By Muhammad A. Dalhat
Federal University Gusau is set to strategically position itself to be of benefit to its immediate environment as it strives towards becoming a University of international repute.
This was contained in an address by the Pro-Chancellor and the Chairman, Governing Council of the University, Professor Funmi Togonu-Bickersteth at the Joint Maiden Convocation Ceremony in Gusau, recently.
Professor Togonu-Bickersteth said given the available mineral resources in Zamfara state, the University will work towards developing both human and technological capacities to productively mine the minerals for the benefit of the citizens.
She added that the process will equally focus on protecting the health and well-being of the operators and sustenance of the environment.
She also said that the University will engage in proactive agriculture through the newly established Agricultural Undergraduate Programmes as well as deepening and modernizing knowledge of alternative herbal treatments through its programmes in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
The Pro-Chancellor disclosed that the University is on its way of making FUGUS a University of international standard.
“Our key strategy for being Globally Competitive is to pursue the goal of attracting, developing and retaining the best Academic staff,” she said, adding that “our planned post-graduate degree programmes, to commence very soon is one of the steps towards that direction.
Our active staff development strategies funded by TETFUND where our young scholars are receiving their doctoral and post-doctoral training from world class Universities and are able to attend conferences where they can present their work to community of scholars in their field, learn about trending issues and research collaborations, will also ensure that our crop of academic, now and in the future are well trained, able to conduct ground breaking and compete with colleagues in their areas of academic and research exertions”, the Pro-Chancellor further revealed.
The erudite scholar however solicited for swift intervention in the building of students hostel, staff quarters, stable power supply and funding to make the University excel in her core mandate.