How I developed Yobe varsity despite security challenges – Former VC

You have been honoured by both the people of Yobe State and authorities of the Bayero University, Kano. What would you say you have achieved in practical terms to deserve these double honours?
I feel elated that the little I have done is appreciated. The little things we have done in Yobe, whoever goes there will see the way we have developed a new modern university in a small state like Yobe into a modern tertiary institution. At the maiden accreditation, the university scored 93 per cent, which is unusual, and that is basically what I left behind. From only two structures, the university has 50, and the number is still growing. The university has also been rated as one of the fastest growing universities in the northeast. For one to be part of that history is worth thanking God, and we were able to achieve all that both on the human and academic sides.
 A university has three core values to fulfill. First is teaching, second is research and the third is the relationship between town and gown, which was assisting the host community in terms of employment and impacting on their lives positively. When you look at the three, we were able to record some modest achievements, and I believe Allah and prosperity will judge us.
What are these modest achievements you spoke about?
Talking about achievements, when I first arrived there, each programme was housed in one room. For instance, in one room you would find the Department of Sociology; in the next room would be the Department of History and so on. The heads of departments, lecturers and all the staffs were all housed in that single room. But we were able to change the system of one room per department. Instead, departments were constructed with offices, lecture halls and so on. That is a fulfilment of a dream. The entire 18 departments that were housed in rooms before are now occupying dedicated buildings with all the facilities required in any university departments in the world.
 While I was at the Yobe State University, I noticed that in BUK, we have the same problem of encroachment. I am sure that at the BUK there is still the problem of encroaching into its lands by villages around the university. With that in mind, at Yobe University, we fenced the whole university with blocks about 12 kilometres long with a befitting gate and all infrastructures in place, including a five-kilometre road.
 We built a well-equipped library with e-facilities, which was commended by those who accredited the programme. The library scored 100 per cent during the accreditation, and that was what assisted all the other programmes to get accredited, because you must have 70 per cent on the library before other programmes can be accredited. The moment they scored us 100 per cent on the library, we knew the remaining accreditation exercise would be a huge success.
How did you successfully administer a university in Yobe State for eight years considering the tense security situation?
This is a difficult question. Actually, as VC, you have to form a kind of personal interaction with your staff. You need to encourage and motivate them. Giving them money or increasing their allowance alone cannot motivate them. By interacting with them, giving them confidence and being physically around, you give your staff confidence that will make them stay around to contribute their quota. It is a quality the incoming VC should imbibe because that personal touch with each and every staff will count a lot.
What effort did you make to attract students to the university despite the insecurity challenge?
Most of the students come from Yobe State, which is understandable because of the level of insurgency. But then, just as I had personal touch with the staff, I also had personal touch with the students. I would visit their hostels and toilets to see the level of neatness and so on. And I personally met them at their hostels to discuss their personnel issues with them. I wish you were there whenever I visited the hostels to see the level of pomp and excitement from the students. It is unusual to see such level of cordial relationship between VCs and students, but in my own case you will be surprised because they are my best friends. During Sallah celebrations, we slaughtered cows for them and also during Ramadan we made sure we broke the fast with them. We also sponsored some feeding arrangements.
 So there was a bond between the management and students, and between management and staff. And that was critical to retaining the students of the university, without which I believe that insurgency would have chased everybody away. Once they are sure the VC is there for them, that he cares about their development and listens to them, many will stay around and study.
What was the students’ population when you assumed office, and what was the figure when you left last month?
By the time I assumed office, virtually all the students had been transferred to other institutions. So I can tell you that by the time I began work there, there was virtually no students in the school because of the transfer. But presently the institution has close to 3,000 students.
Were you able to train PhD holders among your staffs?
Of course, I did. At the time I left the university, about 15 lecturers of the institution were pursuing their PhDs, both within and outside the country. Over 40 others are doing their Master’s programmes; more than 40 lecturers had already completed their Master’s. So we have a robust staff development programme in place.
What is your unforgettable moment during your tenure as the VC?
My unforgettable moment was the day we got accreditation. Out of the 29 programmes we presented, we got accreditation for 27. Even for the remaining two, we still got interim accreditation. This is one of the greatest moments of my tenure as VC. The second greatest moment was the day I put in my resignation letter. These are my two greatest moments in the university.
 I give glory to Allah who guided me throughout my eight-year tenure. I thank Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, the House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government, the good people of Yobe State and students of Yobe State University for their support to me. I have no grudges against anybody, but to thank Allah for giving me the opportunity to serve humanity in that capacity for eight years.
What advice do you have for the incoming VC?
I know he is hardworking. He worked with me as my Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) and during that time, I gave him a lot of responsibilities. I believe he can sustain the tempo and take the university to greater heights.