ABU sets up committee to strengthen distance learning programme
... Just as the institution constitutes another committee to review its draft sport policyAhmadu Bello University has set up a committee to strengthen the Distance Learning Centre of the institution in line with the university’s strategic objectives.
A one time Director of ABU Distance Learning Centre, Prof Adamu Hassan Zoaka, will chair the seven-member committee. Zoaka is from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
Similarly, the university constituted another committee to review its draft sports policy with Prof Julius A Gwani of the Department of Human Kinetics as Chairman.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, approved both appointments in two separate letters constituting the committees dated January 16, 2026.
The letter conveying Prof Adamu Hassan Zoaka’s appointment explained that the decision to raise the committee was simply to strengthen the Distance Learning Centre.
The Vice-Chancellor said the decision was also in view of the university’s strategic vision to expand access, improve quality, and strengthen competitiveness.
This was while responding to emerging challenges and increasing competition within the distance and digital learning sector, he said.
ABU Distance Learning Centre, according to him, remained a national leader in the delivery of online and open learning programmes in Nigeria.
“Established in 2013, with cumulative enrolments approaching 40,000 learners, the Centre is now at a critical stage where consolidation, innovation, and strategic repositioning are required to sustain growth and enhance national impact”, Prof Ahmed further explained.
The Vice-Chancellor said the committee was expected to review the current operational, academic, technological, and governance framework of the Centre.
He stated that this was with a view to identifying challenges and opportunities, and proposing innovative strategies to ensure continued relevance, effectiveness, and national leadership in distance learning delivery.
The committee is given eight weeks within which to submit its report from the time of its inauguration.
Members of the committee include Prof Umar Usman Pateh, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Dr Aliyu Dalha Kankia, Department of Political Science and International Studies; and Engr. Bashir Sani, Iya Abubakar Institute of ICT (IAIICT).
Others are Prof Ashiru Bello, Department of Urban and Regional Planning; Malam Yahaya Hussain, Bursary; and Student Affairs Division’s Dr Abdulkadir A Baba who will serve as Secretary.
Equally, the Vice-Chancellor approved the constitution of a committee to review the draft sports policy of the university with Prof Julius A Gwani of the Department of Human Kinetics as Chairman.
In the letter conveying his appointment, the Vice-Chancellor explained that Prof Gwani was expected to lead the review of the draft sports policy to ensure alignment with global best practices and the university’s vision.
Prof Ahmed also said the need for a comprehensive and guided sports policy became imperative given the strategic importance of sports to the development of well-rounded graduates, national development, and sports economy.
He described ABU as a “foremost sports institution” with a long standing reputation for producing elite athletes, coaches, and sports administrators.
The committee is to also integrate sports as a core component of academic culture, student development, staff welfare, recreation, and wellness.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver a robust policy framework that would reposition sports as a core pillar of academic and student life in the university.
The committee is to submit its report within eight weeks of its inauguration.
Prof Ismaila Ilu, NAERLS; Prof Ibrahim Musa Jaro, Department of Geography; Prof Dzikwi Adel Garkida, Department of Glass and Silicate Technology; and Prof Mohammed Iliyas, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences are members of the committee.
They also include Malam Saidu Mohammed Minin, Department of Quantity Surveying; Prof Umar Musa, Department of Human Kinetics; Prof Adefunke Mariam Suleiman, Department of Human Kinetics; and George Atsuwe, PPMS.
Others are Prof Mohammed Ishaq, Faculty of Law; Dr Abdullahi Babagana, Department of Urban and Regional Planning; and Malam Magaji Dalhatu, Registry, who will serve as Secretary.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria (NEWS/NAM)
Tuesday, 20th January, 2026
