….expresses Satisfaction with Preparations for Take Off of Academic Activities

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) Advisory team has visited Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai for advice and on the spot assessment of readiness for the takeoff of academic activities in the newly established Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Speaking during an exit briefing during the visit at the Senate Chamber, the Chairman of the Team, Professor Nelson Ochekpe, commended the ongoing preparations for the successful take off of pharmacy program in the University.

He, however highlighted some key recommendations to ensure a smooth start of the new program and emphasized the need for robust infrastructure and faculty development.

Professor Ochekpe appreciated the efforts of the University Management, stating,
“To ensure success, I will raise the implementation efforts from 150 to 200 percent.”

He acknowledged the University’s progress and reiterated his commitment to supporting the institution’s initiatives.

The visit included a tour of the new Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences building, where the advisory team assessed the readiness of the facilities.

The Chairman expressed satisfaction with the structure but recommended duplicating the building to accommodate more laboratories.

Further suggestions from the advisory team included establishing an animal facility center and a medicinal plant garden, which would serve multiple departments, including pharmacy, zoology, and the College of Health Sciences.

The Chairman emphasized the importance of shared facilities, noting that the Pharmacy Department would be best positioned to manage such resources.

During discussions on academic staff, the advisory team lauded the University for its balanced distribution of junior and senior academic staff.

He advised the University to consider Direct Entry admissions at the 200-level to make full use of the current Faculty and meet the demand for experienced students transitioning from other disciplines like Physiology, Anatomy, and Biochemistry.

The Advisory Team also inspected the Central Research Laboratory and encouraged the Institution to secure service agreements with equipment suppliers to ensure operational efficiency.

“It is crucial to have after-sales agreements for training and maintenance to keep the equipment in optimal condition,” he remarked.

On a concluding note, the Chairman highlighted the importance of planning accommodation for 600-level pharmacy students, who will spend significant time in hospital settings, and urged the University to consider housing solutions near the new teaching hospital in Minna to ease the financial burden of commuting or temporary lodging.

Responding to the Advisory team, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu, emphasized the University’s commitment to establishing a solid foundation for the growth and success of its new programs.

His remarks underscored the institution’s progress and plans for further development, particularly in expanding facilities and improving academic standards.

Professor Adamu noted that it was always crucial to start with a very good foundation, which IBBUL has laid down.

He highlighted the University’s strategic focus on creating a conducive learning environment, ensuring that the institution i
was well-prepared for future challenges.

He revealed that the University has increased its capacity, despite the constraints.

Professor Adamu assured that the Institution is prioritizing the duplication of essential facilities, including additional laboratories, in the next phase of development.

Addressing specific needs such as the construction of an animal facility center and the establishment of a medicinal plant garden, Professor Adamu affirmed the University’s commitment to meeting accreditation requirements. “We know what it takes, and it’s a requirement for the animal house, or what you call the animal facility center. For the medicinal plant, we have secured a place and have planted some medicinal plants because we know how important this component is for pharmaceutical sciences,” he assured.

The Vice Chancellor also emphasized efforts to strengthen the Faculty’s staffing structure, noting recent recruitments aimed at achieving a balanced mix of junior and senior staff.

The initiative, he noted, is expected to enhance mentorship and support for younger staff members contributing to the Faculty’s long-term sustainability.

Professor Adamu further highlighted the ongoing efforts by the Niger State government to support the University’s growth, including the construction of a new teaching hospital. This facility is expected to cater to various programs, including MBBS, Pharmaceutical and Nursing Sciences.

He also expressed confidence that the development would help meet the requirements of regulatory bodies like the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the PharmD program.

Also speaking, the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Pharm. Ibrahim Baba Shehu Ahmed provided strategic advice on the university’s new initiatives.

His remarks highlighted the importance of sustained effort and oversight in maintaining the quality of the programs, emphasizing the role of the Council in ensuring continuous improvement.

Pharm. Baba Ahmed shared his experience from a recent visit to another university, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum throughout the implementation process.

He stressed the importance of maintaining the current energy levels, urging IBBUL to avoid a decline in momentum.

To address this challenge, Pharm. Baba Ahmed disclosed that he had developed a new approach for monitoring University programs, which involves unannounced visits to ensure compliance and continuous progress.

