Bauchi University Urges 12,256 Graduates to Embrace Entrepreneurship and Innovation
The Vice-Chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) in Bauchi State, Professor Fatimah Tahir, has issued a compelling charge to no fewer than 12,256 graduates of the institution, urging them to prioritize entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-reliance over a sole dependence on traditional white-collar employment opportunities. She delivered this powerful message during the university's combined 8th, 9th, and 10th convocation ceremony, which was held at its main campus located in Gadau.
The graduating cohort comprised students from both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across the university's nine distinct faculties. In her address, Professor Tahir emphasized the critical importance of graduates positioning themselves as proactive job creators in an increasingly competitive global landscape characterized by limited formal job openings.
Call for Self-Reliance and Leadership
"As you step into the larger society, do not limit yourselves to seeking employment alone; become innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders," Professor Tahir advised the assembled graduates. She stressed that embracing these roles is essential for navigating contemporary economic challenges and contributing meaningfully to societal progress.
Academic and Research Excellence Highlighted
Highlighting the institution's significant progress over the past fifteen years, the Vice-Chancellor detailed SAZU's remarkable achievements in education, research, and infrastructure development. She disclosed that 38 out of the university's 40 academic programmes have secured full accreditation from relevant bodies, with the remaining two programmes currently holding interim accreditation status.
On the research front, Professor Tahir revealed that the university has successfully accessed 148 Institutional-Based Research (IBR) grants from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) since 2023. Additionally, the institution has secured two National Research Fund (NRF) grants, underscoring its growing research capabilities and output.
Expanding National and International Collaborations
The Vice-Chancellor also noted SAZU's expanding network of international collaborations with prestigious institutions such as Don State Technical University in Russia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, and Sunway University in Malaysia. Furthermore, the university maintains strategic 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.
At the national level, Professor Tahir highlighted strengthened ties with key Nigerian organizations, including 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). She further revealed that 17 academic programmes were recently accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), reaffirming the institution's unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality education.
Infrastructure Development and Government Support
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 the construction of new student hostels, the expansion of road networks at the Yuli campus, perimeter fencing across all campuses, staff housing developments, and plans for establishing a dedicated medical college.
Professor Tahir also acknowledged the construction of a modern ICT complex by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in collaboration with Offshore Labs, noting that this facility has significantly enhanced teaching, learning, and research activities within the university. To address ongoing infrastructure challenges, the university has installed a 500KVA generator and drilled additional boreholes at the Yuli campus to ensure reliable power and water supply.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to the state government for increased funding, which she stated has improved overall university operations and staff welfare. She reiterated SAZU's commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically sound but also morally upright and socially responsible, urging them to serve as worthy ambassadors of the institution in their future endeavors.
Historical Context and Governing Council Remarks
Sa’adu Zungur University, formerly known as Bauchi State University (BASUG), was originally established in 2011 and commenced its academic activities in 2012. In her remarks during the ceremony, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Gambo Laraba Abdullahi, described the convocation as a major milestone in the university's history.
She commended the Bauchi State Government for its sustained investment in the education sector and urged the graduating students to contribute meaningfully to national development while upholding the core values and principles instilled by the university throughout their academic journey.
