The Centre for Gender Affairs at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai has marked this year’s International Women’s Day with the theme: “Sensitization on Sexual Harassment and Drug Abuse”.

The event which took place at the Auditorium, main campus, provided a platform for discussions on gender equality, campus safety, and the dangers of drug abuse.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, emphasized the importance of fostering a safe and inclusive academic environment, acknowledging that both male and female students could be victims of sexual harassment.

He proposed the establishment of campus ambassadors to act as peer educators and urged traditional and religious leaders to actively engage in awareness efforts, warning on the rising prevalence of drug abuse and noting its links to violence and criminal activities with a needed collective action to combat these challenges.

The Director of the Centre, Professor Naomi John Dadi- Mahmud, highlighted the significance of the event, stressing that sexual harassment and drug abuse are serious societal issues affecting young people.

She provided an overview of Nigeria’s legal framework, addressing sexual offenses, referencing Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution, the Penal Code, the Criminal Code, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP 2015).

In their presentations, Professor Roseline Bukoye, a professor of Counseling and Psychology, spoke on “Sexual Harassment: Morals and Dressing, while Assistant Commander of Narcotics Wade Yakubu Umar from NDLEA discussed, “Sexual Harassment and Drug Abuse”.

They defined sexual harassment as any unwelcome verbal, non-verbal, or physical sexual behaviour that makes a person feel uncomfortable, humiliated, or intimidated, with examples including unwanted touching, suggestive comments, or persistent advances.

Drug abuse, on the other hand, was described as the misuse of substances like cocaine, cannabis, codeine, and opioids, leading to addiction, mental health issues, and other negative consequences.

The speakers emphasized that morality plays a key role in preventing sexual harassment, as respect, self-control, and empathy help individuals understand personal boundaries and the impact of inappropriate behavior.

In her Vote of Thanks, Dr. Balarabe Abubakar Sule, Deputy Director, Centre for Gender Affairs, expressed gratitude to, the Vice-Chancellor, the Speakers and all participants for their contributions.

She acknowledged the Centre’s commitment to gender justice and student welfare, assuring that its impact would continue to be felt across campus.

The event concluded with a call to action, urging students and staff to become advocates of gender justice, campus safety, and a drug-free environment, reinforcing IBBUL’s reputation as a center of excellence, morality, and inclusion.

The Student Affairs Division of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai has successfully hosted its 18th Orientation Programme for newly admitted students.

The event, which held at the University Auditorium, aimed to familiarize students with the Institution’s policies, academic expectations, and available resources to ensure a smooth transition into university life.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Professor Muhammad Aliyu Bello, cautioned students against engaging in social vices such as cultism, examination misconduct, and other unruly behaviors.

Congratulating the students, the Vice Chancellor emphasized the highly competitive nature of the admission process.

“Over 9,000 candidates applied for admission into IBBUL through JAMB, but only about 5,550 were successful. This is a rare opportunity, and I encourage you to make the most of it,” he stated.

He further noted that the orientation programme was designed to acquaint students with the University’s rules, regulations, and facilities, including the Library, ICT, University Clinic, and the Student Hostels.

“The University is a diverse environment where you will meet different kinds of people—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Choose your friends wisely. Associate with serious-minded students who share your academic aspirations,” he advised.

The Vice Chancellor also stressed the importance of decent dressing, urging students to respect the University’s dress code.

“Avoid sagging trousers, tattered jeans, or revealing outfits. Dress decently and conduct yourselves in a manner that reflects your status as responsible students,” he cautioned.

In his remarks, the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Musa Salihu Ewugi, congratulated the new students and highlighted the significance of the orientation programme as a platform to provide answers to their key concerns about university life.

He acknowledged the transition from secondary school to university, where students move from a strictly regulated environment to one that offers greater freedom but also demands personal responsibility.

“Your success in this University will depend on your ability to manage this newfound freedom wisely. Smart decision-making and discipline will be key to achieving academic excellence,” he noted.

