes who risked their lives trying to stop this group of rascals from carrying out the killings and burning of the bus belonging to ABU conveying the victims for a wedding at Qua-anpan. In fact, some were burnt—men, women, and children. Others were rescued with various degrees of injuries. Reports put the total dead at 8 persons. While 12 were injured, some survived. The good news making rounds is the arrest of over 20 suspects believed to be behind these gruesome killings of the Zaria travelers.
Thus, this incident has no doubt painted Plateau State in a bad light as one of the major flashpoint states where killers of innocent travelers reside. Well, I will not blame them because this is not the first. However, this particular one is painfully shrouded in a bitter political atmosphere between some gladiators who are not at peace with the positive developments in the state. Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang as the change driver.
Yes, there are insecurity challenges on the Plateau, where apprehension and naked suspicion are everywhere, prompting the citizens to be extremely cautious and always on alert. However, if young men can channel their collective energies as a force towards the insecurity bedeviling the state instead of engaging in political thuggery, drugs, and criminality, there will be a change in their lives and the entire system.
Balami, a publisher/columnist. 08036779290
Mangun Gruesome Killings: What is the Rational Behind this Act?
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