The Nigerian Army University Biu organized a send-off dinner in honour of the former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman University Governing Council Lt Gen TY Buratai (Rtd) along with exiting principal staff officers who have served the university in different capacities.
The Vice Chancellor of the university Prof Kyari Mohammed in his opening remarks said that the event was put together to “honour the honourables”, describing the honourees as distinguished Nigerians who have served the University and are still contributing their quota to the progress of the nation at large.
The Vice Chancellor went on to eulogise Lt Gen TY Buratai (Rtd) the shining star from Biu who is now a household name across the nation. “We are honouring him for establishing a model university among many other very commendable achievements” Prof Mohammed said. Indeed, it is common sentiment that the former Pro-Chancellor of the University and out gone Chief of Army Staff deserves every adulation and recognition given to him for the mammoth impressions and legacies he has etched in the minds and hearts of many.
The Vice Chancellor also described the exiting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Fatima Jafar Tahir as an uncommon kind of woman who has served the university from its early times. He disclosed that even at the time when the university underwent a turbulent patch, Prof Tahir rose to the occasion as the University Ag Vice Chancellor and steadied the ship. While commenting on her recent appointment as the Vice Chancellor of Bauchi State University Gadau, Prof Mohammed with a confident demeanour attested to her capacity to deliver as she is a more than capable hand.
The Vice Chancellor went on to describe the exiting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Lawan Bala Buratai as an incredibly supportive hand to the university management. He added that Prof Buratai never shy away from responsibilities and has being an effective “filler” in the university.
Prof Mohammed also applauded the tremendous efforts of the exiting University Registrar Maj General SS Ibrahim and the exiting Director of Academic Planning Brig Gen PC Obilor in the just concluded accreditation exercise. The university underwent accreditation for over 30 courses and after a thorough and rigorous process, all courses submitted were given accreditation. In fact, at least 28 courses received full accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC). This is a feat never seen before in the history of accreditations in the country.
Earlier in his welcome address the Chairman Organizing committee Maj Gen MM Bunza appreciated the Special Guest of Honour HRH, Emir of Biu Alh Dr Mustapha Umar Mustapha II con and all invited guests for honouring the invitation. Maj Gen Bunza went on to appreciate the Emir for his fatherly advice, hospitality and commitment to the peace enjoyed in Biu and its environs.
Gen Bunza said, the University is also blessed with serene learning environment, guaranteed security as well as outstanding place of character moulding, these led to a continuous rise in enrolment rate of perspective candidates that desire to study in the university.
Speaking on behalf of the honourees Prof Tahir expressed gratitude to the University management for the honour. She attested that starting a new university an easy task, but they drew inspiration from the founding father of the university Lt Gen TY Buratai. Prof Tahir added that they are willing and open to serve the university in whatever capacity in the future.
Highlights of the event include presentation of award to the honourees, dinner, and group photographs.