IBB UNIVERSITY MATRICULATES FIRST SET OF MBBS AND OTHERS

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University has matriculated the first set of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M B B S) students into the University, among other degree programmes of various Departments.

The Vice Chancellor Professor Abu Kasim Adamu who made this known while delivering speech at the 16th Matriculation Ceremony of 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 sessions, explained that the commencement of the MBBS will produce right calibre of health personnel and improve quality of health care delivery in the state and Nigeria at large.

Professor Abu Kasim also explained that the 16th matriculation is special, pointing out that it has two set of applicants due to the Corona virus pandemic and prolonged industrial actions by staff unions which led to the loss of a session.

He stated that about 20,000 applicants chose IBB University as their most preferred of University Education in 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 JAMB and Direct Entry (DE); adding that seven thousand, one hundred and ninety-two of applicants were offered admission for regular degree programmes in the Main Campus Lapai, six hundred and twelve for part-time degree programme.

According to him, the support of Niger State Governor, Rt.Hon. Umar Muhammad Bago was most appreciated; noting that the University has resolved to continue to expand capacities by increasing facilities and academic programmes.

He equally affirmed that the Institution is also providing opportunities for various categories of applicants who desired to study in IBB University, Lapai through the Institute of Continuing Education and e-learning (ICEel) and Long Vacation Training Programme (LVTP).

The Vice Chancellor Congratulated and welcomed the new students who were matriculated to IBBUL; stressing that the University which was licensed and recognized in 2005 by the National University Commission as the 74th public and 25th state government owned university in Nigeria was fasting growing.

He further pointed out that the University would continue to pursue its Vision of a modern institution of learning that is committed to the attainment of excellence in the production of high quality and globally competitive human capital.

Professor Abu Kasim Adamu urged the students to be good ambassadors of the University by abiding by the rules and regulations as well as participate in all lawful activities which would make them to be adjudged worthy in character and learning.

Earlier, in their separate moral remarks, Sheikh Umar Dada Paiko and Professor Ayodele Olorunsanya reminded matriculated students on the importance of seeking knowledge; adding that they should have the mindset to worship and seek the favour of God.

The duo advised the students to be contented with whatever they have and seek from God anything they need, calling on them to be good ambassador of their parents.

Highlights of the event was presentation of certificates of award of Vice-Chancellor’s scholarship to students with higher CGPA in the last Academic Session across various Departments and entertainment by students of English Department Drama group.

VICE CHANCELLOR ENJOINS EXAMINERS TO GIVE FAIR TREATMENT TO STUDENTS

The Vice Chancellor, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu has enjoined the University Examiners and Examination Officers to give fair treatment to the students.

The Vice Chancellor who was represented by the Dean, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Professor Abubakar D. Sheik made the call while declaring open a One-Day workshop on staff capacity building with the theme, “Examination Malpractice and Ethics,” which was organized by the Department of Biology.

He explained that it is very important go give all students fair treatment during conduct of examination, nothing that all students are equal, irrespective of their gender and ethnic affiliation

Professor Adamu said IBB University is a fast growing one, therefore they must maintain standards as not to tolerate any form of examination malpractice or misconduct so as to achieve its vision and mission.

In his welcome remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Professor Abubakar D. Sheik, applauded Biology Department for organizing the capacity workshop to enhance the capacity of it staff.

He noted that it is important for all the Departments to, at least, organize a capacity workshop for its staff for efficiency.

The Dean said that Biology Department has set a pace for others to follow in developing their staff capacity.

In their separate presentations, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Professor Mohammed Aliyu Paiko, the Director Academic planning, Associate Professor Bello Muhammad, the Director Quality Assurance, Professor Ebenezer O. Ogungbe, Director Servicom, Professor Musa Amanabo and the Head of Biology Department, Associate Professor Kabir M. Adamu defined Examination as an assessment design to showcase the knowledge and ability of a candidate, also to test how well they have developed the knowledge that was impacted on them.

They explained the uses of examination as feedback mechanism to know whether the teaching and learning has taken place in accordance with the NUC standard, and also to use it for building sense of responsibility to students.

They noted that examination gives room for competition, and also motivate and award the best students to encourage others, and as a source of learning and certification.

They also reiterated the importance of examination standards to achieve quality, saying timely preparation and submission of examination questions to the examination Officer and that the examiner ought not wait until a day to deadline when he will begin to set questions.

The speakers also highlighted the duties of an Examination Officer which is to ensure that all students are dully registered; ensure that all arrangements for the exams are made- preparing the timetable, allocating examination rooms or halls and also assigning invigilators.

He is also expected to post timetable on the students notice board or WhatsApp platforms without the names of the invigilators, among others.

In his closing remarks Professor I. B Usman appreciated the Management of the University and Dean of Faculty of Natural Sciences for providing enabling grounds and support to carry out the workshop.

He also appreciated the Local Organizing Committee and the Head of Department for investing on the capacity of its staff and also inviting relevant scholars to impact or build the capacity of the staff of Biology Department.

