VC holds interactive session with CDD, charts new course for ABU
The Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof Adamu Ahmed, today had an interactive session with the Committee of Deans and Directors, at which he spoke on institution’s key institutional issues.
The interactive session took place at the university Senate Chamber on Thursday, 6th November, 2025.
Prof Ahmed also spoke on the outlined new strategies to strengthen the university’s academic and administrative framework.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the Deans and Directors for their steadfast commitment to academic excellence and administrative diligence.
He highlighted many critical developments within the university system, saying the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had extended the admission process for the current academic session.
Ahmed urged the committee to make deliberate efforts in prioritising the admission of biological children of staff.
He emphasized that it was only fair that those who have dedicated their careers to building this institution see their children benefit from its opportunities.
Turning to staff welfare, the Vice-Chancellor announced that the Kaduna State Government had approved a parcel of land for a university staff housing estate.
He further revealed that discussions were ongoing with the Federal Mortgage Bank to facilitate access to affordable home ownership for staff.
“We want our staff to own decent homes in serene environments similar to those they have served in for decades.
“This is a major step towards improving staff welfare and institutional loyalty, he said.
Prof Ahmed also disclosed that the university had secured a ₦4 billion high-impact intervention for the College of Medical Sciences, a development, he said, would significantly enhance the college’s infrastructure and increase its carrying capacity.
Plans, he also said, were underway to extend similar interventions to other high-demand programmes such as law, as well as departments that provide cross-faculty service courses.
“Our goal is to make our academic programmes more responsive, more competitive, and more aligned with the realities of today’s higher education landscape”, he said.
On the issue of funding, the Vice-Chancellor underscored the need for innovative revenue generation, citing dwindling government subventions.
He said the university was now embracing fundraising as a strategic priority, with a target of raising ₦1 billion annually through alumni engagement.
“We have already received encouraging commitments from several alumni who are eager to give back to their alma mater”, Prof Ahmed said.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof Raymond B Bako, commended the Deans for their diligence as members of the Senate Standing Committee on results processing.
Bako described their work as timely, concise, and crucial to the academic integrity of the university.
He revealed that the university was working towards eliminating the issuance of statement of results, ensuring that graduating students receive their certificates immediately upon completion, and making transcript processing fully digital and accessible.
Earlier in an address of welcome, the Chairperson, Committee of Deans and Directors, Prof Maryam Aminu, welcomed the Vice-Chancellor to the interaction.
She encouraged members to freely express their opinions and share constructive ideas with the Vice-Chancellor.
In a presentation, the Director of Academic Planning and Monitoring (DAPM), Prof Bello Mukhtar, presented statistical data on undergraduate applications and enrollments over the past three years.
The figures, he said, underscored the need to restructure certain courses to reflect emerging trends and enhance their market relevance.
The committee deliberated on strategies to improve enrollment and align programmes with global academic standards.
The meeting concluded with an open floor discussion, where participants offered constructive suggestions on academic reform, staff welfare, and institutional sustainability.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (IDV)
Thursday, 6th November, 2025
