Professor Ahmad Muhammed Gumel has assumed office as the third substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Dutse (FUD), pledging to consolidate the achievements of his predecessor through an ambitious 11-point agenda.
Gumel unveiled the agenda on Tuesday at his inauguration ceremony held at the Nuhu Muhammed Sunusi Auditorium, Dutse, Jigawa State.
Speaking at the event, the new Vice-Chancellor said his administration would prioritise academic excellence by reviewing and modernising the university’s curricula in line with National Universities Commission benchmarks and global digital trends in teaching and learning.
“As part of our drive for academic excellence, we will introduce new and in-demand programmes such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Data Science and Analytics, Networking and Cloud Computing, Project Management, Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain, Geology, Climate-Smart Agriculture, Optometry, Physiotherapy, Community Health, Science Education and Business Education, among others,” he said.
Gumel added that his administration would invest heavily in research and innovation, digital transformation, student welfare and empowerment, staff welfare and development, financial sustainability, global partnerships, university–community engagement, governance and accountability, as well as environmental stewardship.
Earlier in his address, he outlined his vision to transform the Federal University Dutse into “Nigeria’s premier hub for research-driven solutions and a centre of excellence for innovation across agriculture, science, technology, management and the humanities by 2030.”
“My mission is to cultivate an environment of academic rigour, knowledge development and the free exchange of ideas,” he said. “By 2030, we intend that the majority of our graduates will be highly employable and recognised for their creativity and dedication to service.”
The Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to the outgoing VC, Prof. Abdulkarim Sabo Mohammed, for what he described as mentorship and leadership opportunities that shaped his academic and administrative journey.
“I am deeply grateful to Professor Abdulkarim Sabo Mohammed for his guidance and support, which played a significant role in my emergence as Vice-Chancellor,” Gumel said.
He also thanked the university’s Governing Council, led by Prof. Shu’aibu Oba AbdulRaheem, for the confidence reposed in him, assuring them of his commitment to delivering on his mandate.
“I will not disappoint the confidence you have placed in me,” he added.
Gumel further appreciated the Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, for his support and commitment to the growth of the university, while acknowledging the staff of the institution for standing by him throughout the selection process.
The ceremony was attended by members of the university community, government officials and other stakeholders in the education sector.
