Aliyu appoints Prof. Haruna as Niger University of Education pioneer VC

The Niger State Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has approved the appointment of Prof. Farouk Abdulraheed Haruna as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the newly established Niger State University of Education, Minna.

The appointment was conveyed via a letter by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Saidu Ndako Idris.

It is for a single term of five years and it is expected to take from January 1, 2015.

Part of the letter reads: “Acting on the power conferred on him by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the law establishing the Niger state University of Education, No. 21 of 2013, the Governor of Niger state, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu has approved your appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the University with effect from January 1st, 2015.”

According to Aliyu, the appointment of Haruna was in recognition of his track record of achievements as the Provost of the state College of Education, Minna, a position he occupied until his appointment.

The governor, said: “As the pioneer Vice Chancellor of this university, you are expected to bring your wealth of experience and administrative skills to bear in the discharge of your duties.

“You are expected to replicate and even surpass your performance as the Provost, College of Education Minna where you recorded tremendous achievements in infrastructural development, improvement in learning conditions and general Students conduct.”

The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Mohammed Yahaya Kuta, while presenting the appointment letter to the new Vice Chancellor at a brief ceremony in his office on Wednesday, said the delay in the take-off of the University since October was to enable the government secure the approval of the National Universities Commission.

Kuta said all the necessary machineries for the smooth take off of the University have been put in place, stressing that the University will operate from the present state College of Education as its temporary site.

Reacting to his new appointment, the Vice Chancellor said his appointment was apt and timely, describing it as a challenge and a great opportunity.

Haruna said: “We will use the opportunity to build a world class University of Education that will be of a pride not only to Niger State but to the country in general.

“We will do more in other to establish an excellent University because no development can take place without education. Education holds key to social transformation and development.”

Prof. Haruna pointed out that the establishment of the University is the best thing that has happened to teachers education in the state, saying that there will be quality education without Teacher education.

He maintained that the establishment of the University will help the state achieve it vision 3-2020 because Teacher education is expected to be the main driver as it will produce those that will help to achieve the vision.