By Idris Auwal
The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Zaria (FUEZ), Prof. Isa Yahaya Bunkure, has presided over his first Academic Board and Management Meetings since assuming duty as the Vice Chancellor of the University.
Introducing the Vice Chancellor to the Academic Board, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr. Suleiman Balarabe, explained that the Academic Board, being the highest decision-making body in academic matters, which comprises chief lecturers, deans, directors, heads of departments, units and coordinators across the University.
In his remarks, Prof. Bunkure expressed gratitude for the warm reception he had received since arriving at FUEZ, stressing that he considered himself “not only a Vice Chancellor, but a colleague and partner in progress.”
He emphasized his readiness to listen to constructive ideas that would move the University forward, but warned that he had no interest in entertaining hearsay, gossips or divisive tendencies.
He declared that “I am here to make, not to mar the University. I will not intimidate anyone on the basis of the rumors I may have heard about them. My focus is on building a new Federal University of Education, Zaria, that will stand as a model and to achieve this, I need the full cooperation of this esteemed Board,”
The Vice Chancellor further reassured the academic community of his commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and respect for institutional processes, further urging members to embrace collaboration.
Prof. Bunkure also informed members of his strategic plans, which he intends to subject to the scrutiny and input of the Academic Board.
He described the plans as a framework designed to consolidate the strong foundations already laid and steer the University towards academic excellence, innovation, and national relevance, which he hopes to achieve, together with his Management Team.
The Vice Chancellor later met with leaders of staff unions, where discussions were held on pressing issues such as staff placement, promotion to the rank of professor, welfare matters, and inclusivity in decision-making. The union leaders reaffirmed their support for his administration and pledged their cooperation in ensuring industrial harmony, while also urging vigilance against divisive elements.
Prof. Bunkure, in turn, admonished members of the University community on good conduct, emphasising the importance of confidentiality and workplace ethics. He noted that protecting official information and avoiding rumor-mongering would help the University maintain peace, stability, and credibility. He also reminded them that discipline, loyalty to the institution, and a commitment to truth would remain the hallmarks of his administration
In all the meetings, members in attendance delivered goodwill messages filled with optimism and commitment, emphasizing cooperation, harmony, and hope for a University that would remain peaceful and prosperous, one that protects their courses, caters to staff welfare, and provides a conducive platform for effective teaching, learning, and research