Bauchi State University conducts maiden convocation 10 years after establishment

From Paul Orude Bauchi

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has congratulated the  Vice Chancellor and the management of the Bauchi State University Gadau on the maiden convocation (combined 1st,2nd,3rd,4th5th,&6th) of the University. 10 years after its establishment.

He expressed gratitude to God for making the conviction  ceremony possible after a long period.

“As we all know, convocation ceremony is an important component of academic pursuit during which Degrees in both Character and Learning are awarded to graduates upon successful completion of their courses of study,” he said..

“I was made to understand that attempts were made to hold the convocation by previous leadership of the University but could not hold due to several challenges which are not peculiar to this University. 

“I therefore congratulate the Vice-Chancellor for this great achievement and hope to work closely with the Management of the University to ensure that the convocation is held regularly in tandem with National Universities Commission’s recommendation”

The governor commended the University Management for maintaining peaceful atmosphere on its campuses and the good working relationship with the State Government and relevant agencies that cater for primary, secondary and tertiary education. 

“Our Government will continue to support the university in the areas of research and innovations in order excel and move the state to a greater height” he assured .

“The world is moving towards digital economy and my vision for the university and indeed other tertiary institutions in the state is to promote technology and skill acquisition in order for our graduates to be self-reliant, not job seekers. 

“I therefore challenge the University to come up with courses and programmes that will turn the tide and open up opportunities for our people to improve their economy”

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Fatima Tahir, said the Convocation Ceremony was not merely a gathering but a testament to the indomitable spirit of students, the persistent commitment of staff , and the untiring support of the University community.

The University was established by the Bauchi State Law (2009) by the administration of former Governor Isa Yuguda with three campuses, Gadau as the main campus, then Bauchi and Misau campuses to provide opportunity for Bauchi State indigenes and other Nigerians to pursue quality higher education, Tahir saaid.

It commenced academic activities with the 2011/2012 academic session in January 2012 with three faculties  – Arts and Education, Science and Management and Social Sciences with a total of 13 Programmes and about 1500 students across the three  faculties, she said 

“The university initially relied mostly on visiting and sabbatical lecturers while sending its permanent staff, mostly lower ranks of Graduate Assistants, Assistant Lecturers, and Lecturers II, for further training to obtain higher degrees (Masters and PhDs),” she said.

“Subsequently, as the university grew, faculties were demerged and others were established including Departments and new academic programmes, bringing the total number of faculties to nine with 41 academic programmes majority of which have full accreditation, and a student population of 22, 646 Postgraduates  and part time inclusive.

She however said that the university faced challenges such as inadequate hostel accommodation for students, internet facilities, and funding to manage the three campuses. 

“We kindly seek support from the State Government, individuals, and corporate bodies to address these challenges, “she stated.

The foundation Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor  Ango, 

appreciated successive governments of the State for finding him worthy to continue to serve in the Council in spite of the existence of numerous, equally qualified persons in the state and beyond.

Ango, who is a member of the University Establishment Committee, admitted that running a University was by no means easy, apart from being capital intensive there are lots of other considerations.

The elder statesman commended the  Vice-Chancellor Prof. Fatimah Tahir and her predecessors; Late Prof. Ezzeldin Mukhtar Abdurrahman, Dr Musa M. Badara and Prof. Auwalu Uba for keeping tenaciously the goals and aspirations of the University and the State Educational Policies.

“I must say that, since my appointment as Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, I have enjoyed working with vibrant and committed work force alongside well-disciplined students who have been cooperating with the University Management and are always ready to implement Councils decisions to move the University to greater heights,” he said 

“Let me assure you that, the Governing Council as the highest policy making body, will continue to collaborate with the state government and other stakeholders in the pursuit of excellence. 

“We shall continue to use our diverse knowledge and experience to ensure that, the educational mandate of the University is fully realized and always improved upon.

“To our graduands, everyone present here has come to celebrate you; you have every reason to feel elated as you have today joined the privileged class of the educated elites. Your sojourn in this institution has equipped you with the necessary tools to acquaint yourselves creditably wherever

you may find yourselves”