Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has inaugurated a new governing council for the Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero (AFUSTA).

The governor inaugurated the council on Friday at Government House, Birnin Kebbi.

The state government dissolved the university’s governing council on May 1.

It also removed the vice-chancellor and the two deputy vice-chancellors for academics and administration, based on recommendations from the visitation panel.

Muhammad Abubakar-Kaoje is now appointed chairman of the new council and pro-chancellor of the university, while the institution’s registrar will serve as secretary of the council.

Other members include the deputy vice-chancellors, administration, academics, and research; four representatives of the university’s Senate; two representatives of the congregation; permanent secretaries of the ministries of higher education and justice; one representative from the National Universities Commission (NUC); and one representative from each of the three senatorial districts.

Inaugurating the council, Mr Idris said the former council and the vice-chancellor were removed due to unresolved issues that hindered the university’s progress.

“I know 90 per cent of the council members, including Prof. Abubakar-Kaoje, who was the pioneer vice-chancellor of the university. I am pleased to inaugurate this council today.

“I congratulate the government and council members. With this calibre of people, the crisis in the university is over. I assure you that the government will support you to succeed in your new assignment,” he said.

Mr Idris assured the council that his doors would remain open for discussions and support, saying, “Whatever you need to succeed, we will not hesitate to provide it.”

In his response, the chairman and pro-chancellor, Mr Abubakar-Kaoje, assured the state government of honesty and accountability in discharging his duties.

While pledging to consult the government on critical issues, the board chairman noted that the assignment was not personal but a responsibility for the benefit of the entire state.

Mr Abubakar-Kaoje further assured the government that the council would not betray the trust placed in it as it works to resolve the crisis and reposition the university. 

(NAN)