The Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University (YGU), Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, has revealed strategic plans to reposition the institution as a World-Class University, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, students’ welfare, and campus security.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, Professor Fawehinmi said, his administration is committed to building a 21st-century university that equips students with the knowledge, practical skills, and global competitiveness required to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
He identified three immediate priorities for his administration: restoring lasting peace across the university community, improving the welfare of staff and students, and strengthening the institution’s academic system to meet global standards.
“Our first task is to stabilise the university and ensure lasting peace. We will also prioritise staff and students’ welfare while strengthening our academic system to meet global standards,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the university’s zero-tolerance policy on cultism and other criminal activities, disclosing that robust reporting mechanisms and intelligence networks have been established in collaboration with relevant security agencies to protect lives and property within and outside the campus.
He warned that anyone found engaging in cult-related activities would face disciplinary action in accordance with the law.
To improve academic quality,
Professor Fawehinmi said the university would strengthen its quality assurance systems, upgrade laboratory infrastructure, expand research activities, and establish strategic partnerships with international universities and centres of excellence to facilitate staff and student exchange programmes.
He also stressed the importance of experiential learning and entrepreneurship, noting that the university would equip students with practical skills needed to become employers of labour rather than relying solely on government jobs.
“Our young people must acquire practical skills that prepare them to become employers of labour rather than relying solely on government employment,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor urged students to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to their studies while resisting the temptation of quick wealth through criminal activities.
“The secret of my success is the fear of God, hard work, determination, steadfastness, focus and dedication,” he said, encouraging students to embrace those values as the foundation for a successful future.
Professor Fawehinmi identified inadequate students’ accommodation as one of the university’s major challenges, revealing that fewer than 30 per cent of the institution’s nearly 40,000 students currently have access to on-campus hostels.
He disclosed plans to expand hostel facilities by providing affordable and comfortable accommodation supported by reliable electricity and water supply.
The Vice-Chancellor also announced plans to strengthen campus security through the deployment of surveillance infrastructure, improved street lighting, and enhanced collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the university’s internal security personnel.
On innovation, he said the university would expand the activities of its Entrepreneurship Development Centre, support undergraduate research through competitive grants, and encourage students to transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses.
Highlighting the guiding principles of his administration, Professor Fawehinmi listed transparency, accountability, hard work, and excellence as the core values that would shape his leadership.
He also acknowledged the enduring influence of the late human rights advocate, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, and the late former Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, describing them as mentors whose exemplary leadership continues to inspire his public service.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence that the planned reforms would position Yakubu Gowon University as a leading centre of excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and human capital development in Nigeria and beyond.
