By Ibrahim Muhammad
The newly elected Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Dutse (FUD), Professor Ahmad Muhammad Gumel, has formally assumed office and unveiled an 11-point Strategic Development Plan for the institution.
Professor Gumel disclosed this while delivering his acceptance speech as the 4th substantive Vice-Chancellor at a ceremony held on Thursday at the Nuhu Muhammad Sanusi Auditorium.
He said his mission is to foster an environment of academic rigour, knowledge creation, and the free exchange of ideas, while producing graduates who are highly employable, innovative, and committed to service.
According to him, the 11-point Strategic Development Plan focuses on Academic Excellence; Research and Innovation; Digital Transformation; Students’ Welfare and Empowerment; Staff Welfare and Development; Infrastructure Expansion; Financial Stability; Global Partnerships; University–Community Engagement; Governance and Accountability; and Environmental Stewardship.
Professor Gumel explained that the five-year development plan has already been prepared and will be presented to the University Governing Council for approval.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the 4th Governing Council for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to justify the trust placed on his leadership.
He also expressed appreciation to the Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi, and his predecessor, Alhaji Abdulkarim Sabo Muhammad, for their continued support to the university.
Professor Gumel further called on staff of the institution to cooperate with his administration to ensure the successful implementation of the strategic objectives.
The new Vice-Chancellor is a biotechnology scholar with a Master’s degree and PhD from the University of Malaya, Malaysia. He has over 45 academic publications, four books, and two international patents.
He previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Central Administration) and has pledged to strengthen academic excellence, research, and governance at the Federal University, Dutse.
