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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.