The former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof Muhammadu Attahiru Jega, has given reasons why he accepted to be the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman Governing Council of Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
Prof Jega, a former president of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and a one-time Vice Chancellor, Bayaro University Kano (BUK).
Speaking at his inauguration at the Government House, Lafia by Governor Abdullahi Sule, Prof Jega, who appreciated the governor for finding him worthy of the appointment, said he accepted the offer due to the transformation going on in the education sector of the state.
Prof Jega said he was motivated to accept the appointment because of the manifest passion Governor Sule has for public education, as well as the commendable work he is doing to bring development to Nasarawa State.
He assured that the new governing council under his watch would work assiduously to achieve Governor Sule’s objective and aspirations to turn the NSUK into the best university in Nigeria.
“I will urge you, this your passion, this your commitment, and the aspirations for this university, God willing it will come to pass, it will be achieved and we will be there to support you. We pledge to always keep in mind what is in the best interest of the university and of this state,” Prof Jega said.
Other members of the governing council inaugurated alongside Prof Jega include Dr. Ahmed Gero, Alhaji Shuaibu Abdullahi Kore, Mr. Thomas Ari Ogiri and Mary Enwongulu as members of the council.
Also, Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Labaran Magaji and Mohammed Sani Bala are to serve as representative of Ministry of Justice and Education respectively, with Prof. Abdullahi Adamu Suleiman, Prof. Benedict C. Uzoechi, Prof. Adua Mango and Dr. Adamu T. Ogah serving as the representatives of senate of the university.
Dr. Tanimu Yusuf and Comrade Buhari Abdullahi Suleiman are to serve as the representatives of the congregation while statutory members are Prof. Suleiman Bala Mohammed the VC, Prof. Abdullahi Sallau Modibo, Prof. Theophilus Daniel Lagi and Bala Isyaka Ahmed II.
Governor Sule said Prof Jega was appointed as the chairman of the governing council of the state-owned university with a view to enhance academic pursuit and further entrench an enduring culture of academic excellence in the institution.
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According to the Governor, since its establishment over two decades ago, the NSUK has recorded tremendous achievements in terms of scholarship, teaching and research, infrastructural development and worthwhile collaborations across borders.
He pointed out that his administration appointed revered and astute personalities to serve on the governing council which would oversee the affairs of NSUK in order to consolidate on the gains recorded so far.
“Professor Jega has been a consummate academic and indeed, an astute university Don who held several positions including the leadership of ASUU, Vice Chancellor of the reputable BUK and later Chairman of INEC. His stewardship of these great institutions has endeared him to all patriotic Nigerians and indeed others outside of Nigeria.
“I need to state that the Nasarawa State University Keffi requires the personality of Prof Jega, whose uncommon antecedents would impact on the needed academic prowess towards the realization of the vision and mission of establishing this institution,” he stated.
The Governor explained that the state government was meticulous in appointing some of the other members of the governing council, taking into cognizance their wealth of experience and records of service, in order to give the Chairman the support required towards the realization of the vision for establishing the university.
Governor Sule used the opportunity of the event to show appreciation to the outgone Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of the NSUK governing council, Prof Adamu Baikie for his contributions to the viability of the university, as well as the Vice Chancellor, Prof Suleiman Bala for the ongoing repositioning of the institution.