Governor Abdullahi Sule has appointed former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Muhammadu Attahiru Jega, as the new Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of the governing council of the Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK).
Professor Jega, a former president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), as well as a one-time vice chancellor of the Bayero University Kano (BUK), was recently inaugurated alongside other members of the governing council at a ceremony which held at the Government House.
Governor Sule said Professor Jega was appointed as the chairman of the governing council of the state-owned university with a view to enhance academic pursuit and further entrench an enduring culture of academic excellence in the institution.
According to the Governor, since it’s establishment over two decades ago, the NSUK has recorded tremendous achievements in terms of scholarship, teaching and research, infrastructural development and worthwhile collaborations across borders.
He pointed out that his administration appointed revered and astitute personalities to serve on the governing council which would oversee the affairs of NSUK in order to consolidate on the gains recorded so far.
“Professor Jega has been a consumate academic and indeed, an astute university Don who held several positions including the leadership of ASUU, Vice Chancellor of the reputable BUK and later Chairman of INEC. His stewardship of these great institutions has endeared him to all patriotic Nigerians and indeed others outside of Nigeria.
“I need to state that the Nasarawa State University Keffi requires the personality of Prof Jega, whose uncommon antecedents would impact on the needed academic prowess towards the realization of the vision and mission of establishing this institution,” he stated.
The Governor explained that the state government was meticulous in appointing some of the other members of the governing council, taking into cognizance their wealth of experience and records of service, in order to give the Chairman the support required towards the realization of the vision for establishing the university.
“Without any iota of doubt, I need to state that the composition of the governing council will achieve the uplifting of the standard of education in the state and country at large.
“I therefore enjoin the council to settle down and contribute your quota in making the institution more robust professionally and academically sound, befitting the status of a 21st century university that is competitive and result oriented,” Governor Sule added.
He thanked Professor Jega for accepting to serve as the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of the governing council of the NSUK.
Governor Sule used the opportunity of the event to show appreciation to the outgone Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of the NSUK governing council, Professor Adamu Baikie for his contributions to the viability of the university, as well as the Vice Chancellor, Proffessor Suleiman Bala for the ongoing repositioning of the institution.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Professor Muhammadu Attahiru Jega appreciated Governor Sule for finding him worthy of the appointment.
Professor Jega said he was motivated to accept the appointment because of the manifest passion Governor Sule has for public education, as well as the commendable work he is doing to bring development to Nasarawa State.
He assured that the new governing council under his watch, would work assiduously to achieve Governor Sule’s objective and aspirations to turn the NSUK into the best university in Nigeria.
“I will urge you, this your passion, this your commitment, and the aspirations for this university, God willing it will come to pass, it will be achieved and we will be there to support you. We pledge to always keep in mind what is in the best interest of the university and of this state,” Professor Jega said.
Other members of the governing council inaugurated alongside Professor Jega include Dr. Ahmed Gero, Alhaji Shuaibu Abdullahi Kore, Mr. Thomas Ari Ogiri and Hon. Mary Enwongulu as members of the council.
Also, Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Labaran Magaji and Mohammed Sani Bala are to serve as representative of Ministry of Justice and Education respectively, with Prof. Abdullahi Adamu Suleiman, Prof. Benedict C. Uzoechi, Prof. Adua Mango and Dr. Adamu T. Ogah serving as the representatives of senate of the university.
Dr. Tanimu Yusuf and Comrade Buhari Abdullahi Suleiman are to serve as the representatives of the congregation while statutory members are Prof. Suleiman Bala Mohammed the VC, Prof. Abdullahi Sallau Modibo, Prof. Theophilus Daniel Lagi and Bala Isyaka Ahmed II.
