Virtually anyone if not everyone who had managed to transverse the
length and breath of the University of Maiduguri, either by chance or
convenience. Will testify to the remarkable rate of developments and
improvements currently being witnessed in the institution. Both in terms of
infrastructure and academic standards. Njodi is now the name on the lips of
almost every one in the school - From the students in the campus to the staffs
and lecturers down to the parents/guardian, he is now seen as a beacon of
hope.
Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi was born fifty years ago at kaltungo LGA
of Gombe State to a very humble background.He attended LEA primary school
Kaltungo from 1967 -1973 and later Ecwa primary school kaltungo from 1973
-1975. From where he proceeded to the gov't teachers college Jama're in
Baluchi State from 1975 -1980. He obtained his B.sc degree in physical and
health education from 1981 -1985. He then participated in the mandatory
National Youth Service Corps from 1985 -1986.
Prof. Njodi Joined the services of the University of Maiduguri as a graduate
assistant in 1987 and enrolled and completed his MSc degree from 1988 -1991
still at the University of Maiduguri. He then proceeded to the prestigious
University of Nigeria,Nsukka for his PhD in public health education from 2000
-2003. And rose to the rank of professor in 2006.
He has also held various academic and administrative positions within and
outside the country. And has contributed articles in academic journals
worldwide.
Prior to his appointment as the V.C of the institution he served as the
D.V.C Academics. Prof. Njodi was duly appointed to the post of the V.C in a
keenly contested election. Somewhat controversial in the manner in which it
went. In a poll of 11 candidates, he secured the highest percentage of 90.1 to
defeat his closest rivals prof. Marte of the University's Pharmaceutical Dept and
prof. Kundiri to 2nd and 3rd places respectively.
Upon his appointment he promised to move the institution forward. And
also promised to correct the discordant academic calendar that the school had
observed as a result of the security challenges facing the state. At the time of
his assumption of office the institution was suffering from massive
infrastructural decay coupled with poor population of students and mass exodus
of lecturers which was a direct result of the security challenges.
Today, the situation is different in the University of Maiduguri. In spite of
the challenges confronting the state, the University has witnessed a new turn of
life thanks to its dynamic and vibrant leader. Roads being constructed across the
school, new buildings being erected, hostels and classrooms being renovated
and machineries and equipment which were hitherto in a deplorable state are
being revived. In fact the V.C takes time out of his tight schedule to visit and
encourage the students in their hostels and even in classes while reading at
night. What a man!
There was a tale of how a student was in a class reading one night
when he was tapped from the back only to discover it was the V.C to his
amazement. Due to his simple and down to earth nature it sometimes difficult
to detect him in the company of his students. During one interview session he
disclosed to his interviewee that he tries hard not let his students know he is
travelling. So as not to displease them. This shows the level of relationship he
enjoys with the students. Who never fail to heap praises on him. They even
crafted a song on his behalf titled "Doro Njodi" which was a remix of the
popular "Doro Bucci" by the Marvins crew.
Under his tenure the school has indeed witnessed tremendous achievements. From
the construction of new roads to the renovation of hostels and erection of new
buildings amongst other laudable achievements. Just recently the University
succeeded in securing a broadcasting license for its radio station from the the
Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and also signed an M.O.U with
Universitat Hamburg in Germany. Most notable among his achievements was
bringing into proper setting the faulty academic calendar the University had once
observed. Thus fufilling a pledge he made on assumption of office.
His goodwill and leadership qualities has not gone unnoticed by his
kinsmen. He was accorded the title of "Dan Rimin Kaltungo" by the mai
kaltungo and also the chairman Gombe State council of emirs and chiefs Alhaji,
Sale Muhammad Umar, OON, earlier this year. For his numerous contributions
to the development of education. Both within Kaltungo and beyond.
An epitome of excellence and sheer commitment, this great leader has
continued to awe his critics, against all odds. His unique and exemplary
leadership qualities will continue to endear him to many. And hopefully he will
continue to steer this great institution to greater heights.
Joshua Jesse Kelvin Writes from Lagos Twitter @JJ_Kelvin
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