Prof. Garba Hails Staff Support, Outlines Milestones In Debt Clearance, Welfare
By Khalid Idris Doya
The Vice-Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, Prof. Ibrahim Hassan Garba, has commended the University community for the sustained support and cooperation his administration has enjoyed since he assumed office last year.
Prof. Garba made the remarks when the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) paid him separate solidarity visits in his office.
Chairman of SSANU, Comrade Sulisma Dauda Jatau, who led his executives, praised the Vice-Chancellor's leadership style, particularly in financial prudence, rule of law, and commitment to staff and students' welfare.
He, however, condemned recent negative media campaigns against the University leadership, describing them as unfortunate and damaging to the institution's image.
Similarly, NASU Chairman, Comrade Yusuf D. Yusuf, expressed concern over what he termed "misplaced media attacks" linked to a Federal Government policy that was wrongly attributed to the Vice-Chancellor.
He pledged NASU's continued support in the administration's efforts to strengthen academic excellence in the university
Responding, Prof. Garba said he was overwhelmed by the unions' solidarity and described it as a reflection of their patriotism and foresight.
He emphasised that his administration remains committed to financial discipline and academic justice.
"When I assumed office, I met a huge debt burden. In the past few months, I have settled nearly one-third of it without taking fresh loans," he said.
On welfare, the VC disclosed that five refurbished luxury buses have been deployed to ease student shuttle between Gubi and Yelwa campuses, while a new 32-seater bus is being prepared for staff transportation.
He also revealed that six of the University's grounded tractors had been rehabilitated for the farming season, with more to follow, to support both staff and community farmers at subsidized rates.
"Our major aim is to support staff and members of the Bauchi community who are farming on our campuses with a subsidised rate charged at less than 30% of commercial rate in town," ATBU VC noted.
Prof. Garba further announced plans for a seamless promotion process that would drastically reduce delays in staff career progression.
University's Director of Information, Malam Zailani Bappa in a press release on Wednesday, clarified that recent allegations linking the VC to the closure of certain faculties and courses were unfounded, noting that the decision originated from the federal government and not from the University management.
0 Comments