Professor Tukur Adamu has officially taken over as the new Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Gusau (FUG), vowing to elevate the institution further while guaranteeing the safety of students and staff.
Speaking at a colourful handover ceremony, the incoming Vice Chancellor pledged to make the security of the university community a top priority and maintain a supportive atmosphere for teaching and learning.
In his inaugural speech, Professor Adamu said his administration would build on the ongoing initiatives started by his predecessor, Professor Mu’azu Abubakar Gusau.
He praised the former Vice Chancellor for delivering infrastructural developments that strengthened the university and improved its security framework.
“I am taking over a fenced institution with several constructed monitoring towers that provide a clear view of every part of the campus for security purposes, as well as trenches surrounding it. The tempo will be sustained under my administration,” he said.
Professor Adamu also commended his predecessor for maintaining close cooperation with security agencies, which contributed to creating a safer and more stable academic environment.
“The outgoing Vice Chancellor has visibly uplifted the integrity of the university by securing a conducive environment for teaching and learning, making the institution a difficult target for bandits who previously disrupted academic activities. There would have been no education without a well-secured environment,” he added.
In his address, the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Professor Mu’azu Abubakar Gusau, looked back on his five years in office, stating that he inherited the university in difficult circumstances.
“I met the university largely undeveloped and financially strained to the extent that the management had to borrow to run its affairs. However, upon assuming office as substantive Vice Chancellor five years ago, we stopped borrowing and introduced several revenue-generating initiatives,” he said.
Professor Mu’azu voiced confidence in his successor, noting that they both attended Science Secondary School Gusau in the 1970s, where Professor Adamu was his senior.
“Today, I am leaving the university in an excellent position and handing over to someone I know and trust,” he stated.
He outlined major accomplishments during his tenure, such as building lecture halls, a modern library, and other academic facilities designed to advance educational standards and support broader societal growth.