The orientation programme featured presentations from various speakers, covering important topics such as:

“Knowing Your University”, Dr. Tenenge Ende;
“Living a Moral and Godly Life for Academic Success”, Ustaz Mustapha and Professor A. O Olorunsanya;
“Living a Healthy Campus Life”, Director, Medical Services;
“University Rules, Students’ Rights, and Responsibilities”, Professor Ebenezer O. Ogungbe;
“Dress Code and Acceptable Conduct”, Mrs. A.A. Aminat;
“Understanding Course Units”, Professor Aliyu Y. Badeggi;
“Sports Activities”, Mr. Adamu Kuta;
“ICT and Its Role in Learning”, Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi;
“Insecurity Challenges in Nigeria: The Role of University Campuses”, A.S.O. Muhammad Zubairu; and
“The Importance of Counseling,”Professor Roseline Bukoye

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Comrade Mohammed Ganako, urged the new students to be law-abiding, good ambassadors of their parents, and focused on their studies.

In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Haruna Maichibi, expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Suleiman and his management team for their unwavering support and commitment to student welfare.

“We remain grateful to the University leadership for their dedication to creating an environment conducive to learning and student development. Their continuous support and trust in the Student Affairs Division enable us to carry out our responsibilities effectively,” he stated.

He also thanked the invited speakers for sharing their knowledge and experiences with the new students.

“We appreciate our distinguished speakers for taking the time to guide and inspire our students today. Your insights will undoubtedly have a lasting impact.”

The orientation programme concluded with a strong call for students to uphold discipline, embrace hard work, and make the best use of their time at IBBUL.

 

The Niger State Government has reiterated its commitment to completion all ongoing projects in Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, including the University’s teaching hospital.

This was disclosed by the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Honourable Abdullahi Adamu Mammagi at the 18th Matriculation Ceremony, held at the General Abubakar A. Abdulsalami Convocation Arena, Lapai.

He congratulated the newly admitted students, acknowledging their academic performance in JAMB, which earned them a place at the prestigious institution.

Honourable Mammagi urged them to dedicate themselves to their studies and be mindful of negative peer influences that could derail their academic journey.

He also extended congratulations to the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, noting that his emergence as the University’s Chief Executive was destiny.

The Commissioner expressed confidence that Professor Sulaiman’s leadership would foster an all-inclusive administration, anchored on innovation and global competitiveness, positioning IBB University as a leading institution of higher learning.

He highlighted the Niger State Government’s commitment to supporting tertiary education through consistent payment of bursaries to indigent students, emphasizing that bursaries were a privilege rather than a right.

Honourable Mammagi further disclosed that, in line with Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s vision for inclusivity, the state had recently conducted an aptitude test in preparation for sending 1,000 underprivileged students abroad to study science, engineering, and medical courses. The initial target countries, he disclosed, include India, Canada, and China.

He commended IBB University for its remarkable strides in infrastructure development, strategic partnerships, and expansion of academic programs, particularly the establishment of the College of Health Sciences, which he described as a significant achievement that has fulfilled the aspirations of many students who wish to pursue medicine.

He particularly emphasized the administration’s dedication to the timely completion of the IBB University Hospital Complex in Minna, which will provide medical students with access to modern facilities for their clinical and preclinical training.

Earlier in his opening remarks the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Hassan Ibrahim, emphasized that matriculation is a fundamental academic tradition that formally admits qualified candidates into the university system and serves as an opportunity to introduce new students to the institution’s rules, regulations, values, and academic culture.

Highlighting the University’s growing reputation, Professor Hadi disclosed that IBB University received over 9,000 applications for undergraduate programmes in the 2024/2025 academic session. These applications spanned across regular academic programmes on the main campus as well as part-time degree programmes under the Institute of Continuing Education and e-Learning (ICEeL) and the Long Vacation Training (LVT).

Out of these applicants, the Vice Chancellor said, over 6,000 candidates successfully met the admission requirements and have now been officially matriculated.

Professor Hadi reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the Institution, emphasizing that, with the continued support of the Niger State Government under Governor Bago, the institution is set to achieve remarkable progress in the next five years.

He acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor and reaffirmed his commitment to elevating the University’s national and international standing.

The Vice-Chancellor underscored the need for innovative funding strategies to drive infrastructural development and called on contractors working with Niger State Government to support the University’s expansion efforts.

One of the key initiatives of the Vice Chancellor is to ensure a 24-hour electricity supply on campus, a move that will significantly reduce operational costs and allow the University to redirect resources toward other developmental projects.

