The Director of Sports, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Mohammed Aliyu, has expressed profound appreciation to the University Management for its continuous support toward sports development, assuring that the Institution will return from the forthcoming Nigeria University Games (NUGA) with an impressive medal haul.

Speaking shortly after the University’s outstanding performance at the pre-NUGA trials in Abuja, Professor Aliyu commended both Management and students for their collective efforts that earned IBBUL a qualification spot for the main event.

“First of all, I want to appreciate the Management for giving us this opportunity to attend pre-NUGA,” he said.

“We thank them and pray that Almighty God will continue to give them the strength to assist us. I also want to appreciate the students who, despite our limited participation, gave their best and won most of the games we competed in.”

According to him, the University only participated in a few sporting events at the trials yet achieved remarkable results.

“We couldn’t come with all the games,” he explained, “but with the few we came with, our students worked very hard and secured several medals that qualified us for NUGA. We are grateful to God.”

Highlighting the next phase of preparation, Professor Aliyu disclosed that camping activities will commence immediately in Lapai ahead of the national event slated for November 5th in Jos.

“Our next line of action is to proceed to camp for at least two weeks before the real NUGA,” he said.

“We will present all our contingents and their medals to the Management and then move to Jos fully prepared. By the grace of God, we are not going to disappoint the University.”

The Director reaffirmed IBBUL’s track record of excellence in university games, expressing strong confidence in the athletes’ ability to bring home gold medals.

“They know quite alright that we have never gone for any competition and come back empty handed,” he stated. “This time around, we are not just coming back with silver we are coming back with gold.”

Professor Aliyu particularly praised the Vice Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, for his unwavering interest and investment in sports development.

“The present Vice Chancellor is a sports-loving leader, and we don’t want to disappoint him,” he noted.

“He has never disappointed us either. We only ask that he continues to support us the way he always does. By the grace of God, we will not disappoint him and the university community.”

On the University’s performance at the pre-NUGA trials, the Director revealed that IBBUL excelled in nearly all categories except football and basketball.

“Among all the games we went with to pre-NUGA Abuja, we only lost in Football and Basketball,” he stated.

“We won in the 100m Female (first and second positions), shot-put Female (first), Long Jump (first), Shot-put male (first), Taekwondo Male (first), Tennis Doubles (qualified), Mixed Doubles, 800m female, 400m male (first and third), Mixed Relay (second), and 4×4 Male Relay (first), among others.”

He extended gratitude to his team of coaches, medical staff, and supporting personnel for their commitment and professionalism throughout the competition.

“All these achievements wouldn’t have been possible without my co-staff, the coaches of various games, the medical team, and other supporting staff,” he said.

“We also thank God Almighty for a hitch-free event, no injuries, and safe journey mercies.”

Professor Aliyu concluded with renewed optimism that IBBUL will not only participate but also dominate at the 2025 NUGA Games.

Stakeholders and academic experts have called for strengthened governance structures, digital innovation, effective conflict management, and collaborative security frameworks in Nigerian universities during a two-day strategic governance retreat organized by Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai.

The retreat, which brought together members of the Governing Council, Deans, Directors and Management, as well as external experts, provided a platform to review institutional policies and chart a forward-looking roadmap for university growth and stability.

The second day of the retreat featured series of thought-provoking paper presentations that addressed key issues shaping the future of university administration in Nigeria.

The first paper, titled “Conflict Prevention and Management Strategies in In-House Union Engagement, Staff and Students’ Welfare in Nigerian Universities,” was presented by Professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed of the Department of Sociology, University of Abuja, and former Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

Professor Suleiman explained that conflicts within Nigerian universities are natural and inevitable but can be constructively managed and transformed into opportunities for institutional development.

He identified poor funding, inadequate welfare, and weak communication as major triggers of conflict, recommending participatory leadership, transparency, and proactive engagement between management, unions, and students to ensure peace and academic stability.

The paper was discussed by Professor Aliyu Bello Mohammed, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of IBBU Lapai, and Sirajo Sa’id, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Niger State. The session moderator, Professor A. B. Ahmed, commended the discourse for aligning with the retreat’s central theme of strengthening university governance and welfare.

The second presentation, “Community Policing Approach for Combating Crimes and Drug Abuse in Nigerian Universities and Host Communities,” was by the Commissioner of Police representing the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Useni Gumel of the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The presentation highlighted the dangers of cultism, kidnapping, and drug abuse in tertiary institutions, emphasizing that tackling such threats requires trust-based partnerships among the police, university management, students, and host communities.

The Commissioner of Police also emphasized the vital role of university radio station as a powerful platform for engagement and information management within the academic community.

He noted that the campus radio should be strategically utilized to foster dialogue between students, management, and security agencies through well-structured programmes that promote awareness, discipline, and mutual understanding.

According to him, the radio serves as the fastest and most effective tool for curbing rumours, misinformation, and misconceptions that often arise between the town and gown. By creating interactive and youth-focused content, he said, the university could strengthen trust, enhance security collaboration, and promote a culture of peace and responsible communication among students and the wider community.

