Pro-Chancellor and chairman Governing Council of the Federal University, Zaria, Ambassador Baba Ahmad Jidda, has extended warm congratulations to the newly appointed leadership of recently established and specialized universities, across the country.
The firmer Nigerian ambassador to the Peoples Republic of China, issued a on Thursday, felicitations with the Pro-Chancellor and Members of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho, Oyo State; the Pro-Chancellor and Members of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe, Zamfara State; the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Governing Council of Yusuf Maitama Sule University of Education, Kano; and the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Zaria, Prof. Yahaya Isa Bunkure.
Ambassadir Jidda also congratulated the Vice-Chancellor of Yusuf Maitama Sule University of Education, Kano, Prof. Abdullahi Tukur Kadage; as well as the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Technology, Prof. Yakasai.
The statement, which he personally signed, reads in part, “On behalf of the Governing Councils, Ambassador Jidda expressed profound appreciation to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his foresight and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s educational sector. He noted that the President’s unwavering support for specialized universities demonstrates his dedication to nurturing institutions that will produce the teachers, scientists, and innovators of tomorrow, thereby transforming the educational landscape of the nation”.
While conveying his sincere gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, and the entire staff of the Federal Ministry of Education, the pro- chancellor acknowledged the stewardship, guidance, and relentless efforts of the afformentioned in ensuring that the changeover in the leadership of the institutions, were seamless.
He said, the process was smooth, purposeful, and impactful.

He said , he extends to the newly appointed Vice-Chancellors,his heartfelt congratulations, emphasizing that their appointments were not just titles but responsibilities tied to the destinies of thousands of students and the future of the nation.

“As you assume office, I urge you to be progressive. Build on the solid foundations laid by your predecessors. Do not dismantle, but reinforce. Do not retreat, but advance. Education is not static, and neither should our institutions be,” he said.
Ambassador Jidda further appealed to the Federal Ministry of Education to always work in synergy with the Governing Councils on issues pertaining to university administration.

“No leader thrives in isolation,” he noted. “Therefore, I appeal to you to strengthen cooperation with the Governing Councils, the management, staff unions, and host communities. In unity lies strength, and in partnership lies sustainability. When all hands pull in the same direction, the ship of our universities will sail smoothly toward its destination.”

He also advised the new university leaders to guard their tenure against negative external influences, cautioning that such distractions, if not resisted, could undermine peace, stability, and institutional progress.

“In this delicate transition period, wisdom, patience, and focus will be your best armour. Lead with clarity and never allow divisive forces to derail the noble mission entrusted to you by your appointment,” he said.

In appealing to the National Assembly to accelerate the passage of the Universities’ enabling laws, he stressed that this legislation is vital to grant institutions the full legal framework required to function effectively and independently.

“Without it, our universities will always operate under temporary shadows. With it, we can stride confidently into a future of stability and growth.”

He reminded all stakeholders that education is the bedrock of national development, and the future of Nigeria depends largely on how well the universities are nurtured and managed today.
He prayed for their tenure to be marked by peace, wisdom, and monumental achievements.