Ibrahim Suleiman
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Zaria, Professor Yahaya Isa Bunkure, says the institution has recorded significant progress in academic development, infrastructure, staff welfare and digital transformation within his first year in office.
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Professor Bunkure stated this on Thursday at a press briefing in Zaria to mark the first anniversary of his assumption of office as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university.
He said his administration inherited an institution transitioning from a college of education into a full-fledged university, requiring significant improvements in academic structures, infrastructure, governance, research capacity and human resources.
The Vice-Chancellor said he was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on September 3, 2025, and assumed office on September 17 of the same year, describing the first year as a period of transition and institutional development.
Professor Bunkure explained that the transformation of the institution went beyond a change in name and status, stressing that it must be reflected in the quality of teaching and learning, research, staff welfare, student experience, governance and institutional reputation.
He disclosed that 58 qualified academic staff had been appropriately placed on the ranks of professors and readers after undergoing the required assessment and due process.
According to him, the exercise is ongoing, with other qualified academic staff to be assessed in line with approved university regulations and applicable standards.
The Vice-Chancellor also announced that the university’s admission quota had been increased from 1,500 to 5,000 students, saying the development would expand access to university education and support the production of qualified teachers and education professionals.
He added that 34 academic programmes had been approved following the development and processing of the required academic briefs and documentation.
Professor Bunkure, however, stressed that the expansion of programmes and student enrolment would be matched with adequate staffing, facilities, accreditation, quality assurance and student support.
On infrastructure, he said the administration had completed, rehabilitated or substantially improved several facilities, including the Senate Building, University Library, Faculty of Languages, Professorial Complex, Home Economics Laboratories, Mathematics Block, PhD Block, office complexes and lecture halls.
He added that the 1,500-capacity hall had been rehabilitated, alongside damaged roofs of the male hostel and other buildings affected by wind and environmental factors.
The Vice-Chancellor said the administration had also prioritised renewable energy as part of measures to improve power and water supply on campus.
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According to him, an independent solar power system was installed at the university waterworks, while solar systems were provided at the students’ common room, administrative block, university clinic, estate department, bursary, consultancy unit, stores and security office.
He added that solar streetlights had also been installed at strategic locations across the campus.
On digital transformation, Professor Bunkure said the university had strengthened its Information and Communication Technology infrastructure through the provision of computers and training for staff and students.
He identified the establishment of the Renee Hope ICT Centre as one of the administration’s major achievements, saying the facility has 200 all-in-one computers, 20 laptops, air conditioners, internet facilities and an independent solar power system.
He said the centre would support digital learning, computer-based examinations, research, staff and student training, as well as e-administration.
On staff welfare, Professor Bunkure said the administration had sustained dialogue with staff unions and worked to promote industrial harmony within the university.
He disclosed that the university facilitated the payment of outstanding allowances, including eight months’ allowances for teaching staff and hazard allowance for non-teaching staff, while promotion, confirmation and change-of-cadre exercises were also addressed.
The Vice-Chancellor said the institution had continued to sponsor staff for conferences and workshops within and outside Nigeria, while plans were underway to sponsor another group for postgraduate studies.
He encouraged academic staff to access Institutional-Based Research and National Research Fund opportunities provided through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund.
Professor Bunkure further said the university had maintained strict measures against examination malpractice and unrecognised clubs and societies, stressing that academic integrity and discipline remained priorities of his administration.
On security, he disclosed that 48 additional security personnel had been employed, while their monthly salaries were increased and the security directorate provided with additional operational equipment.
He said the university had also strengthened collaboration with relevant security agencies to protect students, staff and property.
Professor Bunkure expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Abbas Tajudeen, and the university’s Governing Council for their support.
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He also commended the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda, members of the Senate, management, staff unions, students, traditional institutions, security agencies, development partners, alumni and the Zaria community for their contributions to the institution’s development.
The Vice-Chancellor said the administration would, in its second year, focus on consolidating the university’s transition and building an institution that is academically credible, technologically driven, administratively sound and capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s human capital development.