The newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Gashua in Yobe State, Professor Yaqub Geidam, has formally assumed office, unveiling an ambitious agenda aimed at strengthening academic standards, promoting research excellence, and accelerating infrastructure development at the institution.
The new Yobe varsity VC assumes office at a critical moment for Nigeria’s higher education sector, where universities face mounting pressure to modernise facilities, improve teaching quality, and compete globally in research output.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony held at the university’s main lecture hall, Professor Geidam expressed appreciation to the Governing Council and the wider university community for entrusting him with leadership of the institution.
“I am grateful for the trust placed in me and fully aware of the responsibilities that come with this office. Together, we will build on the solid foundation already laid and move this university to greater heights,” he said.
His emergence as the new Yobe varsity VC follows approval by the university’s Governing Council after what officials described as a rigorous, merit-based selection process conducted in line with the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and institutional regulations.
Key priorities unveiled by the new Yobe varsity VC
Outlining his roadmap, the new Yobe varsity VC assumes office with a focus on five key pillars:
- Strengthening academic quality and curriculum delivery
- Promoting research and innovation
- Enhancing staff welfare and development
- Expanding infrastructure
- Ensuring institutional growth and sustainability
These priorities reflect broader challenges facing Nigerian universities, including inadequate infrastructure, limited research funding, and the growing need for international academic relevance.
The new Yobe varsity VC emphasised continuity, noting that his administration would build on the achievements of previous leadership while introducing reforms designed to reposition the university as a centre of excellence.
Education analysts say such continuity is essential, especially for relatively young federal universities seeking stability and academic credibility.
Academic and leadership background
Professor Geidam brings more than two decades of academic and administrative experience to the role. Before becoming the new Yobe varsity VC, he served as Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Maiduguri and held multiple leadership positions within the Nigerian university system.
His experience in university administration is expected to shape his leadership approach, particularly in strengthening academic governance, improving research output, and fostering partnerships with local and international institutions.
Observers say his background in veterinary medicine also positions him to strengthen research in agriculture and public health—areas of strategic importance in northern Nigeria.
Transition of leadership and institutional continuity
The handover ceremony marked the official transition from the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Maimuna Waziri, who completed her tenure after leading the university through a period of academic consolidation.
Professor Waziri thanked staff and students for their cooperation during her administration and urged the university community to extend the same support to her successor.
She formally handed over the instruments of office to Professor Geidam, symbolising the transfer of authority and continuity in institutional leadership.
The ceremony was attended by principal officers, deans, heads of departments, academic staff, students, and other dignitaries, underscoring the importance of leadership transition in maintaining stability within the university system.
Why the leadership transition matters
The appointment of the new Yobe varsity VC assumes office at a time when Nigerian universities are under increasing pressure to deliver high-quality education while navigating funding constraints and evolving academic demands.
Federal universities, particularly in developing regions, play a critical role in human capital development, research innovation, and regional economic growth.
Higher education experts say the leadership of vice-chancellors is central to determining whether universities succeed or stagnate.
A vice-chancellor is responsible not only for academic leadership but also for financial management, staff development, student welfare, and institutional partnerships.
The new Yobe varsity VC assumes office with expectations to strengthen the university’s research profile and improve infrastructure.
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Strategic challenges ahead
Despite optimism surrounding the appointment, the new Yobe varsity VC assumes office amid structural challenges common to Nigerian universities, including:
- Funding limitations
- Infrastructure deficits
- Brain drain among academic staff
- Limited research funding
- Increasing student enrolment pressures
Addressing these issues will require strategic planning, government support, and effective institutional management.
Education stakeholders say leadership stability and policy continuity will be crucial in determining whether the university achieves its stated objectives.
Role of leadership in shaping university growth
University leadership transitions often signal broader institutional direction.
A proactive vice-chancellor can transform academic institutions by improving governance, strengthening research output, and expanding global partnerships.
The new Yobe varsity VC assumes office with a mandate to consolidate existing achievements while positioning the university for long-term growth.
Analysts note that universities with strong leadership tend to attract better funding opportunities, research collaborations, and academic talent.
Outlook for the university
As the new Yobe varsity VC assumes office, expectations are high among students, academic staff, and stakeholders.
His administration will be judged by measurable progress in:
- Academic quality
- Research output
- Infrastructure development
- Staff welfare
- Institutional reputation
Ultimately, the success of his tenure will depend on his ability to balance continuity with reform, ensuring that the university adapts to changing educational realities while maintaining academic standards.
For now, the leadership transition marks a new chapter for the institution—one defined by renewed ambition, continuity, and the promise of academic advancement.
https://punchng.com/new-yobe-varsity-vc-assumes-office-unveils-agenda
