As the world preferentially move towards green (eco-friendly) sustainable services and goods, Scientists in Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai have continued their efforts in the development of eco-friendly and cheap alternative solutions,
innovations and products.

This was evident in the presentations of final Tetfund IBR reports at the Center for Applied Sciences and Technology Research (CASTER), Professor Nuhu George Obaje Building, at the main campus in Lapai.

Four Researchers made presentations of their innovations which promised to have good impact on food safety and security, personal and public health, and energy.

The session which was chaired by Professor Ugo Elele of Department of Chemistry, had presentation by Dr. Yakubu Azeh of Department of Chemistry, on ‘The Use of Modified Nano Clays to Prevent Growth of Molds and Mycotoxins in Stored Food Grains’.

Other presentations were, Dr. Umar Muhammad Badeggi of Department of Chemistry, on ‘Production of Anti-diabetic Nano Particles from Leaves of Mango Trees’; Dr. Umar Sadiq of Department of Physics, on the ‘Production of Electric Transformer Cooling Oil from Cashew Kernel Oil’; and Dr. Yakubu Ndatsu of Department of Biochemistry, on the ‘Implications of Substituting Fish Meal with Beni Seeds in the Diet of Cat Fish.’

In his remarks, the Director of the Centre, Dr. Hussaini Majiya, stated that the topics were exciting innovations and solutions with lots of potentials.

He urged further work with more grants, patents and possible commercialisations.

The CASTER is charged with the Monitoring and Evaluation of research activities in the subject areas under its jurisdiction.

The Vice-Chancellor, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, has described the Institution’s maiden Postgraduate Supervisors’ Workshop as a historic step towards repositioning its postgraduate education for global competitiveness.

Declaring the workshop open through the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Mohammed Aliyu Bello, Professor Sulaiman said the theme, “Fast-Tracking Postgraduate Programmess Through Adoption of Global Best Practices”, was both timely and relevant as universities worldwide were rethinking the structure, content, and supervision of postgraduate programs in response to emerging global trends and societal needs.

The Vice-Chancellor stressed that postgraduate education plays a pivotal role in innovation, knowledge dissemination, and national development, but faces persistent challenges such as supervision delays, low publication output, and inadequate research funding.

He explained that the workshop was designed to equip supervisors with modern supervision techniques, digital tools, and ethical guidelines that can accelerate postgraduate delivery without compromising quality.

Professor Sulaiman noted that IBBU was implementing series of reforms, including digitizing processes, curriculum review, training of supervisors, and policy adjustments to enhance research output and timely completion.

The Vice Chancellor commended the School of Postgraduate Studies for initiating the annual workshop, appreciating the contributions of internal and external resource persons as well as the support of Niger State Governor, Farmer Governor Umar Muhammad Bago, for his investment in tertiary education.

Earlier, the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Professor MohammedAbubakar Mawoli, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and the entire Management for their support, noting that the workshop would serve as a platform for certifying supervisors, refining policies, and addressing operational gaps.

He announced reforms including virtual oral examinations, appointment of external supervisors, examination computation software, and digitized course registration.

The workshop featured three key technical sessions with Professor of Agricultural Economy at Federal University of Technology Professor Michael Akindele Ojo who delivered an in-depth paper on the theme, “Fast-Tracking Postgraduate Programs Through Global Best Practices,” highlighting practical models for improving supervision efficiency and aligning programs with international standards.

On his part, IBBUL’s Director of Quality Assurance, Professor Ebenezer Ogungbe, spoke on “Understanding Policies and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Postgraduate Programs”, offering insights into aligning institutional procedures with regulatory benchmarks for better outcomes.

Also Director of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, examined, “Ethical Considerations in Using Artificial Intelligence for Educational Purposes from a Postgraduate Research Perspective”, stressing responsible AI adoption to maintain integrity and originality in research.

The resource persons underscored the importance of effective supervision, student-centered mentorship, adherence to ethical standards, and international collaboration in enhancing the quality and timeliness of postgraduate research.

They encouraged supervisors to engage regularly with their students, provide clear research direction, and adopt strategies that foster timely completion while maintaining high academic standards.

The Centre for Counselling and Career Services, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, has organised a one-day capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing career guidance and employability among principal officers, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, Level Advisers, and Final-year students, With the theme: “Career Service Enlightenment and Employment Opportunities,” held at the University Auditorium.

The event sought to bridge the gap between academic training and the demands of the modern labour market.

Declaring the workshop open, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, (Academic), Professor Mohammed Aliyu Bello, said the programme was timely in view of the rapid global changes in the job market.

