NSUK Stakeholders’ Meeting: Gov. Sule, Jega, Almakura, others eulogize Professor Mohammed accomplishments as VC’s tenure ends

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Professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed, VC Nasarawa State University, Keffi

By Samuel Torlumun

The third Stakeholders’ Meeting of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, (NSUK) was thrown into emotional speeches as the Vice Chancellor, Professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed’s tenure comes to an end. Stakeholders at the meeting, held on Thursday, at the University Main Campus did not only expressed profound satisfaction at the quantum of accomplishments of the Buffalo Soldier’s administration, but were trapped by emotional feelings of missing the landmark achiever.

Nasarawa State Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule who said he has special likeness for Buffalo Soldier, recounted their encounter soon after he became the state governor. He said working with the VC becomes easier because both of them shares same vision, capacity, zeal, dedication, commitment, love for the institution, for the student and love for education.

“You are actually leaving a very big shoe sir; a very big shoe that needs to be filled. I am certain that by the grace of God, He will give us a good replacement. I have absolute confidence that with the coming of Professor Jega that shoe will be filled appropriately” he said.

Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor, and Chairman of the Governing Council, NSUK, Professor Attahiru Jega said he has a good working relationship with the VC. The former INEC Chairman noted that within the short time of working relationship with the VC, he has seen in him a man who has given his best for the university which has translated to the growth and development of the institution.

According to the renowned Professor and former ASUU Chairman; “He has helped in raising the academic profile of the university. He has helped in infrastructural development. He has helped in networking and the development of concrete projects both for research, for publication and for academic development.

“Frankly, the qualities you exhibited are the kind of qualities that can bring about development in any university. So, we must commend you for the time you spent here and the good work that is done. We wish you well in all your future endeavors.

For Sen. Tanko Almakura, a former governor and a former visitor to the university, it was the joy of making the right choice. Toward his exit as the governor of Nasarawa State, Almakura appointed Professor Mohammed as the VC of NSUK, and five years later, comes the success story.

The elated former Senator said he is excited because the university has metamorphosed into a pride of Nasarawa State and indeed, Nigeria. He said the university has taken a leap to be the best because Professor Mohammed has been entrusted with the leadership of the university.

“If you look at the university from the time he was appointed the VC to now, you would see that value has been added to the university; not only physical or academically but through certain initiatives. One of such is the commitment of the VC to support a center for people living with disabilities and social needs.

“This kind of vision is only possible when you have a management that is cosmopolitan, a management that is versatile, management that has focus, a management that is pragmatic, a management that is passionate, and a management that is humane. I congratulate you for these efforts,” he pointed out.

Earlier in his welcome speech, the VC appreciated the supports of Governor Sule for taking over payment of staff salaries, adding that because of his immense support, the university has been adjudged by regulatory agencies in the country as the fastest growing state university in Nigeria. He equally appreciated former visitors, founding fathers of NSUK for laying solid foundation.

During his tenure, the university has witnessed massive infrastructural development, academic expansion, growth and development, national and international collaborations, research development among others.

The event also witnessed unveiling of three books written on the successes recorded by the VC during his tenure.