By Murtala Adewale, Kano
The outgoing Vice-Chancellor Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technical, (ADUST) Kano, Professor Shehu Alhaji Musa on Friday handed over the baton of leadership to the new Vice-Chancellor Professor Musa Tukur Yakasai.
The exchange of the university’s authority marked the end of nine years of stewardship of Professor Musa, the longest-serving Vice Chancellor in the state-owned varsity.
At a brief handing-over ceremony witnessed by principal officers, heads of faculties, departments and directorates of the university, the outgoing VC applauded the support accorded him during his tenure and attributed successes recorded to the collective efforts of the management team.
Professor Musa who recalled how he took over the mantle of leadership in November 2013 amidst fear and apprehension of a possible shutdown of the institution, acknowledged the tenacity of the management and academic staff who stood firm to build the centre of academic excellence.
While stressing the remarkable achievements and transformation recorded during his tenure, the Professor of agricultural economics contended that ADUST stands tall among its contemporaries in various spares of endeavours.
Professor Musa emphasized that with the support of the visitor, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the university recorded 100 percent accreditation of all its academic programs and employed over 700 staff to strengthen her manpower skill.
The outgoing VC expressed satisfaction he would be handing over to a competent academic and product of the university and sought maximum support for the incoming Vice-Chancellor. He however pledged readiness to render support to the institution whenever the new management deem his services required.
“Today is historic for me and the university, witnessing the handing over of baton to an indigenous professor and Vice Chancellor of the University. Since I assumed leadership in November 2013, the university has attained significant progress and glorified God for that attainment.
” Part of our achievements is the accreditation. We have never failed in the area of accreditation of the university’s programs. We have all our academic courses certified by the NUC. Under my stewardship, the university has produced and promoted 130 senior staff to the rank of professors and some to the rank of associate and reader”, Professor Musa recalled.
The incoming Vice Chairman Professor Yakasai commended the doggedness and initiative of the former VC in repositioning the university to an enviable feat and added that the footprints of Professor Musa would remain indelible in anal of history.
The new VC pledged to sustain and build on the tremendous height record by his predecessor acknowledged the receipt of all relevant documents and handed over notes, which he said would be studied for guidance.
On his part, a member of the university’s governing council, Professor Clement Ibaji drew attention to the challenges adherent in steering the leadership affairs of the intellectual community and called for the commendation of former VC, Professor Musa for a successful tenure.
The University don equally lends a voice to the calling for cooperation and support of the university community for the new VC to enable him to succeed.
Meanwhile, the new VC has directed heads of faculties and departments to submit detailed situation reports, including achievements, challenges and SWOT analysis of the respective departments, to the office of the Vice Chancellor within one week.
Source: The Guardian