He emphasized that the long-term impact of these programs relies on the ability of trained graduates to uphold professional standards.

In his vote of thanks, the Registrar of the University, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, expressed deep appreciation to the advisory team for its efforts.

He highlighted the team’s dedication and emphasized the university’s gratitude for the observations provided, assuring that the recommendations would be taken seriously.

The visit underscored the Council’s commitment to supporting the growth of pharmacy education at IBB University, aligning with the institution’s vision for becoming a World-Class university.

The Niger State House of Assembly Committee on Education has paid an oversight visit to Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai with the Chairman of the Committee and member representing Tafa Constituency, Honorable Muhammad Sani Idris applauding the Management for its remarkable achievements and pledge to continue to support the institution’s sustained growth and success.

The Committee was received by the Management led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu at the University Senate Chamber.

Honorable Sani Idris stressed on the unprecedented growth of the University over the years, emphasizing that all citizens of Niger State should take pride in the institution’s progress.

“As a true Nigerlite, you must always feel proud that you have such a university in your state,” he stated.

The Chairman praised the Vice Chancellor’s effective leadership, highlighting that the Management’s approach to handling issues had significantly reduced the need for external intervention.

“The way you confront issues has made a lot of our work easier. If not, we would have been here almost every other time to address concerns,” he remarked.

He noted that the Committee’s visit was part of its oversight function to address the University’s needs and challenges.

He hinted that the visit was timed to align with the State’s budget appropriation process, allowing for a comprehensive review of the University’s financial needs for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Committee Chairman further explained that they were committed to supporting the University by advocating for the necessary budget allocations.

“This is the time we felt we should articulate whatever we need to ensure that we get what the University needs for the coming financial year,” he affirmed.

The committee’s oversight visit included an in-depth review of the University’s 2024 budget performance, ongoing projects, and internal revenue generation.

The Honorable member emphasized the importance of understanding these details to advocate effectively during the budget appropriation process.

“We need to articulate all these details when we face the issue of appropriation,” he explained.

He assured the University of the Committee’s partnership, stating that they were around as partners, not as watchdogs.

Earlier the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu, expressed gratitude for the Assembly’s familiarization and oversight visit while highlighting the institution’s rapid growth, achievements, and ongoing challenges.

Professor Adamu emphasized the importance of the Assembly’s visit to the University, stating, that it was a great honour and privilege to have the Honorable members”.

The Vice Chancellor acknowledged the critical role played by the State government and Assembly in supporting the University since its establishment.

“I appreciate His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Niger State, and the Speaker of the House of Assembly for their unwavering support and cooperation, which have significantly contributed to our growth,” he noted.

He also reminded the Assembly members of their continued support for the University’s needs.

Professor Adamu highlighted the University’s strides in expanding its academic offerings and infrastructure.

“IBB University is growing rapidly in academic programs, infrastructure, and human capital development,” he announced.

He further emphasized that the University has earned recognition not only among its peers, but also compared favourably to first generation universities across the country.

“We have introduced thirty-four postgraduate programs, including the ICEeL’s postgraduate program in Minna, bringing education closer to our people,” he stated.

He also highlighted the new academic programs that have been launched, such as the MBBS program, which is currently at the 200 level, and announced the commencement of Law and Pharmaceutical Sciences programs for the 2024/2025 academic session.

“We have received approval from the NUC to begin these new programs, with a quota of 50 students for each,” he said, adding that a new Faculty of Environmental Design is also being established to focus on renewable energy and climate change, positioning the Institution as a leader in these critical fields.

Despite the positive developments, Professor Adamu did not shy away from addressing the challenges facing the University. “One of the significant challenges we face is funding,” he admitted.

“As the University grows, there should be an increase in subvention to address our staffing gaps and support our expanding programs.”

The Vice Chancellor appealed to the Assembly to continue its support, especially in securing additional funding and resolving outstanding allowances for staff to prevent disruptions during examinations.

“Our children are writing exams, and we do not want anything to interfere with that process,” he stressed, calling on the Assembly to help maintain a stable academic environment.

