Bauchi University Urges 12,256 Graduates to Become Job Creators and Innovators
During a landmark convocation ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) in Bauchi State, Professor Fatimah Tahir, delivered a powerful message to the institution's 12,256 graduating students. She strongly encouraged them to focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-reliance rather than depending exclusively on traditional white-collar employment opportunities.
Convocation Ceremony Highlights
The combined 8th, 9th, and 10th convocation ceremony was held at the university's main campus in Gadau. The graduating cohort included both undergraduate and postgraduate students from all nine faculties of the university. Professor Tahir emphasized that in today's competitive global landscape with limited job openings, graduates must proactively position themselves as job creators.
"As you step into the larger society, do not limit yourselves to seeking employment alone; become innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders," she advised the new graduates. This call to action underscores the university's commitment to fostering a mindset of self-sufficiency and creative problem-solving among its alumni.
University Achievements and Accreditation
Highlighting SAZU's significant progress over the past 15 years, Professor Tahir reported remarkable achievements in education, research, and infrastructure development. She disclosed that 38 out of the university's 40 academic programmes have obtained full accreditation, with the remaining two holding interim status. Furthermore, 17 academic programmes were recently accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), reaffirming the institution's dedication to maintaining high educational standards.
Research and International Collaborations
On the research front, the Vice-Chancellor revealed that SAZU has accessed 148 Institutional-Based Research (IBR) grants from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) since 2023, in addition to securing two National Research Fund (NRF) grants. These resources have significantly bolstered the university's research capabilities.
The institution has also expanded its international partnerships, collaborating with prestigious organizations such as Don State Technical University in Russia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, and Sunway University in Malaysia. Additionally, SAZU maintains partnerships with global initiatives including the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and Project ECHO at the University of New Mexico in the United States.
National Partnerships and Infrastructure Development
At the national level, Professor Tahir noted strengthened ties with key organizations like the National Pension Commission (PenCom), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Federal University of Health Sciences in Azare (FUHSATI), and the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC).
Regarding infrastructure, the Vice-Chancellor commended the Bauchi State Government for its substantial support, particularly in constructing internal road networks at the Gadau campus. She disclosed that several additional projects are currently underway, including hostel construction, expansion of road networks at the Yuli campus, perimeter fencing across all campuses, staff housing developments, and plans for establishing a medical college.
Technological Advancements and Operational Improvements
Professor Tahir also acknowledged the construction of a modern ICT complex by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in collaboration with Offshore Labs, which has significantly enhanced teaching, learning, and research activities at the university. To address infrastructure challenges, the institution has installed a 500KVA generator and drilled additional boreholes at the Yuli campus.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to the state government for increased funding, which has improved university operations and staff welfare. She reiterated SAZU's commitment to producing graduates who are academically proficient, morally upright, and socially responsible, urging them to serve as worthy ambassadors of the institution.
Historical Context and Governing Council Remarks
SAZU, originally established as Bauchi State University (BASUG) in 2011, commenced academic activities in 2012. In her remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Gambo Laraba Abdullahi, described the convocation as a major milestone for the university. She commended the Bauchi State Government for its sustained investment in education and urged the graduates to contribute meaningfully to national development while upholding the university's core values.
