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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.