The outgoing Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Kabiru Bala has handed over the baton of stewardship to his Successor Professor Adamu Ahmed.
The handing over which took place today, at the university’s Senate Chambers, marking the end of the five years tenure of Professor Bala, was well attended by some members of the university governing council, management, stakeholders, friends, alumni from within and outside the country and some diplomats.
In his acceptance speech, Professor Ahmed described the stewardship of the institution as “a difficult job to handle,” vowing to lead with full commitment to integrity, vision and spirit of service.
“I accept this responsibility with full awareness of the weight and responsibility it carries….and I pledge to serve with diligence, humility and fairness,” Professor Ahmed added.
The new Vice Chancellor also vowed to work hard to solve the current challenges facing the university, including limited resources, infrastructural demands, limited research funding, curriculum relevance and the evolving needs of students.
Highlighting his vision to undertake research that would directly address the region’s development challenges, Professor Ahmed said: “Over the next five years therefore, we will commit ourselves to closing this gap — by undertaking impactful, problem-solving research that not only confronts the North’s most daunting challenges, but also creates wealth and opportunity through innovation and business incubation.”
The new Vice Chancellor enumerated Aligning teaching with the demands of today’s job market and tomorrow’s global economy; Expanding contribution to global scholarship and increasing partnerships across borders; Strengthening academic standards and support services for both staff and students; Leveraging technology in teaching, research and administration; Enhancing welfare, skills acquisition and entrepreneurial opportunities for students; and Exploring sustainable strategies to supplement public funding while preserving academic mission, as his strategic priorities.
“At the heart of all these priorities will be a strong institutional culture of transparency, professionalism, accountability and mutual respect.
“I therefore appeal to all members of the university community — let us walk this path together… Let us be inspired by our shared mission, and let us build an ABU that remains not only relevant but exceptional for generations to come,” Professor Ahmed said.
Professor Ahmed thanked the university’s Governing Council for entrusting him with the mandate and for its show of support.
He also expressed his gratitude to his family, friends and well-wishers for their unwavering support and prayers.
Recall that Professor Ahmed’s election as the 14th Vice Chancellor of the great Institution was approved by the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University led by Professor Yayale Mahmud Ahmad on February 5th, 2025.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the acting Registrar of the University, Dr. Aliyu Dalha Kankia congratulated the incoming Vice Chancellor and prayed for his successful deliverance.
Highlighting the numerous tasks awaiting him, the Registrar said: “Now, our incoming VC, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, you’ve got big shoes to fill — which is great because the shoes come with a very detailed handover document, though about 300 unread emails are awaiting your attention.”
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