From Sadiq Mohd, Zaria The Federal University of Education (FUE), Zaria, has recorded significant developments in infrastructure, staff wel...
From Sadiq Mohd, Zaria
The Federal University of Education (FUE), Zaria, has recorded significant developments in infrastructure, staff welfare, academic expansion and institutional transformation within the first year of the administration of its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Yahaya Isa Bunkure.
The achievements, covering the period from September 3, 2025 to September 3, 2026, include the completion and rehabilitation of key university buildings, expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, strengthening of security and information and communication technology (ICT), improved staff welfare and the successful transition from a college to a full-fledged university.
According to the Secretary/Chief of Staff to the Vice Chancellor, Sani Ibrahim Wambai, the administration has prioritised infrastructure development as part of its efforts to create a conducive environment for teaching, learning, research and administration.
Among the major projects completed or rehabilitated are an 18-office block, the Senate Building, University Library, Faculty of Languages Complex, Professorial Complex and Home Economics Laboratories, Old PHE Block and Mathematics Block.
Others include the completion of an office complex and lecture halls opposite the Faculty of Languages, as well as the rehabilitation of the 1,500-capacity El-Rufai Hall, which also has four departmental offices attached to the complex.
Renewable energy, ICT, security
The administration also invested substantially in alternative power supply, particularly solar energy, to reduce the university's dependence on the national grid and generators.
Wambai said an independent solar-powered electricity system was installed at the University Water Works, taking the facility off the grid and reducing its reliance on generators to operate its pumping machines.
He said the initiative was expected to support uninterrupted water supply to students' hostels, offices and staff quarters.
Solar installations were also provided at the students' Common Room, where a 4.5KVA system was installed, as well as the university's Administrative Block, Clinic, Estate Department, Bursary, Consultancy Unit, Stores and Security Office.
The administration also installed solar-powered street lights at strategic locations across the university, a development that has enhanced visibility and security within the institution.
In the area of ICT, the university supplied laptops and desktop computers to key officers, departments, directorates and faculties to facilitate official duties.
The ICT Directorate was also strengthened through staff and student training and retraining, while the administration established a smart classroom within the directorate.
Another major development was the facilitation of a state-of-the-art Renewed Hope ICT Centre equipped with 200 all-in-one computers, 20 laptops, 12 air conditioners, three smart boards, internet facilities and an independent solar power supply.
According to the scorecard, the facility is expected to strengthen digital learning, training and other ICT-related activities while creating opportunities for revenue generation.
Improved security
The administration also expanded the university's security architecture with the recruitment of 48 additional security personnel and an increase in the monthly salaries of security staff.
Working tools were equally provided to the Security Directorate to improve its operations.
The administration also responded to infrastructural emergencies through prompt rehabilitation and maintenance, including repairs to the damaged roof of the male hostel and other buildings affected by windstorms.
Staff welfare
On staff welfare, the administration was said to have prioritised harmonious relations with the university's various unions and employees.
The administration facilitated the payment of outstanding allowances, including five months of CATA for teaching staff and six months of hazard allowance for non-teaching staff.
It also introduced a rotation system for staff attending conferences, ending what was described as the previous practice of repeatedly sending the same individuals to conferences.
The university management also presented staff for promotion, conversion and change of cadres, while efforts were made to gradually settle outstanding promotion arrears dating back to 2018 and salary arrears for 2017/2018.
One of the major milestones in the area of academic staff development was the assessment of academic staff on the professorial cadre.
The exercise resulted in the university having 45 professors and 46 readers. According to the scorecard, the affected academic staff would now retire at 70 instead of 65 years, alongside other benefits associated with the professorial cadre.
From college to university
The administration also played a key role in facilitating the smooth transition of the institution from a college to a university.
The university's admission quota was increased from an initial 1,500 to 5,000 students, while approval was secured for 34 academic programmes following prompt development of academic briefs and other requirements.
The administration also embarked on programmes and activities aimed at attracting prospective students to the institution.
Another challenge addressed was the longstanding problem associated with the printing and issuance of NCE certificates, while a Directorate of Examinations and Records was established to strengthen the management of students' academic records and examination processes.
Partnerships and stakeholder relations
The administration also pursued collaborations with local and international institutions and organisations as part of efforts to expand opportunities for the university.
It equally enhanced the operations of the TETFund Centre for Excellence and Enhanced Technology, which, according to the scorecard, has earned recognition as one of the leading centres of its kind in the country.
Beyond the university community, the administration maintained cordial relationships with critical stakeholders, including the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, ministers, particularly those from Kaduna State, the Emir of Zazzau and other traditional rulers, religious leaders, the host community and security agencies operating in Zaria.
Wambai said the engagements were aimed at fostering a peaceful environment and securing the support of stakeholders for the growth and development of the university.
He added that the administration's first year had focused on laying a solid foundation for the institution's growth while strengthening its infrastructure, academic programmes, staff welfare, security and institutional partnerships.
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