Nigerian Universities today are fast on competition developmentally to attain international best practices through the introductions of high profile programs as obtain in the developed nations.
Nasarawa state university though still at infancy in comparison to some universities in the country, has it history from inception of less than 25 years likens to speed of light.
The University produces first class graduates in hundreds, across the 10 accredited faculties. And with over 135 professors who have also demonstrated their pedigrees in the organized monthly inaugural lecture series, reaching about 40 so far as it is becoming a standard in the Nasarawa State owned University.
This records of academic excellence can not be unconnected to the vision and practical show of professionalism from the current Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed.
Nasarawa State University, established in the year 2001 has had five VCs , namely; Professor Adamu Baikie, Professor Abubakar Omale, Professor Salihu Mikaila, Professor Mainoma Okaro and currently Professor Suleiman Bala Mohammad. Prof. Suleiman who is known for tenacity and doggedness is fondly called the Buffalo Soldier because of his tremendous impacts in growing the institution to an enviable height.
He was brought in from the Federal Capital Territory’s prestigious University of Abuja, the Bufalo Soldier being an indigene of Nasarawa state did not swell his name in mud, rather shown and lead the institution with all sense of decorum as a son of the soil, through expansions in academy, infrastructure, good working relationship with both teaching and non teaching staff, as well as maintaining a steady subordination rank with his employer, the state government in order to enhance educational development and create an atmosphere for advancement aim at positive effect on national development.
He took over the helms of affairs of the citadel of learning precisely in the year 2019 with a Five point action plan, on which he has simultaneously achieved in his five year tenure as Vice Chancellor by injecting a disciplinary mantra to checkmate both staff and student of NSUk.
Professor Suleiman did not rest on his oars but ensured the accreditation of all courses in the graduate and post graduate school. Today Nasarawa State University is a happy institution of learning and teaching with no mean challenges on infrastructure and academic excellence.
Some of the outstanding records breaking -achievements that stands out this erudite Vice Chancellor under this five years of successful administration is the establishment of two faculties, which are , Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Medicine, that have recently granted admission to candidates to study in those respective fields of study.
Professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed bearing a nickname as Buffalo Soldier isn’t for fun but the credit to his nickname is visibly projected on the gigantic construction of the Senate building ( a 4 storey edifice ) and the tallest in the ancient town of Keffi local government area, Nasarawa State.
Under the years in review, professor Suleiman attracted partnerships of national and international reputable organizations/institutions, leading to creation of so many joint academic relationships. Notably amongst others is the existing Polish affiliation via the directorate of linkages and Malaysia center of studies
Still to his credit of Five Point action plans in five years as Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University amongst other universities has produced the highest number of first class graduates in law.
He championed the organization of inaugural lecture series for professors, as out of the 135 professors , a good number of 37 have presented papers in defense of their professional prowess.
On prudent utilization of Tetfund grants or interventions in Nigerian Universities, Nasarawa State University Keffi ,has benefited in no small measures under proper management by Professor Suleiman Bala and his management team, making the NSUK a state of the art university.
Today Nasarawa State University via the Five Action Points of the Vice Chancellor, academics , infrastructures, Staff welfare and ethical practices as targeted is accelerated to meeting a 21th Century universities .
Heralding the impactful five years administration of the Buffalo Soldier (VC ) of Nasarawa State University Keffi, are the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Professor Theophilus Lagi, the Director of Linkages and International Cooperation, Associate Professor Ktso Nghargbu , NSUK branch Chairman Academic Staff Union of Universities , Professor Samuel Alu and the Head of Information and Protocol Officer, Comrade Abraham Habu Ekpo.
On his part, Professor Theophilus Lagi , the DVC administration said without fear of any contradiction, Professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed as VC is the best thing that has happened in the life of the university since establishment.
Buttressing this he averred that the VC assumed office about five years ago with a vision, a blue print enthusiasm, commitment, patriotism and dedication. And so far so good Professor Suleiman has not disappointed any body in terms of development which the university has achieved.
“I can tell you that the success account of his blue print as achieved are on development of infrastructures, there are many on ground. Thanks to his determination and his commitment” He said.
Also , the director Linkages and International Cooperation , Dr K’tso Nghargbu posited the best of moment ever enjoyed by the directorate of linkages and international cooperation is under the stewardship of the vice chancellor Professor S. B Mohammed, as he speak of the successes recorded during within the period of his administration and VC , NSUK.
According to him” I will used statistic to described this best moments, we inherited less than 10 MoUs when he took over but today and within a space of four years , we have well over 70 memorandum of Understanding and I can tell that those that are ailing under his stewardship are not up to 10.
” And if you are able to go through NSUK calendar for the past four years , you will discovered that 80 percent of the pages from January to December are dedicated to linkage activities. So this is a vice chancellor that have taken Nasarawa State University to a climax locally and international, in regards to efforts on trying to internationalized this university. Infact this efforts has bounce back on him.
” Today he is the first black African vice chancellor to received a Honourary professor tittle from an European University. He is also the first VC in Nigeria and in Africa that has established the first institute European studies in Nigeria and Africa , which is here in NSUK, this and many other foreign relations that has direct bearing on staff and students of this university” He added.
Contributing, the university mouthpiece and head of protocol, Comrade Abraham Habu Ekpo,first of all thank the media for partnership as he described the leadership of the vice chancellor , professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed to be that of value addition to the development of the institution, saying so far it has been more of consolidation .
He said” if you have been following events here in the university you will noticed that amidst academic engagements there is a lot of infrastructure development . You will also agree with me with pride as we mentioned earlier during the commissioning of the Senate building which is one of the best in all Nigeria universities,, which is today a credit to his leadership. Tetfund gives you grants or interventions but it is for you to identify what ever project to be named.
“You can go on and on to mention projects executed under his leadership, but the most current which is the college of medical and health and the faculty of engineering which he has mounted among others. We have central work frame the all facilities in university here and internationally and you will proud that we have achieved under his administration” The IPO said.