Highlights of the wo

IBBUL SIGNS TWO MORE TETfund CONTRACT AGREEMENTS FOR FACULTY OF LAW (phase 2)

In preparation for the commencement of the Faculty of Law, the Management of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai has signed two contract agreements for the construction of Four Hundred and Fifty- Capacity Lecture Theatre and Moot Court each.

Speaking at a brief ceremony before the signing, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu disclosed that constructions are part of Tertiary Education Trust Fund(TETfund) projects for 2021/ 2022 which is expected to be executed within twenty-four weeks.

He said the construction of Lecture Theatre is to be handled by Ceonstruct Projects Nigeria Limited and is expected to gulp the sum of Three Hundred and Fourty-four million Two Hundred and Seventy-Three Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty-Six, point Eight naira(N334,273,356.08).

The Moot Court, he disclosed further would be constructed by Twinpower Engineering Limited at the cost of Three Hundred and Fourty Million, Six Hundred and Ninety Seven Thousand, Three Hundred and One point Ninety Three naira(N340,697,301.93).

The construction work for Faculty of Law phase 1 has since reached an advanced stage.

 

IDRC CL4STEM TEAM MEMBERS URGED TO REDOUBLE THEIR EFFORTS FOR THE YEAR 3 OF THE PROJECT

A call has been made to all IDRC CL4STEM Nigerian Team members to redouble their efforts towards the realisation of the deliverables of the Project.

The Vice Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu made the appeal at a meeting held recently to kick start the CL4STEM year 3 activities.

Speaking earlier, the CL4STEM Project Lead- Professor Nuhu Obaje went down memory lane to itemise the gains and challenges faced during the Project year 1 and 2, calling on all team members to redouble their efforts and make sure all hands are on deck to achieve maximum success in the year 3 of the project.

Professor Obaje also informed the team members about the IDRC approval of a year extension of the project which is worth about 500,000 Canadian Dollars.

The CL4STEM Nodal/Technical Officer- Mr. Abdullahi Abubakar Kawu read out the year 3 work plan to team members.

Members of University Management team made various contributions on the way forward in actualizing the objectives of the project, after which resolutions were reached and the team members promised to be committed to the project.

Highlight of the meeting was the presentation of CL4STEM innovative kits/gifts brought back from India by Nigerian Team and presented to the Vice Chancellor.

IBBUL COMMENCES RESEARCH ON GREEN ENERGY

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, has expanded her research portfolio into Green Energy.

This is in addition to her current focus on hydrocarbon deposits in Nigeria’s inland frontier basins embracing the Bida and Sokoto Basins as well as the Benue Trough, the Anambra Basin, the Chad Basin and the Dahomey Basin through an endowment funding of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd of the Professorial Chair in Basinal Studies endowed at the Institution.

In a welcome address at the research commencement workshop held in the Senate Chamber of the University, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu said the University is carefully aligning itself with the focus and mandates of its project sponsors, the NNPC Ltd, energy for today, energy for tomorrow.

Professor Adamu stressed that, although crude oil was gradually phasing out, it is still the energy for today and cannot be wished away, hence IBB University is committed to researching into finding more hydrocarbon habitats in Nigeria’s sedimentary basins.

The Vice Chancellor said, Nigeria and indeed the world is in an era of energy transition and that tomorrow’s economy will be driven by green energies, made up mainly of the renewable and alternative climate friendly energy sources.

Also speaking, the NNPC Limited Chair Professor at the Institution, Professor Nuhu George Obaje, who is also heading the Green Energy research project said that the world was in an era of energy transition as a measure to drastically reduce net carbon emission to create wealth and mitigate negative climate change impacts.

According to Professor Obaje, preliminary surveys by his team indicate significant quantities of green transition minerals in the geological terrains of Niger, Nasarawa and Kebbi States. These green transition minerals include Lithium, Cobalt, Copper, Manganese, Nickel, Lead, Zinc and the Alkalis derivable from Feldspars, Micas and Bauxites.

He maintained that these green transition minerals are the raw materials for the manufacture of batteries for Electric Vehicles (EVs), solar cells and wind turbines that constitute the bulk of green energies.

Professor Obaje said geological mapping will be undertaken in the Kontagora – Nasko – Rijau areas of Niger State; Onda and Adudu-Ribi axis of Nasarawa State, Lafiagi-Pategi areas of Kwara State, and Darana area of Kebbi State.

He however stayed that the results from the project is expected to make great new contributions to knowledge on critical energy minerals in the geological terrains of Nigeria, aligned to Sustainable Development Goals 1 (end poverty), 4 (quality education), 7 (clean and affordable energy) and 13 (climate action).

The Chair Professor Obaje said further that laboratory geochemical analyses that will deploy the novel CoMEGP methodology will constitute the basis for cost effective characterization (quality, grade) and quantification (quantity, reserve) of these mineral deposits.

The project team asserted that at the end of the project, Nigeria will be contributing 30% of global green transition mineral requirements for green energies which will in turn make huge contribution to global decarbonization programmes and aspiration of Nigeria to achieve a net-zero-carbon emission.

“The country will earn good monies from mining for her economic growth and advancement.”