In their separate remarks during interactive session, Honorable Idris Vatsa, member representing Lapai constituency, and his counterparts Honorable Umar Nasir Paiko, representing Paiko constituency voiced their concerns over lack of adequate funding from the Niger State Ministry for Tertiary Education.

They revealed that for the University not to have accessed any capital expenditure funds for about three years, is alarming and detrimental to the institution’s development.

Speaking candidly to the University’s Management and the Committee members present, the members expressed their dismay at the Ministry’s failure to provide the necessary financial support for the University’s growth.

They emphasized the importance of timely and sufficient funding for the University, which is critical for the expansion of infrastructure, enhancement of academic programs, and overall institutional development.

Honorable Vatsa on his own, urged the University to be more proactive in engaging with the Ministry of Tertiary Education to ensure that funds allocated to the institution are released without undue delay.

He stressed that without such engagement, the University might continue to face financial constraints that could hinder its growth and ability to offer quality education.

He further encouraged the University to maintain regular communication with the House Committee on Education to facilitate better support in securing funds for ongoing projects.

The Registrar,
Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, in a vote of thanks extended heartfelt thanks to members of House Committee on Education for their oversight visit to the University.

He expressed deep appreciation for the Committee’s commitment to supporting the institution’s growth and development.

Alhaji Kusherki noted that the visit was a significant show of support from the State Legislature, underlining the Committee’s dedication to advancing higher education in Niger State.

“Your presence here today demonstrates your unwavering commitment to our University’s growth, and we are deeply grateful,” he said.

He acknowledged the Committee’s efforts to understand the University’s achievements, challenges, and future plans, noting that their constructive feedback and genuine concern would help shape the institution’s progress.

The Registrar also thanked the Chairman of the House Committee and his team for their insightful questions and commitment to finding solutions to the Institution’s challenges, particularly in funding, infrastructure, and human capital development.
Alhaji
Kusherki extended special gratitude to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Niger State, and the Speaker of the House of Assembly, for their continued support of the university.

He emphasized the University’s commitment to becoming a center of excellence in education, research, and community service.

The oversight visit by the House Committee on Education included tours of the University’s facilities and discussions on future developments, aiming to strengthen the institution’s relationship with the State Legislature.

Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Researchers

The Vice Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu, has commissions high impact research equipment and consumables worth Thirty-five million naira and reiterated the University Management’s unwavering commitment to supporting its scientists and researchers in their pursuit of groundbreaking research and innovation.

He made this known at the Center for Applied Sciences and Technology Research (CASTER), venue of the event.

Professor Adamu commended Dr. Hussaini Majiya, the recipient of the research grant, for his dedication and hard work in securing the funds.

He encouraged him to continue his efforts and aim for an even more substantial grant of a billion naira.

“Dr Majiya has set a commendable example of what is possible with determination and excellence in research. I urge all our researchers to follow his lead and strive to attract more high-impact grants, “he reiterated.

The Vice Chancellor also seized the opportunity to reaffirm the University’s challenge to its researchers and scientists to compete for high-impact research grants, underscoring the significance of such grants in elevating the Institution’s reputation both nationally and internationally.

He also stressed that the future of the University’s research capabilities depended on continuous support and investments in scientific endeavors.

“Our commitment to supporting research is unwavering. We understand that high-impact research is critical to our university’s growth and its contribution to society. Therefore, we will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure our researchers have the resources and motivation they need to excel, “he said

In his remarks, the Coordinating Director of Research and Development, Professor Nuhu George Obaje who spoke through his Deputy, Dr. Hussaini Majiya, expressed gratitude to the University Management for the continuous support to research in the University, stressing that such gesture has produced a winner of the prestigious UNESCO and Third World Academy of Science (TWAS) research grant.

He called on other researchers in the University to remain steadfast by working harder to win more grants.

Professor Obaje reiterated the Directorate’s commitment to encouraging young researchers to develop.

Also speaking, the Director of the Centre for Applied Sciences and Technology Research (CASTER), Professor Folorunsho Alimi Lawal, explained that CASTER serves as the coordinating centre for all research activities in the University, including postgraduate research and various National Research Fund (NRF) grants workshops and seminars.

Highlighting the central role the Centre plays in guiding and managing research efforts across the institution,
Professor Lawal revealed that several research grants are currently being managed under its auspices, including national and institutional-based research projects.

