IBBUL VC CALLS FOR YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IN FARMING

The Vice Chancellor, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai Professor Abu Kasim Adamu has renewed the call for more participation of youths in farming.

The Vice Chancellor stated this in an opening remarks at the Eighteenth Inaugural Lecture held at the Main Campus Auditorium.

Professor Abu Kasim noted that it was an opportunity for youth to be more active employers of Labour and fend for themselves instead of being political thugs or social miscreants.

According to him, the Nigerian Farmer has all the opportunity to be rightly informed through various media media houses on current issues on soil and soil science stating that the topic will equally get farmers prepared for the next planting season.

He congratulated Professor Muhammad Yakubu for being the eighteenth Inaugural Lecturer as well as setting the pace for New year adding that he has achieved one of his cardinal dreams of being an astute academic.

The Vice Chancellor urged other academics in IBB University who have attained the rank of professor to join the queue, assuring them of the Management readiness and support as well as other scholarly efforts that would positively transform the society.

Earlier in his welcome Address, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Conferences and Seminar, Professor Victor Kolawole explained that the Inaugural Lecture Series eighteen is titled, “Pedology and the Nigerian Farmer: The Nexus, noting that the Pedology is a sub-discipline of soil science which focuses on understanding and characterising soil formation, evolution and theoretical frameworks for modelling soil bodies in the context of natural environment.

He affirmed that Pedology is crucial for sustainable crop production economic development, poverty eradication, food security as well as environmental sustainability.

Professor Kolawole added that the aim of the Inaugural Lecture includes mandating all Professors to give inaugural lectures within two to three years of their promotion or appointment, adding that it offers professor a unique opportunity to show case his or her work in the field of specialization to merit his admission to club of professors, bringing a sense of fulfilment, self actualization and belonging to the inaugural lectures among other opportunities.

He further added that the primary goal of the committee was to ensure that the inaugural lectures are delivered as at when due in line with the waiting two to three years after promotion or appointment as professors as stipulated by Association of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU).

Professor Kolawole also announced that the nineteen Inaugural Lecture titled, “Mathematical Model As A Recipe for the Control of Infectious Diseases: Perceived Benefit Versus Unintended Consequences “would be delivered by Professor Musa Bawa of Mathematics Department.

Contributing, the Acting Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Muhammad Bashar Nuhu stressed the need for Professors to do their Inaugural Lecture affirming that it is an attestation of their Professorial rank.

Presenting his Inaugural Lecture, Professor Muhammed Yakubu said pedology is a scientific discipline concerned with all aspects of soils, including their physical and chemical properties, adding that the role of organisms in soil production and in relation to soil character, the description and mapping of soil units, and the origin and formation of soils.

According to him, Pedology embraces several subdisciplines, namely, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil microbiology noting that it employs a sophisticated array of methods and laboratory equipment not unlike that used in studies of the physics, chemistry, or microbiology of nonsoils systems.

Professor Yakubu affirmed that Pedology is important for many modern applications of soils knowledge, including agriculture, agroforestry, environmental issues, and land-use planning

n a Vote of thanks, the Registrar of Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki stated that the Inaugural Lecture was Unique because it begins the year as well as for him to address the gathering as the new scribe of the Institution.

Alhaji Kusherki appreciated the Governor of Niger State, Commissioners of Tertiary Education, Council and Management of the University and all other people present at the events.

IBBU, ACReSAL AGREE ON RECLAIMING LAND FOR PLANTING ECONOMIC TREES AND AGROFORESTRY

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL) and Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) have reached an agreement on proper utilisation of University lands for planting of economic trees and Agroforestry, in efforts towards the actualisation of the implementation of sustainable landscape management practices in Northern Nigeria.

This development occurred during a meeting when officials of the agency paid a visit to the University to request IBBUL’s partnership in the first phase of their project of integrated climate-resilient landscape management.

Speaking, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu appreciated the Agency for choosing IBBUL as one of the partners in the project, stating that the University was interested and assured of readiness for more elaborate discussions on the appropriate land size to be planted.

He said the University has indicated interest and willingness for the partnership, stressing that further discussions would centre on land size, type of seedlings, and choice of those to be planted inside and outside the University campus

Professor Adamu disclosed that with the presence of the cashew processing plant donated by RMRDC in the University, a catalogue of required seedlings was necessary in order to choose early maturing ones.

