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.

By Our Correspondent

In a historic move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman as the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), following the resignation of Senator George Akume.

The appointment, which was announced late Monday evening by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s political history, as Hajiya Hadiza becomes the first woman ever to occupy the influential office of SGF.

Hadiza Bala Usman, a seasoned public administrator and political strategist, previously served as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and more recently as Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination. Her track record of service, reform, and dedication to transparency has earned her respect across party lines.

President Tinubu, in his announcement, expressed confidence in her ability to bring professionalism, gender inclusivity, and fresh energy to the office. He emphasized that her appointment aligns with his administration’s commitment to meritocracy, competence, and empowering women in leadership.

“Hadiza Bala Usman has demonstrated capacity, integrity, and loyalty to the ideals of good governance. Her wealth of experience will play a critical role in driving our renewed hope agenda and policy implementation,” the statement from the presidency read.

Her appointment comes on the heels of the voluntary resignation of Senator George Akume, who stepped down after months of speculation over his future in government. Sources suggest he may be preparing to assume a more strategic political role within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), possibly as the next national chairman.

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is a central coordinating body for federal ministries and agencies, and is pivotal to policy execution and intergovernmental affairs. Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman’s entry into the role signals a new chapter in the nation’s governance structure.

Reactions to the announcement have been largely positive, with women’s rights groups, civil society organizations, and political observers hailing the decision as progressive and long overdue.

With this appointment, President Tinubu reinforces his pledge to ensure broader representation and competence-driven leadership at the highest levels of government.