UNIMAID VC: Challenges before a scholar
The fact that Professor Daura is the first alma mater Vice Chancellor of the university made it even more curious and interesting. Again, the expected but unprecedented challenge posed by the other interested and equally qualified contestants led to some litigation that were finally quashed and struck out giving the whole exercise an interesting dimension. […]
The fact that Professor Daura is the first alma mater Vice Chancellor of the university made it even more curious and interesting. Again, the expected but unprecedented challenge posed by the other interested and equally qualified contestants led to some litigation that were finally quashed and struck out giving the whole exercise an interesting dimension.
The fact that Professor Daura was finally adjudged the most qualified and fitting for the job and whose appointment was greeted with resounding approval by the entire university community and the host catchment area community has not in any way beclouded the credibility of the vanquished candidates who, in their own right, fought gallantly to produce the best in order to give the university the type of leadership that would enhance its image as one of the fastest-growing and sought-after universities on the African continent.
The preference by low and highly-placed parents from within and outside the country of the university for their children tells a lot about its place in the hierarchy of universities in the country, its location and proximity from any point in the country notwithstanding neither was it a deterrent. The amenable and conducive environment as well as the unique academic culture of excellence and its mini-Nigeria disposition helped greatly to turn the University of Maiduguri as the desired destination for every Nigerian.
Curiously, no Nigerian of southern or western extraction is initially ever happy whenever he or she is assigned to do the mandatory national service in Borno State or any far northern city; but no Nigerian of whatever extraction is ever unwilling to wish for a place of study of the University of Maiduguri. It is in this context again that the selection of a vice chancellor for the university is usually seen as much more than just an affair for the university or the host community, but a matter of significant importance that has implications for education in the country.
Essentially, the detribalised nature of the new vice chancellor is expected to further enhance the way the university is seen as a truly national university where every part of the country is truly represented either as students, lecturers, non-academic staff or even residents. With a population exceeding forty thousand that has lived in such peaceful and brotherly manner all these years producing in the process such excellent culture of academic pursuit, the sky appears to be the limit in continuation of the tradition of equity and balance required for growth.
What actually are the challenges facing the new VC as he has now fully settled down for the business of fulfilling his mandate. To begin with, it should be understood that Professor Daura has enjoyed the trust and confidence of all and sundry owing largely to his unblemished track record of service to the University of Maiduguri in particular where he has paid his dues and the academic world in general due to his contribution to knowledge.
Having said this, it is pertinent to understand that despite its position as a university of essence, Unimaid has its challenges and hiccups that require prompt attention in order to give it more credibility. Professor Daura needs to hasten action to solve the accreditation problems of about four courses i.e. economics, political science, creative arts and electrical/electronics.
There is the urgent need to provide facilities and additional lecturers for the above courses. The huge demand for admission from all parts of the country and the challenges inherent in high-placed pressure has overstretched facilities like accommodation for students and staff. It will do well for the image of the vice chancellor to find a way to build more hostels. The Mass Communication department, which is known nationwide as one of the best run mass communication departments in the country should equally be provided and kitted with functional and standard studio to continue to produce for the country a media workforce needed to sustain the nation’s huge demand for skilled professionals. This department, one of the elite in the university, is the pride of Unimaid and its chief image-maker.
The contribution to the growth of the University of Maiduguri by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Bolanle Babalakin (SAN) and the huge sacrifices he has made leading to the improvements in the university must be acknowledged and appreciated. On virtually all occasions when his presence and attention were required to attend to very vital issues, Dr Babalakin was not just forthcoming and very productive, but had sacrificed his entitlements and taken care of the entitlements of his staff including his driver so as not to overstretch the limited resources available. Although the very few months that he has spent on the hot seat have confirmed that Professor Daura is on top of the situation, the next few years would be critical in the overall judgement of his stewardship.
BK Ahmed wrote from Maiduguri and can be reached on [email protected].