“The era when degrees automatically guaranteed jobs are over. Employers are looking for skills, character, innovation, and readiness to learn. This workshop is an opportunity for our students to prepare themselves to become not just job seekers but job creators,” he stated.

Professor Sulaiman emphasised the importance of aligning academic programmes with market demands, equipping students with 21st-century skills such as digital literacy, communication, artificial intelligence, and adaptability.

He added that the University is working towards institutionalising the Centre for Counselling and Career Services as a hub for industry engagement, alumni mentoring, internship placements, and professional development.

In her remarks, the Director of the Centre, Professor (Mrs) Rose. O. Bukoye, said the Centre plays a crucial role in preparing students for the world of work by equipping them with employable skills and providing career guidance. She noted that unemployment, especially among graduates, remains a major challenge in Nigeria, and called for greater collaboration among universities, government, and industry to address the situation.

She outlined the Centre’s services to include, career counselling, guidance, job search training, résumé writing, alumni networking, and skills development in communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and ICT.

The Director also recommended that the government should create more jobs through economic diversification, strengthen entrepreneurship education, support small businesses with funding and mentorship, embed practical skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, ICT and problem-solving in University programmes, and implement policies to support the informal sector.

She also called for more labour market interventions, industry–university partnerships, and incentives to curb brain drain, while urging Nigerian youths to embrace integrity, avoid criminal activities and see themselves as future leaders with a responsibility to build the nation.

Other presentations at the workshop included, “Bridging the Skills Gap: Leveraging ICT to Improve Students’ Employability”, by the Director of ICT, Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi; “The Role of Level Advisers in Students’ Academic and Career Success,” by Professor James .B. Omonu; and “Entrepreneurship Innovation and Employability: Creating Opportunities for Students’ Success,” by Deputy Director of Entrepreneurship Innovation and Development, Mrs. Zarah Uthman.

In a vote of thanks, University Counsellor Professor (Mrs) Felicia Omini expressed appreciation to the University Management, staff of the Centre, and all participants for their contributions to the success of the workshop.

The Vice-Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, has expressed deep appreciation to the Niger State Contributory Health Agency (NICARE) for visiting the institution to condole with management over recent losses suffered.

Professor Sulaiman noted that true friendship is tested during times of grief, adding that NICARE’s gesture has reinforced its standing as a valued partner to the University.

“You are the only organization that has come physically to share in our grief. We are truly grateful and look forward to strengthening our partnership for the benefit of staff and students,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged that the University recently experienced an unfortunate incident which led to the temporary suspension of academic activities. He stressed that such occurrences are not peculiar to IBBUL but are common in higher institutions, particularly in developing nations where diverse student backgrounds converge.

“We have put the incident behind us, resumed full academic activities, and pray this will be the last of such in the foreseeable future,” he added.

Professor Sulaiman also mourned the passing of the University’s Pro-Chancellor’s wife, describing her as a humble and accommodating figure who was loved by her family and community.

He prayed for the repose of her soul and those of other departed members of the University.

In his remarks, NICARE’s Director of Operations, Pharmacist Attahiru Shehu Malagi, said the delegation was sent by the Executive Secretary of the Niger State Contributory Health Agency to personally convey condolences and reaffirm solidarity with the University.

He explained that the visit was deliberately delayed to allow tensions to settle following the recent campus unrest and closure.

“When the incident happened, the environment was tense and potentially unsafe for a condolence visit. However, we felt it was important to be here once the situation improved, to show that NICARE is a partner in both good and difficult times,” he stated.

Pharmacist Attahiru stressed that the Agency’s partnership with IBBUL extends beyond providing healthcare services to students and staff, to fostering a sense of community support.

“In life, loss is inevitable, but so is the duty to stand by one another. We pray that Allah will forgive the departed, comfort their families, and give the University the resilience to continue its academic mission,” he added.

He also reaffirmed NICARE’s commitment to working closely with the University’s Third-Party Administrator (TPA) to ensure quality and accessible healthcare for all students and staff, saying the collaboration would be further strengthened in the coming months.

In his closing remarks, the Registrar and Secretary to the University Council, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, expressed profound appreciation for the visit, noting that NICARE was the first partner to physically come to Lapai to condole with the University.

“This is not just a routine courtesy call; it is a true demonstration of empathy and partnership. You came all the way from your base to be with us during a painful period, and that means a lot to the Management, staff, and students of IBBUL,” he said.

Alhaji Kusherki urged the NICARE delegation to extend the University’s gratitude to the agency’s Executive Secretary and reaffirmed the Institution’s commitment to maintaining a strong working relationship with the health agency.

“We value this partnership, and today’s visit has strengthened it even further. We wish you a safe journey back and look forward to more fruitful engagements,” he concluded.

