Like the proverbial “goldfish” which has no hidden place, Professor Idris Mohammed Bugaje, the Rector of Kaduna Polytechnic needs no introduction in public and academic climes.
His sterling qualities and professionalism spoke volumes about him. Before he was appointed as rector of Kaduna Polytechnic in 2017, Prof Bugaje had stint at the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa between 2000 and 2004.
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During his four years stewardship, Bugaje introduced far-reaching academic and administrative reforms that catapulted the polytechnic to greater heights.
Some of his legacies include the launching of maiden edition of a biannual academic journal called Savannah Science and Technology Journal. The journal was aimed at promoting science and technology as well as educates Nigerians on the projects the polytechnic has successfully carried out especially in researches. The polytechnic also witnessed rapid improvement in its infrastructure development.
In October 2017, the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, appointed Professor Idris Mohammed Bugaje as Rector of Kaduna Polytechnic. When the news of his appointment filtered the air, our happiness knew no bounds.
Bugaje is a round peg in a round hole. However, he assumed office when the polytechnic has been marred by numerous challenges ranging from dearth of infrastructure, withdrawal of accreditation by NBTE and low staff morale due to poor welfare, among other.
Unperturbed by this unpalatable development, Professor Bugaje declared a state of emergency and hit the ground running. Within the period under review and with active support from the polytechnic’s Governing Council, Professor Bugaje has recorded unprecedented record of achievements in the history of Kaduna Polytechnic.
To his credit, Professor Bugaje ensured about 85% of programs that lost accreditation in the past have been reversed. As at December 2019, 95 percent of the affected programs regained full accreditation status with the remaining 5 percents waiting for further review.
In the area of infrastructural development, Kaduna Polytechnic is wearing a new look. A lot of projects have been executed such as repairing of road networks, drainages and walkways on the main campus which were done through the intervention of Federal Ministry of Works. Bugaje has also succeeded in renovating 37 dilapidated flats and 11 boys’ quarters to address the acute shortage of accommodation in the polytechnic.
In the history of Kaduna Polytechnic, it might be difficult for anyone to match the superb achievements recorded by Professor Bugaje.
Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua writes from Kaduna State
