The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Gashua, Professor Yaqub Ahmed Geidam, has unveiled key initiatives aimed at strengthening the institution’s academic and environmental agenda.
Speaking at the 11th matriculation ceremony held at the university’s 1,000-capacity hall earlier in the week, Professor Geidam described the occasion as a significant milestone for both the students and the institution.
He explained that the matriculation oath represents a solemn commitment between the students and the University, emphasizing that the institution expects them to uphold the highest standards of conduct throughout their academic stay.
“This ceremony marks the formal beginning of a life-changing academic journey for our new students. By taking the matriculation oath, you become bona fide members of this distinguished academic community,” he said.
Professor Geidam noted that the 11th matriculation exercise holds special significance as it is the first under his leadership since assuming office as the 4th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
Reflecting on the institution’s growth, he stated that since its establishment in February 2013, the University has steadily expanded its academic offerings and infrastructure in pursuit of quality and globally competitive education.
According to him, the University commenced academic activities in 2014 with only two faculties and four academic programmes but has since grown to operate five faculties and 34 academic programmes, alongside an expanding postgraduate school.
He attributed the institution’s progress to the support of the Federal Government, the National Universities Commission, traditional institutions, development partners, as well as the commitment and dedication of the University’s academic and administrative staff.
Professor Geidam also highlighted the University’s ongoing reforms aimed at preparing students for the demands of a rapidly changing world. Among the initiatives announced is the University’s Digital Transformation Agenda, designed to modernize academic processes, improve access to digital learning resources, and enhance institutional efficiency.
The Vice-Chancellor also unveiled the FUGA Green Code, a student-centred environmental and climate resilience programme that seeks to embed sustainability within campus culture while empowering students to champion environmental responsibility, particularly in the climate-vulnerable North-East region.
“These initiatives are part of our effort to build a forward-looking academic ecosystem that prepares our graduates for the realities of the 21st century,” he said.
Addressing the newly admitted students, Professor Geidam congratulated them on securing admission into the University and urged them to remain focused on their academic pursuits.
He encouraged them to familiarize themselves with the Students’ Handbook, stressing that it outlines their rights, responsibilities, and regulations governing students’ conduct, including dress code, examination procedures, and hostel guidelines.
The Vice-Chancellor further reiterated the University’s zero-tolerance policy on misconduct, warning against involvement in cultism, illicit drug use, examination malpractice, and other acts of indiscipline.
“At the Federal University Gashua, we believe that the true value of education lies in the combination of character and knowledge. These two elements define the quality of our graduates and the credibility of the degrees we award,” he stated.
Professor Geidam assured the students that the University’s management remained committed to providing a safe and conducive learning environment, while continuing to invest in academic development, digital innovation, research, infrastructure, and student welfare.
He added that the institution was working to introduce new academic programmes and review existing curricula to ensure they remain relevant and responsive to national and global development needs.
“Our objective is to produce graduates who are academically sound, highly employable, entrepreneurial, and capable of contributing meaningfully to economic and social development,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor formally admitted the new students as matriculated members of the University and welcomed them to what he described as a vibrant academic community.
“On behalf of the Management and the entire University community, I warmly welcome you to Federal University Gashua — the Oasis of Knowledge,” he added.
