The Federal University Gashua (FUGASHUA) in Yobe State has ushered in a new era of leadership with the official appointment of Professor Yaqub Ahmed Geidam as its substantive Vice Chancellor. The university's Governing Council ratified the decision during a recent statutory meeting, marking a significant milestone for the institution.
Council Approves Appointment Following Rigorous Process
The announcement was formally made in a statement issued by Mallam Adamu Saleh, the Head of the Information and Protocol Unit at the university. The statement confirmed that the appointment was approved during a council meeting presided over by the Pro-Chancellor and Council Chairman, Barrister Ibrahim Usman.
The selection process was described as highly competitive and strictly adhered to established national guidelines. According to the university, the procedure fully complied with the Universities Miscellaneous Provisions Act and all other regulations governing university appointments in Nigeria. Candidates were meticulously evaluated based on a set of critical criteria designed to identify the best leader.
Merit-Based Framework Guides Selection
The council employed a merit-based framework to assess all contenders for the prestigious position. Key areas of evaluation included:
- Academic record and scholarly contributions
- Demonstrated leadership and administrative capability
- Personal integrity and clarity of vision
- Proven experience in institutional development
This rigorous approach underscored the council's commitment to due process and its determination to select a candidate capable of elevating the university's profile both within Nigeria and on the international stage. The ultimate choice reflects a strategic move to position Federal University Gashua for sustained growth, expanded research output, and enhanced academic delivery.
New VC Brings Decades of Academic Expertise
Professor Yaqub Ahmed Geidam is a distinguished scholar with a robust background in Veterinary Medicine. He brings to the role an impressive career spanning more than two decades as a professor, encompassing extensive experience in teaching, research, and high-level academic administration.
Prior to his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Gashua, Professor Geidam held the position of Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Maiduguri. His career is further marked by several other key administrative roles, where he played an instrumental part in curriculum development, academic planning, and staff coordination.
In his communication, the Pro-Chancellor, Barrister Ibrahim Usman, reassured the university community—including staff, students, and stakeholders—of the Governing Council's unwavering focus. He emphasized the council's dedication to strengthening institutional governance, championing academic excellence, and ensuring stability within the university system. The council expressed strong confidence that Professor Geidam's leadership will effectively guide Federal University Gashua toward long-term progress and achievement.
Context of Academic Leadership
The appointment comes at a time when Nigerian universities are emphasizing strong leadership to navigate complex challenges. In a related development, Lagos State University (LASU) recently matriculated 14,893 new students for the 2025/2026 academic session. During that ceremony, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, admonished fresh students to shun cultism and social vices, highlighting a common theme across Nigerian higher education: the critical role of leadership in fostering a conducive environment for learning and discipline.
The installation of Professor Geidam is therefore seen not just as a change of guard, but as a strategic step intended to consolidate the gains of Federal University Gashua and steer it towards a future of greater academic distinction and institutional robustness.