The Vice Chancellor also expressed the hope that the visit would be the beginning of a new relationship between the organisations, assuring that the University would ensure that farmers would not be displaced, because IBBUL has enough land for the project.

He assured of the University Management’s support and cooperation, stressing that the project would also be a training ground for students and staff.

Earlier, the Leader of the team, Malam Raji Shehu Adam who is an Environmental Safeguard Officer, disclosed that the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape was a world bank supported, Federal Government initiative to reclaim large-scale degraded water-sheds by planting trees spanning millions of hectares of land in Northern Nigeria within six years.

He said the project cuts across the nineteen Northern States in Nigeria and that the first phase in Niger State (one with the largest landmass) specifically targeted tertiary institutions with a target to plant 200 Hectares of trees.

Malam Shehu Adam further maintained that the first phase of the project in Niger State involved IBB University, Lapai, Federal College of Education, Kontagora, College of Education, Minna and the College of Agriculture, Mokwa

Also speaking, a Natural Resource Officer and State Desk Officer of the project, Hajiya Rabi Maman Lafiya, disclosed that reclaiming the lands should be done in such a way that people, especially farmers, would not be displaced in the process.

She stressed that the selected seedlings by the University be provided, although she was specific that emphasis should be placed on early maturing trees and those that would be of more economic benefit to the community.

In his contribution, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Professor Mohammed Aliyu Paiko, said IBB University, Lapai is the second university to receive from RMRDC, a cashew processing facility in the country.

He said the University is already in partnership with NASPAN on Shea trees planting and also in discussions with RMRDC to plant hectares of Cashew to service the Cashew plant and as such, was a force to reckon with on tree planting in the state.

Professor Paiko said it is very necessary for the University and ACReSAL to sign a memorandum of understanding and put in place a powerful committee for proper harmony and ensure the success of the project.

The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Danjuma Solomon, expressed delight for the meeting and maintained that IBB University would lead for others to follow when the project commenced.

In a vote of thanks, the Registrar, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, appreciated the visitors and assured of the University’s continuous collaboration.

He urged ACReSAL to always feel free to consider IBBUL in any such project that would bring economic benefits to the state.

SECURITY:VICE CHANCELLOR CALLS FOR SYNERGY BETWEEN TOWN AND GOWN

The need for synergy between town and gown in the security architecture of higher Institutions have again been stressed.

The Vice Chancellor, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu stressed this when he, on behalf of the University Management received Lapai Emirate Security Committee on a courtesy visit at the main campus, Lapai.

Professor Adamu opined that if security was actually everybody’s business, then all hands must be on deck to curb insecurity, especially as it affects higher Institutions of learning.

He expressed delight with the presence of the Committee and assured that the University Management would improve on its assistance to the Committee on quarterly basis.

The Vice Chancellor observed that security challenge in Lapai became more pronounced with over seventy percent of students living off campus, and appealed to the Security Committee to advise landlords to make accommodation more affordable for students.

On drug abuse, the Vice Chancellor called for constant sensitization and awareness of students to curb the menace, maintaining that drug abuse has been what escalated insecurity.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Abdullahi Kure appreciated the University Management for its support and cooperation in making sure insecurity in the emirate is a thing of the past.

Speaking on students accommodation and drug abuse, he disclosed that the Committee would appeal to His Royal Highness, the Etsu Lapai and the Council Chairman to come to the aid of the University, stressing that vigorous campaign against drug abuse was needed to protect the lives and property.

Air Vice Marshal Kure who said the Committee was ready to partner with University Management on curbing the twin evils of insecurity and drug abuse, called for proactive measures, affirming that training and retraining of the Security personnel was necessary.

Giving a vote of thanks, the Registrar, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki described the visit as timely, considering the prevailing situation in the country.

He said the University Management would do everything humanly possible to ensure that peace reigned on the campus and its environs.

The Registrar thanked the Etsu Lapai, Engr. Umaru Bago Tafida, for always being there for the University.

GOVERNOR SANI BELLO INAUGURATES IBBUL ENDOWNMENT FUND BOARD OF TRUSTEES, CALLS ON STAKEHOLDERS TO GIVE MORE SUPPORT

His Excellency the Governor of Niger State and Visitor Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has inaugurated the Endownment Funds Board of the University with a call on major stakeholders to continue to give more support.