Professor Hadi urged stakeholders, including government agencies, alumni, and private sector partners, to collaborate in achieving the Institution’s long-term vision.

He advised the new students to remain focused on their academic pursuits and avoid distractions that could hinder their success. He encouraged them to seek guidance from academic advisers and take advantage of University resources for their academic and personal development.

The Vice Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Mohammed Hadi Suleiman, has reaffirmed the University’s commitment to its longstanding partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Professor Hassan Ibrahim, the Vice Chancellor expressed deep appreciation for NNPCL’s continuous support to the University’s research endeavours.

He commended the collaboration between IBBU, Lapai and the FUT, Minna in conducting the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Bida Basin, attributing the delays in finalizing the report to the unfortunate passing of Professor Nuhu Obaje, a key figure in the project.

Professor Suleiman emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between theoretical research and industry practice, ensuring that research outputs are demand driven.

The Vice Chancellor also appreciated NNPCL for granting the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) approval, which will be included in the final report to the Federal Ministry of Environment.

He reassured NNPCL of IBBUL’s readiness to strengthen their partnership, highlighting the University’s expertise in research and petroleum studies.

He also urged NNPCL’s Senior Management to continue their collaboration, noting that Professor Obaje had mentored a capable team to sustain the project.

In his presentation the NNPCL Team Leader, Engr. Rabiu Audu, commended IBBUL for its commitment to research and development, acknowledging the Institution’s critical role in supporting NNPCL’s projects, and emphasized the need for continued collaboration.

Dr. Audu explained that while the Sokoto Basin EIA had reached the approval stage, the Bida Basin project had been delayed due to the passing of Professor Obaje.

The team leader noted that the NNPCL intervened to clarify the situation and ensure the project remained on track.

He further noted that the visit aimed to align all stakeholders and prevent further setbacks.

Engr. Audu explained that under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), only the Federal Ministry of Environment can issue the EIA permit, while the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) is responsible for the EMP.

He confirmed that the EMP had already been approved and would be incorporated into the final report.

Engr. Audu also expressed gratitude for the warm reception by IBBUL and reaffirmed NNPCL’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with the University on the EIA project.

In their separate remarks, Professor Alimi Folorunsho Lawal, the Coordinating Director of Research and Development, Dr. Hussain Majiya, Director, Centre for Applied Science and Technology Research, CASTER and Professor Idris Nda of FUT, Minna all emphasized the University’s readiness to sustain its research partnership with NNPCL despite the loss of Professor Obaje.

Professor Alimi reassured NNPCL that the late Professor’s work was supported by a strong and capable team.

He highlighted a recent National Research Grant awarded to a IBBUL petroleum Geologist, who successfully patented a method for exploring failed wells in the Anambra Basin.

He emphasized IBBUL’s strong research team in petroleum Geology and expressed confidence in maintaining a productive collaboration with NNPCL, urging the company to continue supporting the University’s research efforts.

In his closing remarks, the Registrar, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, represented by Director, Strategic Planning, Alhaji Musa Ango Abdullahi, expressed profound appreciation to NNPCL and FUT, Minna for their confidence in IBBUL’s ability to execute the EIA project.

He acknowledged NNPCL’s crucial role as the financial backbone of the project and assured them of IBBUL’s unwavering commitment to delivering quality research.

He also highlighted the keen interest of the Niger State Government in the project and its appreciation of NNPCL’s collaboration with the University.

The Managements of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, and Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the establishment and operationalization of Centre of Excellence for Research and development of African Indigenous food in the University, and fostering collaboration between researchers, farmers and agribusinesses.

The event which took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Conference Hall of the Council was led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Suleiman and the Executive Secretary of the Council, Professor Garba Hamidu Sharubutu.

Speaking before the brief ceremony, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Suleiman expressed delight that the memorandum will mark the commencement of research collaboration by the two respective institutions for the industrialization of indigenous foods for sustainable development and national food security.

He recalled that the proposal was conceived in view of multi-faceted and multidimensional challenges of hunger, poverty and violent conflicts confronting Africa and other third world countries as a result of worsening climate challenges and poverty.

The Vice Chancellor hinted that only coordinated research and development efforts could bring about sustainable development and reduce extreme poverty and hunger in Nigeria and beyond.

Professor Suleiman noted that the Centre, when alive, is expected to bring diversification of food sources for industrial scale-up of alternative proteins from underutilized crops and other agricultural and food wastes.

