Members of the Bayero University, Kano (BUK) Congregation have unanimously hailed the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, for his remarkable achievements in academic advancement, administrative reforms and infrastructural development that have repositioned the University as a hub of excellence
The accolades came during the University’s 60th Congregation Meeting held on Thursday, 24th April, 2024, where senior members of the academic and administrative community gathered to deliberate on critical institutional matters and review the progress recorded under the current administration.
Presiding over the meeting as Chairman of the Congregation, Professor Abbas outlined several groundbreaking milestones achieved during his tenure. He highlighted, among others, the disbursement of N13.8 million as research incentives to staff who published high-impact studies, part of a broader initiative to reward innovation with up to N500,000 for each research output leading to a registered patent.
In response, the congregation showered praise on the Vice-Chancellor, describing his leadership as exemplary and transformative. They acknowledged that his efforts have significantly boosted the University’s reputation, both nationally and globally.
Reading the resolutions of the meeting, Professor Anas Yahaya noted that the congregation specifically commended the Vice-Chancellor for elevating BUK to a competitive global standing. “Under his leadership, the University has recorded major strides in academics, administration, and infrastructure, placing BUK among the best universities in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
Professor Abbas also shared the latest recognition from the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, which ranked BUK as the fourth-best university in Nigeria and first among 274 Nigerian universities in terms of international visibility.
On staff welfare, he announced that non-teaching staff who had long stagnated at CONTISS 13 can now rise to Grade Level 15, following Council approval initiated by the Management. This move effectively breaks a decade-long career ceiling and reflects the administration’s commitment to equity and growth.
The Vice-Chancellor further informed the congregation of several welfare-enhancing initiatives, including a second batch of bicycles distributed to junior staff, continued free staff bus shuttle service, tuition support loans, and upgrades in sanitation and medical services. Over N14 million was also invested in repairing water infrastructure in key residential areas of the campus.
He also reported on the University’s engagement with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), which has agreed to repair and upgrade BUK’s solar power infrastructure. A team from REA visited the University in December and conducted a comprehensive assessment, with repairs and upgrades expected to improve the institution’s energy reliability.
In celebrating student success, Professor Abbas proudly announced that Shukurat Abdussalam will represent Nigeria at the World University Games for Taekwondo in Germany later this year, highlighting the University's growing international presence and student excellence. This is in addition to other students who have represented the University in Dubai and Kenya and selected as ambassadors of MANARA Centre, Dubai and two others who participated at the International Association of Community Development’s discussion.
As part of the meeting’s outcomes, Professor Maikano Madaki of the Sociology Department and Dr. Adamu Umar Wangara of the University Health Services were elected as Congregation representatives on the Vice-Chancellor Search Committee. Additionally, Professor Lawan Sani Taura was elected to replace Professor Haruna Musa as the Congregation’s representative on the University Council.
The meeting ended on a high note, with members expressing gratitude for the visionary leadership of Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas and reaffirming their support for the administration’s continuous drive toward excellence.