Discussants Dr. Emmanuel Umar, Head of the Department of Sociology, IBB University Lapai, and Niger State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Malam Hashim, commended the presentation and offered practical recommendations, including preventive education, student counseling, and advocacy. They urged universities to adopt digital surveillance systems, drug-free campus policies, and civic responsibility courses to promote discipline and sustain academic excellence.

The third paper, “Incorporating Digital Transformation in University Curricular: Stimulating Internationalisation and National Relevance,” was delivered by former Vice-Chancellor of IBBU Lapai, Professor Mohammed Nasirudeen Maiturare.

He underscored the need for Nigerian universities to fully integrate digital transformation into their curricula to remain globally competitive and nationally relevant.

Professor Maiturare explained that digital transformation must go beyond mere technology adoption to become a strategic driver of learning, research, and institutional visibility. He revealed that IBBU Lapai has already taken steps by ensuring that all students, regardless of discipline, undertake ICT-related courses from 100 to 400 level to build digital competence.

He also called for partnerships with global ICT firms and international institutions to enhance research capacity, innovation, and employability.

The need for the University to adopt more strategic and sustainable ways of generating internal revenue through entrepreneurship-driven initiatives was strongly emphasized during the retreat.

Participants stressed that, beyond tuition fees, the Institution should explore innovative ventures such as establishing a university bakery, transport services, commercial water production, agricultural enterprises, printing press, and ICT consultancy units. These initiatives, they noted, would not only boost the University’s internally generated revenue but also provide practical training opportunities for students, promote self-reliance, and strengthen the University’s contribution to community development and economic sustainability.

The Discussant, Dr. Ruth W. Saba, a member of the University’s 6th Council, commended the paper for its insight and alignment with international best practices.

In his closing remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah, lauded the success of the retreat, describing it as an enlightening and unifying exercise for the entire University community. He urged the Management to revisit and review the University’s strategic plan in line with the discussions, particularly in areas of digital transformation and curriculum reform.

Quoting the Scout’s motto, he remarked, “The more we are together, the happier we shall be,” emphasizing that teamwork and collective reflection are essential to institutional progress.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, expressed appreciation to all participants for their active contributions and dedication. He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to implementing the outcomes of the retreat, strengthening collaboration among all stakeholders, and advancing the Institution’s mission of excellence.

At the end of the retreat, a comprehensive communiqué capturing all recommendations and resolutions was drafted and will be transmitted to relevant policymakers and University stakeholders for future action and consideration.

A delegation of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Board of Trustees (BOT), North Central Zone have paid a working visit to Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, to inspect the newly completed University Senate Building and the Faculty of Law complex, both multi-million-naira projects funded by the Agency.

The Leader of the delegation, Engineer Nuruddeen Adeyemi, described the visit as a friendly and a familiarization exercise aimed at assessing the judicious utilization of TETFund interventions by the Institution.

“Our visit is a friendly one. To whom much is given, much is expected. We are here to see how the University has utilized the funds allocated to it, the quality of projects executed, and to also understand the challenges the institution is facing,” Adeyemi explained.

He emphasized that TETFund’s mission is not only to monitor but also to support institutions in achieving educational excellence in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He commended IBB University for its prudence and accountability in managing funds, noting that the Institution benefited from a ₦750 million zonal intervention for student hostel development despite not being a beneficiary institution for 2025.

Engineer Adeyemi further revealed that the University’s distressed projects, including the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, have received renewed attention with ₦426 million proposed to ensure their completion.

He assured that the Board remains committed to addressing peculiar institutional challenges and promoting sustainable infrastructural development.

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, expressed profound appreciation to TETFund for its continuous support and intervention, which he described as “a lifeline for Nigerian universities.”

“I am delighted to welcome you, Engineer Nuruddeen. Although I am just eight months in office, I can testify that without TETFund, most universities would struggle to survive especially in the area of capital projects,” the VC stated.

He noted that the ₦750 million intervention for hostel construction was timely, following student unrest linked to accommodation shortages. According to him, the University has over 21,000 students, with less than 2,000 accommodated on campus, a situation that poses serious security and management challenges.

Professor Sulaiman highlighted the excellent quality of the newly completed Faculty of Law and Senate Building, describing them as “architectural masterpieces that can stand anywhere in the world.”

He disclosed that the Council of Legal Education recently approved the commencement of the University’s Law programme after inspecting the facilities.

The Vice Chancellor appealed for additional TETFund interventions to support large-scale student accommodation, the completion of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (now 70% completed), and the expansion of Medical training infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of applicants.

The Vice Chancellor also called for policy reforms that would allow universities more autonomy in determining their admission capacities for professional programs such as Medicine, in line with available infrastructure and national manpower needs.

In his closing remarks, the Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, represented by the Establishment Secretary, Mr. Sunday Gana, expressed the University’s profound gratitude to TETFund for its unwavering support.