“On our part, we are confident of the expertise, dedication and commitment our reputable researchers, as much as we have confidence in your zeal and enthusiasm in supporting well planned research initiative from Nigerian researchers”, he added.

He commended the renewal hope of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the green economy of the Farmer Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, and paid tribute to his predecessor, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu for the initial efforts and also a condolence to the late Professor Nuhu Obaje who was the Coordinating Director of Research and development before his demise.

Responding, the Executive Secretary, Professor Garba Hamidu Sharubutu, commended IBB University, Lapai for being the first to go into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Council with a proper understanding and without intervention from any quarters.

He suggested that postgraduate students of Agriculture and other related courses should go into research on indigenous foods at the Centre in IBB University, Lapai.

Professor Sharubutu disclosed that next year’s budget from the Council will cover the University, to include collaborative seminars and conferences to be organized either by the University or the Council.

The Executive Secretary further observed that without research in learning, there cannot be progress, stressing that one of the mandates of the Council was collaboration with universities.

“We are extremely happy with the report of the technical committee that visited your campus. We received the report at our Management meeting and we are impress”, he disclosed.

Also speaking, the University’s Coordinating Director of Research and Development, Professor Alimi Folorunsho Lawal assured the Management of the Council of Professionalism during research activities at the Centre, pointing out that the collaboration was part of the University’s continuous efforts in research.

In a vote of thanks, the University Registrar, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki appreciated the Executive Secretary for the collaboration with the University and assured that there would be no any disappointment.

He said the University Management will continue to monitor the growth of the collaboration for it to succeed.

Highlight of the engagement included a walk round various research outputs by the University team as led by the Executive Secretary, as well as exchange of souvenirs.

 

The Chancellor, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Farouk Bahago, has pledged more support and advocacy to the University, just as he commended the Council for their commitment.

He congratulated the new Council members and the Vice Chancellor on their appointments and urged them to uphold the values of integrity, excellence and inclusivity in piloting the affairs of the Institution.

Alhaji Bahago who is the Emir of Minna reassured the Council of his continued royal support and advocacy in addressing the challenges confronting the University.

He acknowledged the concerns raised, particularly on funding, the completion of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) project, the revitalization of the Bida Basin Oil Exploration initiative, and the urgent need to complete facilities at the College of Medical Sciences.

His Royal Highness emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships with both government and private sectors and other stakeholders to secure additional funding for the University’s expansion, assuring the Council of his readiness to liaise with the Visitor, His Excellency, Farmer Muhammad Umaru Bago, and other relevant authorities to ensure that the University received the necessary attention and resources.

The Chancellor urged the newly inaugurated Council and Vice Chancellor to work with dedication and unity, emphasizing that their leadership will determine the progress of the University.

He expressed confidence in their ability to navigate the challenges ahead and pledged his support for their success.

Earlier in his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah, expressed profound gratitude to the Visitor and the Chancellor, for finding them worthy to serve in such a crucial capacity.

He assured the Chancellor of their unwavering commitment to advancing the University’s vision and mission.

Professor Abdullah who formally introduced the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Suleiman, and other members of the University Council, sought the Chancellor’s royal blessings as they embark on their responsibilities.

He further outlined several critical challenges affecting the Institution’s growth and called for the support of both the Visitor and the Chancellor in addressing them.

Among the pressing concerns raised was the issue of inadequate funding to support the University’s rapid expansion.

He also highlighted the stalled Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) project, describing it as an eyesore that needed urgent attention to enhance the University’s learning infrastructure.

Additionally, Professor Abdullah emphasized the significance of the University’s role as a leading consortium in the Bida Basin Oil Exploration project, which has been put on hold for some time and requires reactivation.

The Pro-Chancellor also drew the attention of the Chancellor to the College of Medical Sciences, stressing the need for increased funding and fast-tracking of the University Teaching Hospital, which is still under construction, pointing out that hostel accommodation for Medical Students must be completed before they reach their final year to ensure a conducive learning environment.

Other key concerns raised included the need for infrastructural development, enhanced research funding, and improved staff welfare to elevate the University’s standing as a center of academic excellence.

The visit ended with prayers for wisdom, strength, and progress in the administration of the Institution