The Visitor enjoined members of the Board headed by former Head of State and Commander of Nigerian Armed Forces, General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, GCFR to work for the growth and development of the University, stressing that the onus is on them to play advisory role that will make the University a force to reckon with among its peers.

He said the composition of the Board is of men and women of impicable character who have made their marks in life.

The Governor who congratulated members further reminded them of their powers and duties to include, promotion of a sound and functional university, and serving as advisory to the Visitor in terms of functions of the Institution.

He stated that the Vice Chancellor or his representative would serve as official medium of communication within and outside the University.

He however, noted that the semi-autonomy granted local governments has made funding of the Institution difficult for the State government.

Responding, the Chairman of the Board, General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, thanked the Visitor for the confidence he has on the members, stressing that they would do their best in carrying out the task before them.

He maintained that the present economic reality would definitely not make the job as easy as expected.

The former Head of State appealed to the Visitor to make funding of the University a priority before leaving office.

General Abdulsalami who was full of praises to the mother Ministry and other agencies, urged the local governments to continue to support the University as much as they can.

Members of the Board are, General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, Chairman; Engr. Inuwa Musa Kuta, Vice Chairman 1; Dr. Suleyman Ndanusa , Vice Chairman 2; Hajiya Aisha Ndanusa Ahmad, representative of Donor Groups, and Professor Abu Kasim Adamu, Vice Chancellor.

Permanent Secretaries of , Ministries of Finance, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as well as the State ALGON Chairman are statutory members.

Others are, Alhaji Musa Ango Abdullahi, Congregation representative; Professor Hassan Ibrahim, Senate representative; and Dr. Abu Idris, Alumni representative respectfully.

Babangida Bala Jatau is to serve as Secretary.

 

BIDA BASIN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT GOES THROUGH REVIEWS

The panel review exercise on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed seismic data acquisition on the Bida Basin straddling Kogi, Kwara, Niger States and the Federal Capital Territory by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd has been held in Minna.

Speaking in the opening remarks, the Minister of Environment, Barrister Muhammad Abdullahi observed that the project which falls under the oil and gas sector of the economy is one that would improve revenue drive and provide employment opportunities for the youths.

The Minister who was represented by Dr. Musa Gashau of the Ministry, however said extensive environmental and socio-cultural degradation and loss of fertile lands and agricultural soil do accompany the exploitation of land for cash and food crops, coupled with extraction and beneficiation of the mineral resources.

The Minister stressed that to achieve the desired goals and objectives, the Federal Government of Nigeria has put in place the necessary institutional frameworks and instruments for intervention at every level.

Barrister Abdullahi pointed out that a mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment for major seismic activities was necessary in an environmentally friendly manner.

Also in his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu, said that Environmental Impact Assessment was to ensure protection and conservation of natural resources, especially human health, stressing that this would bring about sustainable economic development.

Professor Adamu disclosed that to allow exclusiveness and individual capacity development in research, both IBBU Lapai and FUT Minna deployed over thirty researchers drawn from academic and non-academic staff of both sexes, senior and junior to the field.

He pointed out that with the engagement of the NNPC in the Bida Basin, Niger State Government has also continued to support the hydrocarbon potential evaluation in different ways.

The Vice Chancellor who agreed that Environmental Impact Assessment must be performed on new projects and for expansions of existing ones as the law requires, maintained that to identify main environmental effects, a profile of the environment was necessary.

The panel review which elicited comments, observations, questions on the project presentation also had presentation of gifts to officials by the Vice Chancellor of IBB University.

VICE CHANCELLOR DECRIES GRADUAL EXTINCT OF CRAFT SKILLS

The current state of craft skills has continue to raise concern among stakeholders, as the Vice Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu calls for urgent need to rescue the age long means of livelihood.

The Vice Chancellor made the observation when the National President of the Association of Engineering Craftmen, under the auspices of Council for Registration of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) paid a courtesy visit on the University Management.

He said skills acquisition is one of the major concerns of the Institution, hence the concerted effort in supporting the Entrepreneurial skills acquisition.

Professor Adamu who welcomed the Association urged it to partner with the University in promoting skills acquisition, stressing that it is what drives the nation to greatness.

The Vice Chancellor appreciated the Association for the visit and hoped that a difference would be made from the new leadership that is ready to partner with the University.

