The renowned Geologist and Chair Professor of Basinal Studies in the Department of Geology and Mining at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Nuhu George Obaje, was laid to rest amidst an outpouring of grief and solemn tributes in his hometown of Ikare, Ajaka, Idah/Igalamela Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The burial rites commenced with a wake-keep on Tuesday, 26th November 2024 at his residence in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

Similarly, there was another Wake -keep on the evening of Thursday, 28th November 2024 in line with the activities for the deceased funeral programme at his residence in Ajaka, where family members, friends, colleagues, and admirers gathered to celebrate Professor Obaje’s impactful life.

The event equally featured heartfelt eulogies, prayers, and hymns from thousands of sympathisers including IBB University, Lapai community.

Speakers, including esteemed colleagues from academia, described late Professor Obaje as a beacon of knowledge, humility, and service. They lauded his immense contributions to the development of geological sciences in Nigeria and beyond.

On Friday, 29th November 2024 morning, a funeral service was held at his residence behind the Magistrate’s Court on Idah/Ajaka Road, where the officiating minister, Reverend Father, John Okoko, represented by Seminarian Abou Martins, emphasized the Professor’s life of meaningful impact to humanity, dedication to education, and commitment to mentoring younger generations.

Reverend Okoko’s sermon highlighted the exemplary legacies of the late Professor, urging all and sundry to emulate his values of diligence, integrity, and service to humanity.

Many sympathisers extolled Professor Obaje’s immense contributions to national development, particularly his groundbreaking research in Geology and Mining.

Among his notable achievements were his pioneering efforts in oil exploration in the Bida Basin and his appointment as the Inaugural NNPC Professorial Chair in Basinal Studies.

In his tribute, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Hassan Ibrahim, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Professor Aliyu Bello Muhammad, described Professor Obaje as an exemplary scholar.

He noted the late Professor’s ability to foster a culture of collaboration, inclusiveness, and innovation at the University, stating that “his legacies extend far beyond the boundaries of academia.

He also disclosed that Professor Obaje inspired a generation of scholars, nurtured the University’s growth, and ignited the passion for discovery; adding that his mentorship illuminated paths of young scholars and shaped their futures.”

Furthermore, the Chairman of Igalamela Local Government, Hon. Barrister Cosmas Atabor, described Professor Obaje as a “pillar of inspiration to the youth and a great son of Ikare Ojokuta, Ajaka/Idah, Igalamela Local Government of Kogi State.”

Giving his tribute, the former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Professor Steven. Ocheni remarked that, “Nigeria has lost a gem whose contributions to academia and national development will forever be remembered.”

The Obaje family expressed their profound gratitude to everyone who supported them during the difficult time and called on the community to honour the Professor’s legacy by prioritizing education and development.

There was a procession of scholars fully roped in academic regalia and other mourners who accompanied the body of the deceased to his ancestral home amidst tears and heavy hearts.

Professor Obaje’s remains were laid to rest at Ikare Ojokuta where his wives, children, family members, and other mourners paid their final respects, offering prayers and laying wreaths on his grave.

The funeral attracted notable dignitaries, including government officials, representatives of members of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai community, traditional rulers, and professionals from the geological and academic communities.

His Royal Highness, the Etemahi of Igalamela, former Ministers, Federal Republic of Nigeria, members of the House of Representatives, and Kogi State Assembly members were also present to honour the late Professor.

New Deans have emerged in Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai after elections conducted at the different Faculties.

The elected Deans emerged through a transparent and democratic process, reflecting the commitment of the University to upholding academic excellence and foster inclusive leadership.

The election and subsequent emergence of new Deans mark a new phase of leadership at the Faculty level, critical to the university’s mission of advancing knowledge and contributing to national development.

The newly elected Deans are:

• Professor Solomon Danjuma, Faculty of Agriculture.
• Professor John Jiya, Faculty of Education and Arts.
• Professor Muhammad Alkali, Faculty of Languages and Communication Studies.
• Professor Dennis Aidelokhai, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences.
• Professor Musa Mohammed, Faculty of Natural Sciences
• Professor Abraham Onugba, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology.

The Acting Vice- Chancellor, Professor Hassan Ibrahim congratulated the new Deans on their well-deserved victory at the polls and commended their colleagues for the confidence reposed in them.

He encouraged the new Deans to see their positions as opportunities to serve, lead, and inspire.

Professor Ibrahim charged them to discharge their duties diligently and uphold the highest standards of integrity, collaboration, and innovation, urging them to emphasize on the importance of working closely with Faculty members to create an environment conducive for academic excellence, research, and service delivery.

“Your success depends on fostering teamwork, inclusiveness, and a shared vision for progress,” he added.

The Acting Vice- Chancellor concluded by offering heartfelt prayers for God’s guidance throughout their tenure.

He expressed optimism that their collective efforts would contribute immensely to achieving the university’s desired goals and strengthening its reputation as a center of learning and innovation.

The entire University community congratulated the elected Deans and wish them a successful and impactful tenure.

