By Ibrahim Yunusa
The Federal University Dutse (FUD) has officially handed over its leadership to the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Professor Ahmad Muhammed Gumel, who succeeds Professor Abdulkarim Sabo Muhammad. The ceremony marked a significant transition in the university’s administration.
Professor Gumel, who previously served as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), pledged to transform FUD into Nigeria’s premier hub for research-driven solutions and a centre of excellence for innovation across diverse fields by the year 2030.
He stated that this vision would be pursued through the careful implementation of an 11-point agenda designed to reposition the institution for greater impact and global relevance.
The agenda focuses on Academic Excellence; Research and Innovation; Digital Transformation; Student Welfare and Empowerment; Staff Welfare and Development; Infrastructure Expansion; Financial Sustainability; Global Partnerships; University-Community Engagement; Governance and Accountability; and Environmental Stewardship.
While expressing appreciation to the outgoing Vice Chancellor for the support and opportunities that paved the way for his emergence as Vice Chancellor, Professor Gumel assured his predecessor of continued consultation and collaboration, noting that he would frequently seek his advice and guidance.
In his remarks, Professor Abdulkarim Sabo Muhammad described his successor as generous, humble, approachable, and highly competent. He urged him to maintain these qualities despite the demands of his new office.
The outgoing Vice Chancellor also thanked academic and non-academic staff, students, and the university community for their unwavering support throughout his five-year tenure.
In his closing remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Services), Professor Ahmad Shehu Kutama, described the transition as a continuity of leadership, emphasizing that it represents a handover from a mentor to his mentee, who had been an integral part of the previous administration.
