By Waziri Isa Adam
The Vice-chancellor of Federal University Lafia (FULafia), Professor Muhammad Isa Kida, has held his maiden media chat as 4th substantive Vice-Chancellor, soliciting the cooperation of journalists in his drive to move the university forward.
The University, which was established on 9 February 2011 as one of the nine federal universities created by the President Goodluck Jonathan Government to expand access to university education, is marking 15 years of existence.
Speaking during the media chat with journalists drawn from print, electronic and online media including Education Monitor, Professor Kida said the engagement was designed to build mutual understanding, trust and partnership between the University and the media as critical stakeholders in national development.
He said his administration is anchored on continuity, transparency, inclusivity and academic excellence, and will prioritise quality assurance, research and innovation, staff welfare and development, and above all, security of entire members of the University community
He said the media has a vital role to play in accurately reporting the activities of the University and in projecting its achievements to the outside world. He noted that the University has made remarkable progress in infrastructure, programme accreditation and research output in its 15 years of existence but needs stronger visibility and public support to attain world-class status.
He spoke extensively on the need for journalists to support the University in its efforts to ensure adequate security of staff and students of the University. He emphasized that security remains a top priority of his administration, particularly in view of the strategic location of the University, and called on the media to assist in promoting peace, reporting security issues with responsibility and professionalism, and strengthening confidence among parents, students and the host community.
He commended all the security agencies in the state for their unprecedented support to the University.
He said the synergy between the University and the security agencies, including the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Army and other sister agencies, has helped to maintain peace and stability on campus and within the host community, and appealed for sustained collaboration.
Professor Kida therefore appealed to journalists in Nasarawa State and beyond to support his administration by engaging in development journalism and by offering constructive criticism where necessary.
He assured that his administration will ensure regular engagement, timely access to information and an enabling environment for journalists to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
Responding, the journalists who attended the chat commended Professor Kida for initiating the first formal media interaction since the University was founded 15 years ago.
They described the move as historic and a departure from the past and pledged to partner with the administration in its efforts to reposition FULafia for greater heights.
The media chat was attended by principal officers of the University, notably, the deputy Vice-chancellors Administration and Academic, the Registrar, Bursar, University Librarian and the Chief of Staff of the Vice-chancellor.