By Abdulazeez Sani Labaran

The Gombe State University (GSU) Alumni Association has congratulated Professor Sani Ahmed Yauta on his confirmation as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution by its Visitor, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON (Dan Majen Gombe).

In a statement, the National President of the association, Malam Buhari Magaji, PhD, described Professor Yauta’s appointment as a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding leadership qualities, academic pedigree, and proven dedication to the growth of the university.

“Professor Yauta has, over the years, demonstrated remarkable vision and commitment to advancing academic excellence, research innovation, and institutional development. His elevation as Vice Chancellor is not only a personal achievement but also a significant milestone for the entire GSU community,” Malam Magaji said.

The Alumni Association expressed confidence that under Professor Yauta’s leadership, the university will experience greater transformation in research, teaching, innovation, and infrastructure. It further pledged its unwavering support to ensure his administration succeeds.

Stakeholders within and outside the university have also welcomed the appointment. Youth O’Clock Nigeria and Gombe State Chanter, in separate congratulatory messages, prayed for wisdom, strength, and success for the new Vice Chancellor as he assumes full responsibility.

Professor Yauta, who previously served as Director of Academic Planning and later Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), is widely credited for playing a pivotal role in shaping policies that have elevated GSU’s standing in Nigeria’s higher education landscape. As Acting Vice Chancellor, he introduced initiatives aimed at strengthening strategic partnerships and improving academic standards.

His vision for the university includes policies and infrastructural improvements that will not only expand access to quality education but also enhance support for persons with disabilities on campus, thereby making GSU a more inclusive institution.

Malam Magaji, on behalf of the alumni, expressed optimism that Professor Yauta’s tenure will be marked by unity, groundbreaking achievements, and prosperity for the university.

“On this historic occasion, we reaffirm our loyalty and support to Professor Yauta as he takes Gombe State University to greater heights,” the statement added.

Professor Yauta’s appointment signals a new chapter for the institution, with hopes high among students, staff, and alumni that his leadership will consolidate GSU’s place as a center of excellence in the North-East and beyond.

By Our Correspondent

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has approved the appointment of Professor Sani Ahmad Yauta as the substantive Vice Chancellor of Gombe State University (GSU).

The appointment, conveyed by the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Muhammad Shettima Gadam, followed the recommendation of the university’s Governing Council.

Professor Yauta, described as a seasoned academic and administrator, is expected to inject renewed energy and purposeful leadership into the institution, particularly in its quest for academic excellence, research innovation, and infrastructural growth.

In a related development, Governor Yahaya also gave approval for the appointment of principal officers to serve in acting capacities at the College of Education and Legal Studies (COELS), Nafada. The appointments, which take effect immediately, were made in line with Section 20, Sub-section 2 of the College of Education and Legal Studies Law, 2021, which empowers the Governor to make such decisions.

The appointees are:

Dr. Dauda Mohammed – Acting Provost

Aishatu Mahmud Aliyu – Acting Registrar

Ahijo Usman Mohammed – Acting Bursar

The Governor’s office noted that these appointments reflect his administration’s commitment to strengthening leadership across Gombe’s tertiary institutions, thereby ensuring smooth administrative operations and enhancing academic performance.

Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General of Press Affairs at Government House, Gombe, described the move as part of ongoing efforts by the Yahaya administration to consolidate progress in the state’s education sector.

By Muhammad Jamil Abubakar

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has announced the appointment of Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef as the new Country Representative for Nigeria.

Ms. Wafaa brings to the role over two decades of experience in international humanitarian and development work, with a proven track record in advancing children’s rights and improving community well-being across various global contexts.

Prior to her appointment to Nigeria, she served as the UNICEF Representative in Somalia, where she led numerous successful interventions in a complex humanitarian environment. Her career spans key leadership roles within the United Nations, including with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UNICEF, and the World Food Programme (WFP) in countries such as Sudan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Syria, and Ethiopia.

She also held senior positions at the global level with OCHA in New York and Geneva. Her career began in Sudan, where she worked with the private sector, academia, and non-governmental organizations, focusing on displaced populations and environmental sustainability.

Ms. Wafaa holds a Master of Architecture from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium, a Master of Science in Physical Planning from the University of Khartoum, and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture.

UNICEF Nigeria expressed confidence in her leadership, stating that her expertise in program management, coordination, and strategic planning will play a critical role in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to ensure the rights and well-being of every child.

She is expected to strengthen partnerships and accelerate progress in child health, education, protection, and social inclusion initiatives across the country.

UNICEF warmly welcomed Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef and expressed optimism about her contribution to the organization’s mission in Nigeria.