The Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, has said infrastructure development is imperative if the rapid development of the university is to be attained.
Professor Na’Allah stated this during a press conference and celebration of his 2nd anniversary in office at the university main campus Thursday in Abuja.
He said his administration focused on the immediate accessing of the intervention funds with relevant agencies which remained dormant for years.
He said today, we have projects of various shapes which are at various stages of construction and completion, assisted by partner agencies.
He said the administration early in his tenure realised that the university’s development should be hinged on its ability to reach out and tap from other experiences and partnership with other agencies. In this regards, the administration reached out to organisations of like-minds and outside the country with a view to securing collaboration on key areas for mutual benefit.
These efforts have translated into MoUs that have been signed with many institutions, commissions and similar organisations, while the MoUs with the organisations mentioned aimed at strengthening the university’s academic research capabilities.
“The administration also pursued public-private partnership with commercial firms and similar private operators aimed at creating sound financial base for the University. This is aimed at escaping the trap of dependence on the government which has been the cog in the wheel of the university’s development,” he said.
The VC explained further that despite the numerous achievements recorded by this administration, there are still some major challenges prominent of which is finance. He said lack of funds has seriously slowed down the pace of both infrastructural and human developments.
He lamented that another major problem which has affected output/performance in terms of teaching and research, administration and other sundry needs is inconsistent power supply. “It is our conviction with overwhelming support the university is receiving from both private and public sectors, these problems will soon be surmounted.
Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, who launched three books Wednesday; Seriya and OmoKewu and Yoruba Oral Tradition in Islamic Nigeria: A History of Dadakuada, said he has resolved to create both a stimulating and happy study and living environment in the area of academic research, sports, arts, library, and accommodation facilities.