A delegation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for the reaccreditation of Mass Communication program arrived with more assurances for the University.

Welcoming the team, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Hassan Ibrahim, expressed profound gratitude to the Acting Executive Secretary of NUC for sending what he described as a “powerful delegation” composed of distinguished scholars from notable institutions.

Professor Ibrahim emphasized that the team’s visit was not just to critique but to assess and guide the Institution’s Mass Communication program.

“You have come here not only to scrutinize what we are doing, but also to guide us. Where we are doing well, you will tell us how to improve, and where we are not doing well, the right thing is to show us how to correct it,” he said.

He assured the delegation of the University’s full support throughout the exercise, stressing the value of collaboration in academic development.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting team, the Leader, Professor Cosmos Eze, a professor of mass communication commended IBBU’s commitment to academic excellence and outlined the purpose of the visit as straight forward yet significant.

“As representatives of the National Universities Commission, we are here to assess the state of the Mass Communication program, focusing on its curriculum, facilities, staffing, and overall compliance with the Commission’s standards. However, our role goes beyond mere assessment; we are here to collaborate with the University, offering constructive feedback that will help this program achieve greater heights,” he stressed.

Professor Eze further lauded the University’s level of preparation and commitment, noting that IBBU values academic excellence and is diligently working to position itself as a leader in higher education.

He assured the University that the exercise would be conducted with fairness, transparency, and in the best interest of the institution and its students.

The representative of the NUC, Malam Mansur Umar Bunza in a message, reiterating the Commission’s dedication to maintaining high academic standard in Nigerian universities.

He praised IBBU’s leadership and encouraged a collaborative approach to address any gap identified during the process.

“We are here to evaluate the program against established benchmarks, identify areas of strength, and provide recommendations for areas requiring improvement,” he added.

Malam Bunza emphasized that IBBU holds a special place within Nigeria’s academic landscape and that the Commission recognizes its contributions to shaping future leaders.

Speaking, the Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Teenage Samuel Ende presented a detailed overview of the program, highlighting its curriculum, facilities, faculty qualifications, and student achievements.

The presentation underscored the department’s commitment to producing graduates equipped with practical skills and theoretical knowledge to excel in the media industry.

In his closing remarks and vote of thanks, the Registrar, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki who was represented by the Establishment Secretary, Mr. Sunday Gana, extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) for his commitment to ensuring high standards in Nigerian universities.

He stressed that the decision to send such a distinguished and competent team of assessors for the accreditation exercise speaks volumes about the Commission’s dedication to academic excellence.

He said the presence of the team was not just on an evaluation, but also a reinforcement of the shared vision to nurture the institutions that produce globally competitive graduates.

The visit is expected to yield recommendations that will enhance the Mass Communication program, reinforcing IBBU’s reputation as a hub for academic excellence and citadel of learning in Nigeria.

It would be recalled that the Mass Communications program got its first accreditation in 2020.

This is to inform all UTME/DE candidates applying for admission into IBBU Lapai that the institution will no longer consider candidates with unresolved result verification issues. Accordingly, the results of all candidates whose results could not be verified have been uploaded on the school portal, along with the reasons for verification failure.

All eligible candidates are advised to check their verification status and follow the instructions provided alongside their names.

Please note: no result verification, no admission.

Candidates with “Invalid Scratch Card or Token Details” Issue or

“Card Usage Limit Exceeded” Issue or “Used Card” Issue:

 Step 1: Purchase a new scratch card or token.

 Step 2: Use it once to check your result on the relevant portal (WAEC, NECO, etc.).

 Step 3: If successful,

Step 4: Log in to the IBBU Post-UTME Portal at postutme.ibbu.edu.ng.

Step 5: Accurately enter your card details along with your exam information.

Step 6: Print your acknowledgment slip and verify that all entries are correct.

 

Note 1: If you cannot check your result with the new card, do not submit it, as this may lead to disqualification.

Note 2: Candidates using WAEC, NABTEB, and NBAIS should enter both the scratch card PIN and card serial numbers. NECO candidates should only enter the token, no serial number is required.

Candidates with “Invalid Exam Details” Issue:

Step 1: Obtain a new scratch card.

Step 2: Use it once to check your result on the relevant portal (WAEC, NECO, etc.).

Step 3: If successful,

Step 4: Log in to the IBBU Post-UTME Portal at postutme.ibbu.edu.ng.

Step 5: Carefully enter both your exam and card details.

Step 6: Print your acknowledgment slip and verify that all entries are correct.

 

Note 1: If you cannot check your result with the new card, do not submit it, as this may lead to disqualification.

Note 2: Candidates using WAEC, NABTEB, and NBAIS should enter both the scratch card PIN and card serial numbers. NECO candidates should only enter the token, no serial number is required.

Candidates with “Name Discrepancy/Mismatch” Issue:

Step 1: Print your O’Level result(s).

Step 2: Print your UTME/DE registration slip.

Step 3: Compare the names on both documents to identify any discrepancies.

Step 4: Visit the NIN and JAMB offices to correct your name as it appears on your O’Level result.

