THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA:

Transcript:THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA::
THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA: BETWEEN PROMISE AND PRECIPICE By PROF. ABUBAKAR RASHEED, mni, FNAL, FLAN DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND LITERARY STUDIES, BAYERO UNIVERSITY, KANO BEING A LECTURE DELIVERED TO MARK THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY AND 42ND CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF USMANU DANFODIYO UNIVERSITY, SOKOTO ON FRIDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER, 2025 PROTOCOLS * It is with profound gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you at this historic moment in the life of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS). I speak not merely as an invited guest or academic peer, but as a fellow traveller on this long and demanding road of Nigerian public university evolution, a journey that, for me, began about four and a half decades ago. * My professional life has been inextricably tied to the fortunes of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) which, like Usmanu Danfodio University, belongs to the second generation universities in Nigeria, sometimes referred to as the seven sisters. I have served in lecture halls and committee rooms, as a teacher and administrator, and later, as Vice Chancellor of BUK (2010–2015). Introduction: A Personal and Historical Perspective (I) * That experience, rigorous and revealing, would later prepare me for the national stage, when I was privileged to serve as the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (2016–2023), a position which, probably, informed this university's Vice Chancellor’s decision to invite me to deliver today's lecture. * Let me, therefore, begin by extending my deepest gratitude to Professor Bashir Garba, the current Vice Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University who not only provided me the opportunity to share my thoughts with you today but also afforded me ample time to prepare for the event. Introduction: A Personal and Historical Perspective (II) * I am not surprised by his thoughtfulness, for he brings to his new role a unique combination of academic excellence and seasoned public service experience. Prior to his appointment as VC at UDUS, he served - with distinction as the Vice Chancellor of Sokoto State University. He was also a former Commissioner for Higher Education in Sokoto State, and a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG); roles in which he demonstrated vision and commitment to educational development of the state. * As the new Vice Chancellor of UDUS, Professor Garba has started to provide focused and disciplined leadership, ensuring that the university maintains stability, enhances quality and preserves its unique identity.