Zubaida Umar’s success at NEMA a source of pride to ABU – VC
The tremendous success of Mrs. Zubaida Umar at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has remained a source of pride to Ahmadu Bello University.
Zubaida, easily one of the ABU’s distinguished alumni, is heading NEMA as Director-General.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, made the remark when he led a management team on a courtesy visit to the agency in Abuja today, Monday, 13th July, 2026.
Prof Ahmed lauded her exemplary leadership as the agency had under her watch strengthened disaster preparedness and response.
He said the agency also enhanced stakeholder coordination, promoted disaster risk reduction, and provided timely humanitarian assistance to affected communities.
These achievements, according to him, had strengthened public confidence in the agency and reflected Zubaida’s dedication to national service.
Prof Ahmed also said the NEMA boss continued to exemplify the values of excellence, integrity, and service that ABU sought to instill in its graduates.
Ahmed appreciated the agency’s support in establishing the university’s Centre for Disaster Risks Management and Development Studies.
He said the support provided a solid foundation for developing a centre dedicated to research, capacity building, and policy engagement in disaster risk management.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed the need for a stronger collaboration between universities and operational agencies.
According to him, this was essential as disasters became more frequent and complex due to climate change, environmental degradation, rapid urbanization, and other emerging challenges.
He said ABU would remain committed to supporting NEMA through research, policy development, professional training, and technological innovation.
Ahmed urged the agency to take advantage of ABU SPESSECE, a centre of excellence which developed expertise in environmental and social standards, and sustainable procurement.
He believed that the centre could provide an excellent platform for collaboration with NEMA in strengthening its emergency activities.
Prof Ahmed expressed gratitude to the Director-General for the warm reception and for NEMA’s continued support to ABU.
Receiving the team, the Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, thanked the delegation for the visit.
She described the visit as her most excited moment since assuming office as head of the agency.
Zubaida, who briefed the team on what they were doing, said NEMA would collaborate with the university to strengthen the agency’s activities.
The Vice-Chancellor was in company of the Registrar, Rabiu Samaila; Prof Muhammad Nasir Maiturare of the Department of Actuarial Science; and the Director, DAIE, Prof M I Umar-Buratai.
Others were the Director, Centre for Disaster Risks Management and Development Studies, Prof Shehu Abbas and the Director, Public Affairs Directorate, Auwalu Umar.
They also included Assistant Director, Advancement Services, Dr Ahmed Zakariyya and the University Liaison Officer, Abuja, Malam Haruna Ajo.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria (NEWS/TKU&PIC/TKU)
Monday, 13th July, 2026