Candidates Who Committed Fraud by altering their O’level grades:

Disqualification

General Instructions for All Candidates:

1. JAMB CAPS O’Level Result Submission:

All candidates must also submit their O’Level results on JAMB CAPS. Those who initially submitted awaiting results and have now received their results must update their records with the actual grades.

Candidates whose O’Level results are not uploaded on JAMB CAPS will not be admitted or allowed to register on the IBBU portal.

2. Issues with Café Attendants:

Note 1: Be cautious of café attendants who sell the same card to multiple candidates.

  Note 2: Some café attendants may enter incorrect information for candidates.

Always confirm all entries made on your behalf by café attendants.

 Conclusion and Final Instructions:

Candidates are advised to strictly follow the above instructions to avoid disqualification.

Candidates who do not find their names on the portal should recheck their O’Level submission on both CAPS and the IBBU portal.

Candidates who submitted awaiting o’level results and have now gotten their results with at least five credits, including English and Mathematics, should update their results with the actual grades obtained. Also, Candidates who submitted less than five credits but have additional results should submit them to complete the required five credits. No candidate will be admitted with less than five credits.

Lastly, candidates are advised to ignore any messages not issued through the IBBU portal or official media channels and to beware of fraudsters seeking to exploit desperate admission seekers.

Once again:

No result verification, no admission, and

No CAPS O’Level result upload, no admission

…Appreciates the Visitor for the opportunity to serve

The immediate past Vice Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu has handed the mantle of leadership to his successor who is on acting capacity, Professor Hassan Ibrahim with immense and heartwarming gratitude and appreciation to the Farmer Governor and Visitor to the University, Umaru Mohammed Bago.

In a brief ceremony during an emergency Executive Management meeting held in the Management Meeting Room, Professor Adamu said as the fifth Vice Chancellor of the University, he thanked God Almighty for His protection, guidance, wisdom and blessing upon him throughout his tenure.

The outgoing Vice Chancellor expressed his profound gratitude to the Visitor, Ministries of Tertiary Education, Finance, and that of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for their support and guidance throughout his term in office.

He also acknowledged the support and collaboration of stakeholders, including the Chairman of the University Fund Board of Trustees, General Abdulsalami A. Abubakar, the Chancellor and Emir of Minna, His Royal Highness , Alhaji Umar Faruk Bahago, the Host Emir, His Royal Highness, Engr. Umaru Bago Tafida III and the entire University staff, as well as the In-House Unions, Alumni, Student Union and other partners who have contributed to the institution’s success.

Professor Adamu stressed that the goals he set from the beginning of his tenure have been almost ninety percent achieved, adding that they are significant accomplishments and testimonies to his leadership and the hard work of the University Management team.

He further added that the Management under his leadership could proudly say that the last five years has been highly successful and that the Institution has made significant progress in various areas, such as, Academic excellence, Research and innovation, Infrastructural development, human capital development, student enrollment and retention, Community engagement and outreach with International and global partnerships.

The outgoing Vice Chancellor acknowledged that his accomplishments were not solely his own, but also due to the collective efforts, support, dedication and commitment of other Management staff.

He prayed for sustained success and greater heights for the University, its community and the incoming Acting Vice Chancellor.

Responding, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Hassan Ibrahim congratulated the outgoing Vice Chancellor for a successful tenure, assuring that the tempo already created on the lane on moving IBBUL forward will continue.

The Acting Vice Chancellor further assured the Management of his commitment to build upon the progress made by his predecessor, with a focus on consolidation, solidification, and sustainability.

He said his goal is to create a solid foundation that would support the University’s continued success and progress in the future, and urged other members of the Management to demonstrate same level of commitment, support and collaboration to him for continuity.

Professor Hassan Ibrahim wished the outgoing Vice Chancellor a joyful sabbatical leave with happiness, good health and fulfillment.

In his remark, the Registrar, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing Vice Chancellor for his unwavering dedication to the University’s mission and vision and acknowledged his selfless devotion to the growth and development of the Institution.

He added that the legacy of the outgoing Vice Chancellor would undoubtedly continue to inspire and motivate them.

He appreciated him for his exceptional leadership, commitment and dedication to the University, and prayed for a greater future endeavor, happiness and divine protection and guidance.

Alhaji Kusherki enjoined the entire Management to accord the support, collaboration and understanding to the Acting Vice Chancellor.

 

….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.

Salihu Niworu is DAP

The Senate of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University , Lapai has, at its 97th Regular meeting, elected Professor Aliyu Bello Mohammed as the new Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic).

A Professor in the Department of Sociology, Bello was, until his appointment, the Director Academic Planning (DAP).

He succeeded Professor Mohammed Aliyu Paiko who was appointed the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna.

In another development,the Senate has also confirmed the appointment of Professor Mohammed Salihu Niworu of the Department of Political Science as the Director, Academic Planning (DAP).

Until his new appointment, Professor Niworu was the Dean, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences.

The two appointments take immediate effect.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu has since congratulated the duo and wished them successful tenure.