ABUJA: The Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, has said the institution is repositioning to leverage technology to transform its operations and attain world-class standards in teaching, research and innovation.
Fawehinmi, the 8th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university, stated this on Wednesday after an interactive session with the Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Education, Senator Muntari Mohammed Dandutse, during which key challenges facing the institution were discussed.
He said his administration is committed to creating an enabling environment where academic excellence drives increased research productivity, inclusivity and effective management of diversity.
“My vision is to create an environment where academic activities and excellence promote research productivity, inclusivity and harmonious management of diversity,” he said, stressing that all segments of the university community must work collectively to move the institution forward.
The Vice-Chancellor said staff and students’ welfare and safety are central to his agenda, noting that improved welfare would enhance the university’s ranking, visibility and the quality of its graduates.
Explaining the outcome of the meeting with the Senate Committee chairman, Fawehinmi said discussions focused on generating renewable energy to address power challenges and boost academic productivity.
“We discussed modalities for generating renewable energy to increase power availability in the university. Improved power supply will significantly enhance academic activities and productivity,” he said.
He disclosed that the proposed renewable energy project would extend beyond the university, with plans to supply excess power to host communities as part of its corporate social responsibility.
According to him, the university plans to develop solar farms on elevated and ground locations, as well as explore solar installations on dammed sections of the Giri River, integrating agriculture, research, innovation and tourism.
Fawehinmi also expressed concern over the proliferation of universities in the country, warning that it poses risks to academic standards due to weakened regulation and declining quality of manpower.
He said many private universities operate far below their admission capacities and are unable to meet broader national education needs, welcoming recent government efforts to suspend the establishment of new universities as a step toward safeguarding standards.
On security, the Vice-Chancellor said the university is strengthening surveillance through community policing, collaboration with security agencies and engagement with local vigilante groups to secure the expansive campus.
He added that inclusive leadership, transparency and staff welfare remain key to maintaining industrial harmony, noting that constant engagement with staff unions helps reduce industrial disputes.
The session ended with both parties expressing optimism about stronger collaboration to improve infrastructure, security and academic excellence at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja.
