FUGA VC Unveils Reforms to Produce Highly Employable Graduates

…Unveils Digital and Green Initiatives

By Paul Orude 

The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Gashua, Professor Yaqub Ahmed Geidam, has outlined new initiatives aimed at producing graduates who are highly employable and capable of meeting modern workforce demands.

According to a statement issued by Adamu Saleh, Deputy Director Information and Public Relations, the Vice Chancellor made the remark during the institution’s 11th matriculation ceremony held at the university’s 1,000-capacity hall,.

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Professor Geidam described the event as a major milestone for the newly admitted students and the university community.

He said the matriculation oath symbolises a formal commitment between the students and the institution, stressing that the university expects them to maintain high standards of discipline and academic integrity throughout their studies.

According to him, the ceremony marks the official beginning of the students’ academic journey and their integration into the university community.

Professor Geidam noted that the 11th matriculation ceremony was particularly significant as it was the first under his leadership since assuming office as the fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution.

Reflecting on the university’s progress, he said the institution has recorded steady growth since its establishment in 2013.

Academic activities began in 2014 with just two faculties and four programmes, but the university now operates five faculties with 34 academic programmes and an expanding postgraduate school.

The Vice-Chancellor attributed this growth to the support of the federal government, the National Universities Commission, traditional institutions, development partners, and the dedication of staff members.

He also announced several reforms designed to position the university for the future.

Among them is a Digital Transformation Agenda, which aims to modernise academic operations, improve access to digital learning resources and enhance administrative efficiency.

Another initiative introduced is the FUGA Green Code, an environmental sustainability programme intended to promote climate awareness and responsible environmental practices among students, particularly in the climate-vulnerable North-East region.

“These programmes are part of our broader vision of building a forward-looking academic environment that equips our students with the knowledge and skills required in the 21st century,” he said.

Professor Geidam congratulated the newly admitted students and urged them to remain focused on their studies. He advised them to carefully study the Students’ Handbook, which outlines their rights, responsibilities and institutional regulations.

The Vice-Chancellor also reiterated the university’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, warning students against cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice and other forms of indiscipline.

“At this university, we believe education must combine knowledge with character. These are the qualities that define the value of our graduates and the credibility of the degrees we award,” he added.

He assured the students that the university management remains committed to providing a safe and conducive learning environment while continuing to invest in academic development, research, digital innovation, infrastructure and student welfare.

Professor Geidam further disclosed that efforts are ongoing to introduce new academic programmes and review existing curricula to ensure they remain relevant to national and global development needs.

“Our goal is to produce graduates who are academically sound, entrepreneurial, and capable of contributing meaningfully to economic and social development,” he said.

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The Vice-Chancellor then formally admitted the students as matriculated members of the university and welcomed them to what he described as a vibrant academic community.