In a goodwill message, the Registrar, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki said it is expected that government agencies, such as Energy Commission of Nigeria, Raw Materials Research and Development Council, International Energy Agency, some NGOs and the private sector will buy into this project but for now IBB University is kickstarting this project through funds provided by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited from the endowed Professorial Chair in Basinal Studies at the University.

 

DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES HOLDS A DAY SYMPOSIUM WITH COMMENDATION FROM VICE CHANCELLOR

The Vice Chancellor Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu has applauded the Department of History and International studies for reawakening the moral of the university researchers by organizing a one day symposium on a trending topic , “Naira Redesign Policy and Implications on the 2023 general elections in Nigeria: A History Analysis.”

Professor Adamu who was represented by the Director Academic Planning, Associate Professor Muhammad Aliyu Bello, stressed the need for researchers not to pay too much attention on seminars, conferences and workshops, but also symposiums too.

He noted that equal priorities should be given to all the programs that will add value to university and university community.

The Vice Chancellor maintained that the topic was apt and timely looking at how the new naira note redesign has affected all spears of lives, most especially the rural dwellers who have deposited all their life savings without getting the new notes.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr Muhammad Ndarani, a senior Advocate of Nigeria who was represented by Alhaji Dakaci Muhammad appreciated the Management of the University for giving the the Faculty and the Department needed support to carry out the symposium,

He applauded the Faculty for carefully selecting professor Salihu Muhammad Lawal and the topic of discussion at the right time.

The lead paper Presenter, Professor Salahudeen xrayed the importance of new naira note redesign as it was a policy that is meant to combat corruption, counterfeit, ransom payment , check hoarding of naira note, and also ensure circulation of the naira.

Professor Salahudeen explains the essence of the redesign as to strengthen the value of naira and the economy, stressing that the redesign has some latent intent was to move Nigeria to a situation where people carry large amount of money with them to a cashless society where people carry with them only ATM cards and mobile phones to do online business transactions.

He however explained the implementation of the program in terms of moping and swapping ran into hitch which made Nigerians to face untold hardship, as there was no money in circulation to the extend that whatsoever people wants to buy they most first and foremost buy naira, although in other ways it was also meant to checkmate vote buying and vote saling in the 2023 general elections, even though it was successful.

Highlight of the event was question and answers sessions and presentation of gifts

 

EDUCATION REMAINS TOOL FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Varsity Don

Education has been described as a tool for economic and social development of the country.

A Professor of Business Administration and Former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development stated this at the 4th Combined Convocation Lecture of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai with the topic “Building Bridge between Community Elites,Youth,University and challenges for development in the 21st Century” held at the University’s Auditorium.

Professor Sheikh who was the Convocation Lecturer stressed that there was no alternative to education, affirming that except for those who misconceived the concept of education and the miracle education does as an agent of change in man’s life and of the community.

He added that it is an opportunity to reflect on the interconnectedness and high level of presumed correlation between political stability, access to education and economic development amidst coordinated confusion.

He lamented that new technologies are profoundly affecting teaching and learning, creating new opportunities and new competitors in the world of distributed learning, affirming that there is need to address challenges of the root cause of the issues rather than merely treating the symptoms.

“What we lack is the readiness to acknowledge our limitations and to act with determination to address them on our own, to change the trajectory of our community we must reconstruct through empowerment and community renewal”, he said

According to him, a mind not filled with knowledge is a mind filled with illiteracy, noting that it is imperative for youth to wake up from their slumber and pursue knowledge in order to become more responsible and acceptable to the communities and useful to the country whose future lies in their hands.

He called on youth to be law abiding and shun criminals activities such as drug abuse, stealing, fraud as well as all other forms of slanderous life that are capable of retarding the progress of the country and smear its image in the international community.

Earlier in his Opening Remarks,the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council Major General Idris Garba(RTD) explained that the Convocation Lecture is an opportunity to discuss and learn on topical issues that borders on university education.

The Pro-Chancellor, represented by the Vice Chairman of the Council Professor Bashir Nuhu Tachi appreciated the Lecturer and Chairman of the occasion, the Deputy Governor for the love they have for IBBUL as well as all that came to see the development of the University.

On his part the Chairman of the Occasion and the Deputy Governor of Niger State Alhaji Muhammad Ahmed Ketso buttressed that with clearly stated responsibilities for each of the stakeholders there can be a cordial relationship between the elite, youth and university community which in turn will lead to mutual benefit especially in terms of socio-economic development of the society at large.

He said the government of Niger State under the leadership of the Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello believes that the University being the only state own university deserves to compete globally not just internationally.

The Deputy Governor appreciated the Management of the University for having sustained excellent teaching and learning in the past seventeen years since the establishment of the University.

The Vice Chancellor Professor Abu Kasim Adamu said the 21st century is all about skill acquisition in addition to certificate stressing that the skills acquired will be a bridge between and the youth and prosperity.

Professor Abu Kasim urged the students and lecturers to be able to guide them properly in their choice of careers, noting that some of them may not have the potential in the areas they are looking for properly their own potentials is in the other side affirming that if they are properly guided they can excel than what they are.