The Centre, he added, is home to twenty research groups drawn from three key Faculties: Natural Science, Applied Science, and Agricultural Economics and Extension.

The Director praised Dr. Hussaini Majiya for his achievement and announced that Dr. Majiya will conduct a “step-down” workshop to train other researchers in the University on how to access similar grants.

“We are proud of Dr. Majiya’s success, and we are confident that his experience will greatly benefit other researchers in IBBUL. Through the step-down workshop, we aim to build a strong culture of grant-winning and high-quality research that will bring more accolades to our university,” he said.

In a remark, Dr Hussaini Majiya, who is the winner of the grant and the Deputy Coordinating Director of Research and Development, thanked the University Management for its unwavering support, which he said was a critical factor in his success.

He further explained that the grant was used to procure sophisticated research equipment and sponsored five postgraduate students, as required by the grant’s stipulations.

Dr. Majiya assured the University Management of his commitment to continue winning high-value research grants, which would benefit both the Institution and the broader academic community.

He announced plans to organize a “step-down” workshop to share his knowledge and experience with other researchers on how to win and access similar grants.

“I am committed to helping my colleagues understand the processes involved in securing research funding so that we can continue to bring more accolades and resources to our University,” he added.

In a vote of thanks, the Registrar, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, expressed gratitude to the Research Centre for its outstanding achievements which has significantly raised the profile of the University on a global scale.

“The visibility of our university is now worldwide. We are competing with renowned institutions, winning grants, and earning both national and international honours,” he stated.

Alhaji Kusherki reiterated the Management’s commitment to continuously support the University’s Scientists and researchers in conducting research that will bring recognition and glory to the Institution.

The research equipment, donated through a grant from the UNESCO and the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), included an additional ten million Naira for consumables.

The grant is aimed at enhancing the research capabilities of IBBUL’s scientists, positioning the University as a centre for cutting-edge research in Nigeria and beyond.

The newly commissioned equipment, include a range of advanced scientific tools such as the Rotavapour R-100 with a Vertical glassware assembly, an F-100 Recirculating Chiller, a Vacuum Pump V-100, an Interface I-100, an Automated Colony Counter Acolyte 3HD, and a Large-capacity Shaker Incubator.

These state-of-the-art equipment are expected to significantly enhance the research capabilities of the University’s scientists and students.

They are also expected to bolster the University’s research output, allowing the Institution to further establish itself as a leading research institution in Nigeria and beyond.

A total of One Hundred and Eight students from Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai have been awarded scholarships by the TY Danjuma Foundation.

The scholarship award which is through the Victim Support Fund(VSF) in support of students of the University from the various local governments affected by terrorism covers tuition fees, accommodation and upkeep.

Speaking at a brief ceremony to present the award letters to beneficiaries, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu advised them to strictly comply with the guidelines laid down by the foundation for their academic development.

He urged them to maximally utilize the opportunity to improve on their respective Cumulative Grade Point Average.

Professor Adamu who appreciated the laudable efforts of General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma in human capital development, also said the University Management will periodically request for the sustenance of the gesture.

The Vice Chancellor expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the University’s Directorate of Student Affairs for the number of students selected to benefit.

Making further clarification, the Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Joel Haruna Maichibi disclosed that a total of over Four Hundred 400level students from the University applied for the scheme, with One Hundred and Eight selected as beneficiaries.

He said the Foundation’s gesture covers most of the local governments in the State affected by terrorism, stressing that the process involved screening, interview and a lot of investigations into the details earlier provided by the beneficiaries.

He thanked the University Management for the total support given during the process.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Naziru Mohammed, appreciated the University Management and TY Danjuma Foundation for the gesture and said the scholarship award would go a long way to help in the pursuit of their academic excellence.

In a closing remarks, the Registrar, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki noted that the University Management was initially scared when the issue was tabled before it, but was later was convinced, affirming that the fear stem from the fact that scammers are all over it was good to protect the students.

He thanked the Foundation and advised the beneficiaries to make use of the opportunity to make themselves comfortable academically.

Alhaji Kusherki further advised the students to inform their parents in order to get some load off them.