By Ochigbo Glory Ada
Professor Muhammed Akaro Mainoma, the Second Substantive Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, has expressed gratitude to God for the university’s growth as it celebrates its twenty fifth anniversary.
Speaking with Education Monitor Magazine on the sidelines of the Silver Jubilee Anniversary and Eighth Combined Convocation Ceremony, Professor Mainoma described the day as historic and said the university has attained significant milestones in twenty five years.
“Yes, we thank God Almighty for letting us see this day and certainly the university is growing,” he said. “For its age at twenty five, at least we have made what it is to make the university what it is today. So we are grateful to God for enabling us to be able to see this day and we are happy that the university is growing.”
Asked about improvements he has observed since leaving office, Professor Mainoma said it was difficult to make a detached assessment because he is still part of the institution.
“It is difficult to say because I have been part of it and I am still a staff of the university, so it is just like me assessing myself,” he explained. “But as far as I am concerned, there is improvement in the kind of things we are doing in the university.”
On his message to the present administration of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, the former Vice Chancellor urged a continued focus on standards.
“They should continue to hold their academic tradition and try as much as possible to be excellent,” he said.
Professor Mainoma also called on government to sustain support for the university while allowing it academic freedom.
“The government should continue to support the university and make sure that they do not do a lot of political interference,” he stated.
To colleagues and members of the university community, he stressed discipline and commitment.
“They should be hardworking and disciplined. It is important that they maintain the academic tradition,” he added.