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai and El-Amin University, Minna, have pledged to deepen academic collaboration aimed at boosting manpower development, research capacity, and shared use of facilities, especially in the health sciences.

Speaking while receiving a delegation from El-Amin University, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, expressed the University’s readiness to offer support, noting that both institutions share historical and developmental ties.

“I want to assure you that our anatomy and physiology laboratories in the College of Health Sciences are among the best I have seen. We have expanded our cadaver room, improved waste disposal systems, and upgraded our histology laboratory with high-quality microscopes and teaching materials,” he said.

He encouraged El-Amin University’s academic staff to visit IBBU ahead of upcoming accreditation exercises to familiarize themselves with the facilities, adding that practical teaching manuals would be made available to support their training.

Earlier, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of El-Amin University, Dr. Emmanuel Zwanbin, described the visit as a step toward formalizing cooperation between the two institutions.
“We may be a young university, but we have innovative ideas that we would like you to help translate. We seek opportunities for collaborative research, joint conferences, and access to your anatomy and physiology labs as part of our preparation for NUC accreditation,” he stated.

Prof. Zwanbin noted that El-Amin University currently runs 14 programmes, with its law Faculty as the flagship, and plans to commence Nursing and Medical Science programmes later in the year.

Speaking separately, other members of the University Management recalled that collaboration between both institutions had already begun informally through staff exchanges and consultancy roles.

The Registrar, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, in his vote of thanks, emphasized the mutual benefits of inter-university cooperation and assured El-Amin University of continued partnership in academic and research endeavours.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to building a lasting relationship that will enhance the quality of education and service delivery to their respective communities.

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un

The Council, Management, Senate, Staff and Students of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai announce, with deep sorrow, the death of Hajiya Aisha Sheikh Abdullah , after a brief illness on Tuesday, 5th August, 2025.

Hajiya Aisha was, until her death wife of Professor Ahmed Sheikh Abdullah (Magajin Garin Nupe), the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai.

She was a devoted housewife who contributed immensely to the growth and development of her her immediate family and her community.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman has condoled the family on behalf of the University community and prayed Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased and grant her Aljannah Firdausi.

He urged the family to take solace in the fact that it is the Almighty Allah who gives and who takes.

The deceased will be buried in Zaria according to Islamic rites.

May Allah, the Almighty give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Signed:
Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki

A delegation from the House of Representatives Committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Other Services has paid an oversight visit to Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, as part of its nationwide technical assessment of TETFund-supported projects between 2021 and 2024.

Leading the team was Martha Chioma Mbalisi JP, Clerk of the House Committee, who explained that the visit was part of a broader mandate by the National Assembly to evaluate the implementation, progress, and challenges of TETFund interventions in tertiary institutions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

“Our focus is on completed, ongoing, and flagged projects and we are particularly interested in understanding any difficulties institutions may face in accessing or executing TETFund projects. One project at your University was listed as distressed, but your Desk Officer has clarified that it is still ongoing. We intend to inspect it physically to assess the level of completion and identify any gaps,” Mbailisi said.

She added that the visit, which will span several days in Niger State, would culminate in a detailed report to the Committee, with the aim of recommending necessary legislative or administrative interventions.

Mbailisi conveyed greetings from the Committee Chairperson and appreciated the University for its preparedness and cooperation. noting that the delegation included a consultant who would help collate findings for onward presentation.

Welcoming the delegation, Vice Chancellor Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Professor Mohammed Aliyu Bello, expressed gratitude for the visit and reiterated the University’s commitment to transparency and growth.

“We acknowledge that some of our checkpoint related projects along access roads are still ongoing. While we hoped to host the full technical committee. We understand the urgency of your assignment and are pleased to work with your delegation,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the University’s logistical and infrastructural challenges particularly in student accommodation.

“Out of our student population of over 19,000, fewer than 2,000 live on campus. This forces the majority into expensive and often unsafe off-campus housing. We are appealing for more TETFund support in hostel development to reduce the current burden on students and parents. On-campus accommodation would significantly improve safety and affordability,” he maintained.

Professor Hadi Sulaiman also noted that the visit coincided with the first day of resumption after over a month closure, following students protest after the loss of a student and a temporary shutdown ordered by the State Government.

In his remarks, Registrar Alhaji Idris Sale Kusherki Represented by Establishment Secretary, Mr. Sunday Gana, stated that IBB University remains one of the fastest-growing state universities in the country, with a vision to expand access to quality tertiary education in the North-Central region.

He reaffirmed the institution’s appreciation for the committee’s oversight role and partnership in advancing quality education.

As Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, prepares for the full resumption of second semester academic activities, the Institution is set to unveil a new phase in its entrepreneurship drive with the immediate launch of its university run bakery, confectionery, and sachet and bottled water production Units at the Centre for Entrepreneurship Innovation and Development (CEID).

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, announced this while addressing a delegation from GIZ COPA at the University.

He emphasized the Institution’s readiness to integrate practical skill acquisition into the campus experience.

According to the Vice Chancellor, the initiative is part of a broader intervention by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), aimed at promoting entrepreneurship education and fostering economic self-reliance among Nigerian university students.

“We are pleased to announce that the University Bakery and Water production projects are now ready to commence operations. These facilities are not just business ventures but learning hubs that will equip our students with hands-on skills in food processing, packaging, branding, and business management,” he said.

He added that the development aligns with IBBUL’s long term strategy to reposition academic training with practical and entrepreneurial relevance. The new Units will also serve as platforms for internships, industrial training, and research for students in related disciplines.

He then congratulated the Centre for Entrepreneurship Innovation and Development (CEID) for the milestone achievement.

The Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Innovation and Development, Professor Idris Ndagi, commended the Vice Chancellor for his visionary leadership, describing the new ventures as a “giant step forward” in making IBBUL a model for enterprise-driven education.

“These are not just academic add-ons. They are deliberate, strategic components of the University’s mission to prepare graduates for the real world, ” he noted.

The new production Units are also expected to generate internal revenue for the University while creating temporary employment opportunities for skilled students and staff.

With the academic calendar set to resume fully in the coming weeks, the university community and surrounding towns are already expressing optimism that the renewed entrepreneurial focus will bring fresh energy and innovation to campus life.

In a strategic move to reposition its entrepreneurship education, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, is set to deepen its curriculum through a new partnership with the German Development Agency, GIZ COPA under the Integrated Curriculum for Skills and Startups (ICSS) initiative.

Receiving a delegation from GIZ COPA at the University, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, underscored the urgent need to shift from conventional academic models to skill-based learning that promotes self-reliance and innovation among students.

“Graduates must begin to see themselves not just as job seekers, but as job creators,” Professor Sulaiman declared.

“This is why entrepreneurship must be at the heart of our academic direction. Through initiatives like ICSS and support from agencies like GIZ, we are laying the foundation for a more empowered generation.”

The Vice Chancellor also disclosed that IBBUL had recently received a TETFund intervention dedicated to entrepreneurship development, with projects such as a University Bakery and Table Water production unit designed to offer hands on experience for students and staff.

In his remarks Mr. Pike Bruns, a representative of GIZ COPA, reiterated the Agency’s commitment to strengthening entrepreneurship education across Nigerian universities.

He said the ICSS curriculum was developed to provide practical business knowledge that goes beyond theory, enabling students to launch viable startups even before graduation.

“We see ICSS as a long-term investment. By collaborating with institutions like IBBUL, we hope to inspire a shift in how universities prepare their graduates not just for the labour market, but for leadership in business and innovation,” Bruns noted

Also speaking, the Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Development, Professor Idris Ndagi, welcomed the partnership as a timely intervention that aligns with the University’s vision. He expressed optimism that the collaboration would enrich the University’s academic offerings and enhance students’ readiness for the dynamic Nigerian economy.

“The ICSS team has shown strong interest in returning for follow-up engagements. We’ve requested their curriculum modules, which will soon be shared with our lecturers and relevant departments to kick-start the next phase of integration,” Professor Ndagi revealed.

The ICSS initiative, supported by GIZ, is designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and entrepreneurial practice, offering students the tools to build sustainable businesses from local opportunities. The partnership with IBBUL is expected to significantly boost the University’s capacity to produce self-sufficient graduates who contribute meaningfully to national development.

Following a comprehensive review of security measures and infrastructure improvements, His Excellency, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Executive Governor of Niger State, has approved the immediate reopening of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai. The institution was temporarily closed due to security concerns and the unfortunate loss of lives within the University community.

A statement issued by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman disclosed that Farmer Governor Bago was satisfied with the robust security architecture and infrastructural developments put in place to safeguard students, staff and the University community. Consequently, he has directed that academic activities resume on Monday, 4th August, 2025.

The SSG emphasized the Government’s unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of students and staff while ensuring uninterrupted academic progress.

Alhaji Usman commended the collaborative efforts of security operatives, University authorities and community leaders in addressing the challenges that led to the closure.

According to the SSG, “Governor Bago, while approving the reopening, emphasized that the safety and welfare of students and staff remain a top priority for his administration. He reiterated his commitment to education as a cornerstone of development, assuring the University community of the Government’s continued support”.

The statement implored all returning students and staff to adhere strictly to the security protocols and to cooperate fully with University authorities for a smooth and safe resumption.