By Waziri Isa Adam
The Former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Professor Daniel Saror, has said he holds no grudge against anybody over his unceremonial removal as the Vice Chancellor of the University more than three decades ago.
The elderstatesman disclosed this in a chart with Education Monitor at the University of Mkar, Mkar,
Benue State.
Professor Saror said though he knew those that antagonized him during his time as VC, he had long put everything behind him, and long embraced all in friendship; as he thanked ABU for giving him the opportunity to grow both academically and administratively.
“I have no problem whatsoever. Even when I was in the Senate, some of them used to come and visit me, I embraced them, and lended my support, particularly to ABU and other Universities. I have no enemies.”, he stated.
“In fact, I enjoyed my stay in Zaria where I enjoyed the hospitality of the late emir of Zaria, late Alhaji Shehu Idris. I enjoyed the confidence I had with the people, with the staff, especially people like Dr. Lawal Bala Isa who was in the registry at the time. We’re in frequent contacts”, he stressed.
“When I go to ABU I’m amazed at the way I’m received. I appreciate it and l have nothing to look back with any regret”, he emphasized.
The retired but yet to be tired Professor, who Clocked 82 on the 9th of October, is full of Thanksgiving to God and humanity for a life well spent.
He is full of appreciation to God for long life and guidance. He never left out his friends for words of encouragement, support, appreciation as reassurance of high spirit. “I have never been insulted all the way for wrong doing and that is also a blessing from God”.
Even at 82, the retired and active professor still posseses the strength of teaching.
He finds pleasure to always be in the class as past time activities where he teaches at the College of Vetinary Medicine University of Agriculture Makurdi.
Professor Daniel Saror, who is ABU’s 7th VC, didn’t mince words in identifying the main problem with northern Nigeria which he said is religious bigotry.
“The north has a problem of Religious chauvinism. Some people believe that you must belong to a particular religion to be a good human being. That is not how God created us. God created us in His own image and we have to live by what He teaches us. I think if we can keep our minds open and embrace people for whom they are and what they are there would be no problem” he said.
Prof Daniel Saror, is a veterinary surgeon, University administrator, teacher, politician, distinguished Abusite and 7th Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.
He was born on October 9 in Zaki Biam, Benue State. He was educated at Gindiri Boys Secondary School, Plateau State, 1957-1961; Gindiri Higher School, 1962-1963; Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA, 1965; Kansas State University, 1967, and 1970; University of Minnesota, USA, 1972-1973 and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
He was appointed lecturer 11, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 1970; dean Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 1983-1987 and Vice chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 1991-1995.
In 1999, Daniel Saror was elected Senator for the Benue North East constituency of Benue State, at the start of the Nigerian Fourth Republic, running on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) platform. He took office on 29 May 1999.
He was reelected in April 2003 on the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) platform.
After taking his seat in the Senate in June 1999 Saror was appointed chairman of the communications committee when GSM was introduced in August 2003. The communications law which is now in operation was handled by this committee. He was also appointed to committees on Solid Minerals, Science & Technology, Agriculture, Finance & Appropriation, Water Resources and Education (Vice Chairman). After reelection on the ANPP platform in 2003, Saror was appointed Deputy Minority leader.
In the April 2007 elections, Saror ran unsuccessfully for Governor of Benue State on the ANPP ticket.