Speaking earlier, the President of the Association, Engr. Craft Umar Usman Maikunkele, appreciated the University Management for always supporting members, especially for sponsoring them to the National Conference held in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

He said there is every need for this cadre of engineering the has been abandoned to be brought back to life.

Engr. Usman lamented the outright neglect most craft training schools have suffered, pointing out that most of them have been converted to secondary schools with no skills acquisition centres

The President therefore commended the University Management for the training and retraining of members of the Association and observed that no nation moved forward without skills acquisition.

He then announced the appointment of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu as a Honorary member and Fellow of the Association.

AGAIN IBBUL RESEARCHERS WIN TETFUND NATIONAL RESEARCH FUND GRANTS

To say that the word ‘research’ is not synonymous with Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai is to say the least, as another win has come to the University from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund National Research Fund (NRF) intervention.

The research grant which is to the tune of about Seventy Million Naira was won by three teams with Professors Musa Dickson Achimugu and Dadi-Mamud Naomi John and Dr. Yusuf Ishaq as Principal Researchers.

A letter from Tetfund addressed to the Vice Chancellor and signed by the Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny T. Echono indicated that the research project topics are, “Molecular Epidemiology of Salmonella enterica Typhi and Their Antibiotic Resistance Pattern in North Central Nigeria”,(Twenty Million, Three Hundred and Seventy Seven Thousand Four Hundred and Twenty Five Naira), “Exploring Participatory Self-Help Intervention for Elimination of Open Defecation in Rural and Urban Communities of Northern Nigeria”(Twenty-Eight Million Naira), and “Forensic Re-evaluation of Petroleum System and Reservoir Geophysics through the Development of GIS and Seismic Technologies”(Twenty-One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira).

The letter further indicated that the amount is One Hundred percent of the Total Intervention Cost (TIC) with a duration for execution which shall be twenty four months from the date of first tranche.

It said the grant is to enable the Institution and Researcher(s) contribute meaningfully to government’s desire in reviving and making research and development the launch pad for National Development.

It further disclosed that the grant was structured in such a way that Ninety Five percent of Total Intervention Cost(TIC) was for Project Execution (PE) which is payable directly into a dedicated Project account with the Principal Researcher (PR) and the Director of Research (DR). The Administrative Cost (AC)is for the University’s Research Implementation Secretariat.

Presenting the letters of award to the recipients on behalf of TETfund, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu, congratulated and commended the awardees on behalf of the Senate and Council for making the University proud, and hoped other researchers would emulate them.

He pointed out that it was a good thing that the grants total over Seventy Million Naira.

The Vice Chancellor said the feat is worth being celebrated considering the three won at defence, out of five, adding that the Management would ensure close monitoring of the research activities.

Professor Adamu maintained that it was proper for the researchers to try as much as they could to avoid anything that would smear the image of the University, stressing that the Principal Researchers must work deligently so that the Institution would move to more than the three acquired now.

While appreciating their efforts, he reminded them of the need to make the University, the State and their families proud, pointing out that he was confident the work would be done well.

Speaking, the Coordinating Director of Research and Development, Professor Nuhu George Obaje disclosed that the two earlier rejected during the defence was due to budgetary mix up and that these would be corrected and will be forwarded to TETFund.

He called for immediate meeting of the research teams where everyone is carried along, stressing that an inception workshop per research team will be organized

Professor Obaje who is also the Basinal Chair Professor of the NNPC said progress would be monitored, especially after the inception workshop.

In his contributions, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Professor Muhammad Aliyu Paiko congratulated the researchers and advised that everybody’s role be spelt out to have a coordinated assignment.

Contributing, the Registrar, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki appreciated the researchers for a good standing so far, saying that the University has been very proactive in taking care of anomalies.

In their separate responses, the Principal Researchers, Professor Musa Dickson Achimugu, Professor Dadi- Mamud Naomi John and Dr. Yusuf Ishaq applauded the University Management for the support and understanding towards research activities in the Institution, affirming that the research workshops organised by University have helped in writing their research proposals.

They promised to come out with best results that would be of pride to the various departments.

In a vote of thanks, the Director Academic Planning, Dr. Mohammed Aliyu Bello appreciated both the University Management and the Researchers for making the Institution visible on the world map in terms of wonderful and result oriented researches.

He said at this point in time Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai has come of age and left her peers lagging behind.

