By Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, Goronyo
A true leader is born with the inherent ability to lead and, crucially, to serve the people. This is achieved by exercising their administrative authority with unwavering commitment to equity, fairness, and justice.
An African proverb says a good Friday manifests on Wednesday and surely the appointment of Dr. Ibrahim Bashir Bello as Rector of Federal Polechnic Damataru (Fedpoly Damataru), is a deserving administrator for doing much in less than two months. His work speaks for him, his administrative functions signifies his actions and the changes seen explain the kind of leader he is.
Since his appointment on 4th February, 2025, his commencement of duties has already set a promising precedent. He’s establishing a strong foundation for the work he was entrusted to do. It’s truly remarkable to see that within just one month of his leadership, he’s not only settling in but actively making a significant and positive impact, leaving a clear mark of progress for the Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu. This early success suggests a very bright future for the institution!
In record time, Dr. Ibrahim Bashir Bello is transforming the Polytechnic into a state-of-the-art institution. He swiftly addressed the critical issue of power outages that had plagued the school, bringing an end to the darkness of more than a year. With electricity restored, both students and staff at the Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu, now enjoy a significantly improved and conducive learning and working environment in less than a month of his appointment.
In a move to foster collaboration and advance the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Rector Dr. Ibrahim Bashir paid a series of familiarization visits. He met with the Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Yobe State (Asst. Prof. Abba Idris), the Executive Secretary of the Arabic and Islamic Education Board (AISEB), Mallam Umar Abubakar, and Permanent Board Member Alh. Lawan Abba Shettima. The purpose of these visits was to explore collaborative opportunities with the Ministry, particularly in the area of skill acquisition, with a focus on Arabic and Islamic studies.
To boost skills and vocational education in Nigeria and Adamawa State, the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu has partnered with the Fika Emirate Council of Potiskum, focusing on skill development and security enhancements.
Under his strong leadership, the Rector resolved the National Union of Yobe State Students (NUYOSS) conflict and established a caretaker committee. Driven by a passion for reorganizing the Polytechnic and leveraging the expertise of experienced staff, Dr. Ibrahim Bello Bashir has also approved the appointments of several Directors and Deputy Directors. In the shortest time, the Rector also established two new departments: Applied Chemistry and Applied Physics.
Furthermore, Dr. Ibrahim Bello Bashir, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, has requested that all contractors resume work to complete the unfinished buildings within the institution. This initiative aims to create improved learning environments for students and more functional office spaces for staff.
The Polytechnic Consultancy Services Unit, known as FEDPODAM CONSULTS, has expanded its offerings with new courses for interested students. These programs are designed to provide specialized training and education in various fields.
Dr. Ibrahim Bashir Bello, a Rector who fosters a welcoming environment, encourages his staff to share their ideas, working together to elevate Federal Polytechnic Damaturu.
Dr. Ibrahim Bello Bashir, Rector of Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, in one month of his appointment has paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Hon. Chiroma Buba Mashio. The Rector sought the Speaker’s collaboration with the Polytechnic on skill acquisition initiatives, with the goal of reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.
With a leadership quality of Umar Bin Qaddab, the Rector of Fedpoly supervises workers and goes round the school to ensure that all hands are on deck. We trust that the entire staff and students’ bodies will continue to support the new Rector’s vision, mission, and strategic initiatives, contributing to a brighter future for FEDPOLY DAMATARU, Yobe state.
Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, Goronyo is an academic staff from Kaduna Polytechnic, sent this article via auwalgoronyo@gmail.com