Nuhu Yaqub @ 70: Celebration of astute academic and administrator

It is an irrefutable fact that when Prof. Nuhu Yaqub assumed office as the Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja, in 2004, he left no one in doubt that he came with a mission to re-position the citadel of learning and make it a university worthy of its name.  The administrator per excellence recently retired from the services of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) on 7th March, 2021.

I must start by thanking you for your long-standing and meritorious services rendered to the academic world, especially the University of Abuja and Sokoto State University, where you served creditably as Vice-Chancellor. I also thank you, particularly for accepting to lead the seven-man Academic Advisory Board of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, (NILDS).

I commend you and other members of the board, who have since demonstrated unflinching commitment and determination to succeed by hitting the ground running.

Having known your antecedents in the academic world and giant strides recorded as an administrator, it stands to reason, therefore, to write this befitting tribute as one of your professional colleagues and a witness to the uncommon transformation rendered particularly as the Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja.

In doing this, by making reference to my write-up of over a decade ago as the then Acting Director of Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace, Leadership and Development Studies. Wherein I said: University of Abuja came into existence in 1988, and was at best a ‘glorified secondary school’ before the advent of Prof. Nuhu Yaqub. Little or nothing was dignifying, especially in the area of physical structures. Corruption of all sorts was rampant; admission racketeering was highly pronounced; primordial sentiments to a large extent dictated the admission and staff recruitment process. The University operated a caste and closed system. The academic culture was on a low profile as activities meant to improve scholarship were hardly organized.

One area of credit that most mischief-makers ignore in their assessment of Yaqub’s administration is in the area of quality control, which is crucial to academic development. The administration of Nuhu Yaqub brought transparency and due process to the admission process.

For the first time, the University adhered strictly to the NUC/JAMB admission criteria. Prof Yaqub ensured that prospective students that performed well in JAMB and post-JAMB examinations were considered for admission, regardless of their ethnic background. The merit list was published on the University notice board with scores of each candidate by its side. That was the last time the University admission process passed through such credible procedures.

The administration of Nuhu Yaqub also encouraged manpower development by recruiting qualified academic staff into the system, while encouraging seasoned academics on sabbatical and those visiting to join the system. His administration also improved on the staff strength before the end of his tenure, while the appointments of Deputy Vice-Chancellors and Deans were democratized.

The manpower contents of the University could match any other reputable University in Nigeria. Best graduating students were encouraged to stay behind as graduate assistants. Almost all the younger academics in the system today, some of whom are undergoing their post-graduate programme at home and abroad were brought into the system by Prof. Nuhu Yaqub.     The current Vice-Chancellor, while commenting on Prof. Yaqub’s astuteness and administrative skills remarked: ‘In University of Abuja,   unlike what existed in the past. he (Nuhu Yaqub)  instituted regular weekly management committee meetings; regular monthly senate meetings, regular monthly department/faculty meetings, regular committee meetings, with issues properly completed (SIC), recommendation made and implemented’ (NUC DOC;2005).

In all spheres of governance, Prof. Nuhu Yaqub has made an outstanding record which remains a challenge in Nigeria’s educational system. He has initiated a discernible system, institutionalized academic culture; opened up the university system and restored the dignity and value of the ivory tower in the University of Abuja.   This is the legacy of   Prof. Nuhu   Omeiza Yaqub (OFR), a legacy of hard work, transparency, diligence, and honesty.

With the remarkable achievements recorded over his service years, Prof. Nuhu Yaqub’s life and career have completed a full circle in the fullness of time. My prayer is that he lives long to fulfil his desire to continue to better the lot of his people in unrelenting service to God and humanity.

Professor Abubakar O. Sulaiman is the Director General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).