By Ammar M. Rajab
In an
exclusive interview with journalists, the outgoing Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello
University (ABU), Zaria, Professor Kabir Bala, candidly reflected on his
five-year leadership of one of Nigeria’s foremost educational institutions.
Despite his tenure being marked by
numerous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the prolonged ASUU
strike, Professor Bala shared his pride in the institution’s successes and the
lessons learned during his administration.
As his time as Vice Chancellor draws
to a close, the professor was quick to downplay any notion of personal
achievement, attributing the university’s progress to the collective efforts of
his team. “The greatest achievement, without a doubt, is the peaceful
coexistence we’ve maintained at ABU. It’s a remarkable feat, given the university's
diverse and cosmopolitan nature,” Professor Bala said. “Peace was key to
everything we achieved.”
Indeed, in an era where many
Nigerian universities struggle with unrest, ABU remained largely calm under his
leadership—a feat that he sees as his most significant legacy. However, he
acknowledged that his tenure was not without its difficulties, particularly the
constraints imposed by the COVID-19 lockdown and strikes that curtailed the
university’s operations. “We had a very short time to implement our plans,” he
explained, noting that the university was effectively open for only three out
of the five years he served due to external disruptions.
Despite these setbacks, Professor
Bala is proud of his leadership style, which he describes as one rooted in an
open-door policy. “Even a primary school pupil could seek an appointment with
me, and I would always make time for them,” he said. This approach, he
believes, fostered a culture of accessibility and cooperation that allowed all
stakeholders—students, staff, and the local community—to contribute to the
university's development.
Reflecting on his future, Professor
Bala expressed optimism for ABU’s continued growth. “My dream for ABU is for it
to be financially sustainable,” he stated, stressing the importance of
developing self-sustaining strategies. “We must improve our revenue-generating
capacity. The government funding may not significantly improve in the near
future, so we must adapt.”
He also outlined his aspirations for
the university to not only remain the best public university in Nigeria but to
rank among the top 100 universities worldwide. He further highlighted his
belief that ABU has the potential to secure a Nobel Prize, a goal he is
determined to see realised.
Another key area of focus during his
tenure was improving student life. Despite facing financial constraints,
Professor Bala implemented several initiatives aimed at enhancing student
welfare. Notably, ABU undertook significant investments in hostel
accommodation, with the construction of new facilities and renovation projects.
Additionally, he emphasised the importance of sports in students’ development,
reviving ABU’s football club and expanding the university's sports
infrastructure.
However,
infrastructure and welfare improvements were not the only notable changes.
Among the key initiatives introduced by Professor Bala was the “receipt” system
for final-year students—a policy that enabled them to graduate on time, avoiding
an additional year of delay. This change drastically improved the graduation
rate, culminating in a historic 38,000 graduates in one academic year—a first
for ABU.
As for his future, Professor Bala
expressed a desire to rest but also acknowledged that his post-VC plans were
already overflowing. “I have a lot of work lined up for me,” he said, with a
smile. “I’m not likely to miss working, but I will certainly miss the hustle
and bustle of this role, the constant interaction with students and staff, and
even the more unusual moments—like caring for the research snakes at the
university."
When asked how the role had impacted
him personally, Professor Bala humbly noted that it had deepened his humility.
“Serving in this capacity has humbled me,” he reflected. “When you are in
service, you learn the true meaning of humility.”
Professor Bala’s advice to his
successor was clear: prioritise peace. “Keep the peace at whatever cost,” he
urged. “Peace is the foundation upon which everything else is built. Without
it, progress is almost impossible.”
As he bids farewell to ABU,
Professor Bala is hopeful for the future of the university and its potential to
continue thriving under new leadership. He remains confident that ABU will
remain a beacon of academic excellence and a model for other institutions
across Africa and beyond.
For now, though, he takes his leave
with a sense of accomplishment, proud of what he has contributed to ABU and
confident that his vision for the university will continue to shape its
trajectory in the years to come.
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