He assured that IBB University would continue to uphold transparency and accountability in the management of all intervention projects while sustaining its partnership with TETFund for the advancement of tertiary education in Nigeria.

The Visitor to Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, and Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening and repositioning the University as a world-class centre of innovation and academic excellence.

Governor Bago stated this at the opening ceremony of a Two-day Retreat for members of the Sixth Governing Council of the University, held at Maizube, Farm Sabon Daga, Bida Road, with the theme: “Accentuating Academic Excellence through Strategic Corporate Governance in the University System.”

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Alhaji Sirajo Sa’id, the Governor described the retreat as a timely platform for deep reflection and strategic engagement on ways to strengthen academic governance, management efficiency, and sustainable funding.

He dispelled rumours suggesting that the establishment of Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna was designed to weaken or replace IBBU Lapai, explaining that the new university was created to complement and expand access to higher education across Niger State.

“The establishment of more universities in Niger State is not to dislocate IBB University Lapai, but to strengthen and expand the frontiers of tertiary education. This administration is fully committed to repositioning IBBU as a flagship institution of global repute,” Governor Bago stated.

The Governor lauded the University’s recent introduction of professional programmes in Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Law describing them as milestones that have endeared the Institution to government and stakeholders alike.

He reiterated that Niger State’s education policy is anchored on the National Policy on Education, stressing that the new retirement policy for academic staff was introduced to stabilize and strengthen the tertiary education system.

“Our ‘New Niger’ agenda envisions a state that thrives on knowledge, productivity, and innovation. The establishment of IBB University twenty years ago was to transform the human and material resources of Niger State for development purposes — and that vision remains intact,” he affirmed.

Governor Bago further announced plans by the state government to reconstitute the University’s Endowment Fund Board of Trustees, chaired by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (GCFR), to enhance funding and promote sustainable growth.

He expressed optimism that the communiqué to be issued at the end of the retreat would provide a practical roadmap for improved governance, accountability, and academic excellence at IBBU Lapai.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, described the retreat as a landmark step toward reinforcing strategic governance and institutional growth.

He expressed gratitude to the Visitor, Farmer Governor Umaru Bago, for his unwavering support to education and for prioritizing university development in the state’s policy agenda.

“Your Excellency’s consistent encouragement and investment in education continue to inspire us to build an institution that truly reflects the dreams of its founders,” the Vice Chancellor said.

Professor Hadi also appreciated the Chancellor and Emir of Minna, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Farouk Bahago, CON, for his fatherly guidance and the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Sheikh Abdullah, OON, for his visionary leadership.

He further acknowledged the commitment of Ambassador Zubairu Dada, Dr. Bisi, Engineer Inuwa Musa, and other council members, unions, and student bodies for maintaining harmony and promoting academic excellence.

The Chairman of the Occasion and former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Ambassador Zubairu Dada, commended the Management and Council of IBBU for organizing the retreat at a critical moment in Nigeria’s education sector.

He emphasized the need for sound planning, innovation, and a forward-looking vision that would make IBBU a model among state-owned universities.

“It behoves on you to jealously guard the reputation of our pioneer state-owned university and make IBBU Lapai second to none,” he stated.

Delivering his keynote address, Professor Sheikh Abdullah, OON, highlighted effective management, quality assurance, and sustainable funding as essential pillars of academic excellence.

He urged university managers to avoid outdated administrative practices, stressing that “a manager who believes yesterday’s formula can solve tomorrow’s problem is bound to fail.”

The Chancellor and Emir of Minna, His Royal Highness, Dr. Umar Faruk Bahago, CON, congratulated the Sixth Governing Council on the successful organization of the retreat, noting that IBBU’s two-decade journey symbolizes resilience, dedication, and progress.

“Twenty years in the life of any academic institution is significant. This retreat provides a rare opportunity for reflection and renewed purpose,” the Emir remarked.

The technical sessions had Dr. Abdulkadir Hassan whose paper was titled, “Funding Strategy: Best Practices for Self-Funding and Budgetary Growth,” while Dr. Mohammed K. Santuraki, FNIM, delivered a presentation on “Aligning IBBU Lapai Council Oversight Roles with the Strategic Plans of the University.”

Both papers emphasized the importance of resource diversification, transparency, and effective oversight in promoting institutional stability and financial independence.

In his closing remarks, the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, expressed deep appreciation to all dignitaries and participants for their contributions to the retreat’s success.

He specifically lauded Governor Bago, the Chancellor, the Pro-Chancellor, and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, for their steadfast support and commitment to IBBU’s growth.

“This retreat marks a new chapter in our journey of progress. The insights shared will no doubt translate into stronger governance, enhanced productivity, and lasting academic excellence,” he concluded.

The IBBU Lapai Strategic Governance Retreat served as a convergence of ideas, leadership experience, and policy insight reaffirming the University’s determination to remain a beacon of excellence and a catalyst for socio-economic development in Niger State and beyond.