GRADUATING STUDENTS ADVISED TO BE SELF RELIANT

Graduating students of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai have been advised to use their entrepreneurship skills to be self reliance.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration Professor Hassan Ibrahim gave the advice while declaring open a two days workshop on, “Business Plan Development Entrepreneurship Support Fund for Students, Graduates for Self Employment”, organized by Malam Ibrahim Aliyu Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED) at the University auditorium.

Professor Adamu urged the students, and graduating students to make good use of the entrepreneurship skills learned during their course of study in the university, and noted that the aim of the entrepreneur course is to avail them various opportunities available that will make them self employed and also to be an employer of labour.

The Vice Chancellor said the objectives of the the two day workshop is to prepare the prospective graduating students to be able to compete in the competitive market, saying the labour market is already saturated, with no jobs available.

He said instead of students to remain jobless after their studies, they could start a business, develop it with their entrepreneurship practical and theoretical knowledge obtained in the school.

In their separate presentations, the Branch Controller, Central Bank of Nigeria, Niger State, Alhaji Ibrahim Ademola who was represented by Mr. Abdullahi Aliyu Anaba of the Department Finance, spelt out the core mandate of the CBN as to ensure monetary and price stability, issue legal tender currency, maintain external reserves, promote sound financial system and act as bankers to the federal government.

He disclosed that the CBN discovered that most of its core mandate are not achieved because of inflation, and businesses are closing down, with people are losing their jobs.

The apex bank, he said came out with an intervention to salvage the situation or to stabilise and diversify the economy, to be able to create jobs, adding that the CBN has more than thirty interventions cut across all sectors of the economy, but for the prospective graduates, there are five interventions for the students and it is easily accessible.

The Branch Controller listed the five students accessible interventions to include Agricultural Credit Guarantee funds, Agricultural business small and medium scheme, Anchor Borrowers Programme, Creative industries financial initiatives and tertiary institutions financial schemes.

He explained further that the CBN serves as seventy five percent guarantee to the farmers, meaning in case of default the CBN has already guaranteed the banks but the loans is not giving to individuals but to groups like rice farmers associations of Nigeria RIFAN.

He then enjoyed the students to key into entrepreneurship so as to access the loans to start up business of their choice.

Also in his presentation the Manager of Bank of Industry Niger State who was also represented by Mr. Muhammad Muhammad explained that bank was established to bridge the gap for financial assistance with the mandate to transform the industrial sector of the economy by assisting with financial support and advice.

He mentioned two interventions for prospective graduates as GEF AND TIES which means Graduates Entrepreneurship Funds, for graduating students while they are in national service, stressing that the funds don’t need collateral, but the students NYSC Certificate.

He explained that the funds are available for all serving Corps members, and all that is required is to go online and apply.

The second one is called TIES which is a fund allocated from CBN to BOI to manage. TIES is for graduate who are no longer in service but their certificate is not more than seven years old he said the funds is available and what is required is to register with group of entrepreneurs to be able to access the funds.

Presenting a paper on how young entrepreneurs can write and develop a good business, a professor of Business Administration in the University, professor Salihu Adelabo said, for an entrepreneur to be able to access loans or grants he or she most possess the ability or knowledge of writing good plans because no financial institutions will give out loans without seeing your business plans.

This, he said, gives the financial institutions the clue of what one intend to do with loan assessed.

He added that for one to establish a good business, one must, at least register one’s company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and also carry out SWAT analysis of the business intended.

One must also conduct a visibility study of that business, to know its prospect or potential.

Engr Umar Aliyu of the Niger State Business Incubation Center, Minna said technology incubation programs has two objectives as commercialization of R and D results, as research institutions that have useful commercializable research result can be commercialized by the the Center.

Secondly, nurturing business for individuals with innovative business, business that has potential to grow.

Presenting a Vote of thanks, the Registrar Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, represented by Deputy Registrar, Council and Management Affairs, Malam Babangida Bala Jatau stressed that the workshop is designed to prepare and expose students on the real life situation they may likely meet after graduation.

He however appreciated the Vice Chancellor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry, Technology Incubation Center and other lecturers who presented papers during the workshop, and also Director Entrepreneurship Center and other staff of the Directorate for their relentless support and sacrifices.

Highlights of the event were paper presentations, questions and answers sessions, and short drama by the students of Department of English.