Why can’t we get all the people together in the world that we really like and then just stay together? I guess that wouldn’t work. Someone would leave. Someone always leaves. Then we would have to say good-bye. I hate good-byes. I know what I need. I need more hellos. All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.
The aforementioned is attached to bowing out of the quintessential Vice Chancellor, Professor Alhassan Mohammed Gani, who was born in Dengi Kanam LGA of Plateau state. Alhassan Mohammed Gani (Dan Masanin Kanam) is the outgoing vice chancellor, Federal University of Kashere, Gombe state, Nigeria. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science (Botany) from the University of Jos, Plateau state and Masters degree in applied sciences in 1988 from the University of London & his certificate on Adaptive Research on Tropical Crops from University of Southampton and Doctorate Degree in Plant Physiology at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, in 1997.
From a glance at his rich profile, one must have guessed his wealth of experience in various endeavours of life. This is evidenced by his effort in securing construction of six blocks at the university primary and secondary schools.
Reports indicate that before his appointment, it’s only few courses that have accreditation, which the VC saw as a pitiable. This humble man struggled to ensure that almost all the programmes being run in the institution get accredited.
In terms of infrastructural development, even the blind can feel and testify to his giant strides. Some of his achievements include the construction of road networks in the campus to access unit buildings of the campus as well as construction of culverts and drainages which had reached 80-85% completion; construction of culverts and water ways; construction of the new administrative block; construction of classrooms/renovation of departments including two auditoriums.
Others are sport outdoors for students, an additional of female hostel, among other infrastructural development. He had also in collaboration with the federal government constructed NITDA ICT Hub Centre. These achievements provided students with enabling environment conducive for learning
Before his regime, very few courses had fully been accredited. But in his five-year tenure, he constructed 500-capacity library, Senate Building, and built the school of post-graduate studies. To widen the horizon of academic staff of the university, Prof. Gani in his wisdom had paved way where the institution was approached by many institutions for collaboration in the training of staff, research and other academic programs.
Bet me in Kashere now, almost 97 per cent of all running courses are fully accredited. Between Gani and his subordinates, when I first saw their interaction, I never thought he was the boss until I realised his simplicity, diligence, calmness and charisma. History of Federal University of Kashere has it that Dan Masanin Kanam was the first to restore and maintain infrastructural development in the university.
He received many awards and commendations for his selfless service to the university in Kashere, in that regard he is second to none. This is a rare personality in contemporary world; his track record will certainly continue to speak volumes. This man left a legacy that in years to come the school will honour him. He served because he is a man out to serve humanity and work to make change.
To my greatest mentor, father, boss and role model I wish you all the success in life. I hope and pray the legacy you left behind in the Federal University, Kashere will be remembered in years to come. We will remember you with warm thoughts and memories. We wish you well and pray to Allah to always guard and protect you.
Usman Abdullahi Koli,
Mass Communication,
Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic,
Bauchi
