By Sam Kayode
The new Vice-Chancellor of Yobe State University (YSU), Prof. Muhammad Tahir, has embarked on his first official tour of key facilities within the institution.
He did so recently as a mark of hitting the ground running even as he declared that the happiness and welfare of staff and students will be a top priority of his administration.
Prof. Tahir emphasized during the tour that “staff and students must be happy,” stressing that to him, a conducive working and learning environment is essential for academic excellence.
He noted that his leadership would focus on improving staff welfare, creating a pleasant workplace atmosphere, and enhancing the overall learning conditions for students.
The Vice-Chancellor assured members of the University community that deliberate efforts would be made to upgrade students’ learning environment, including lecture halls, laboratories, and hostel accommodations.
In his view, comfortable and well-maintained hostels are critical to students’ academic performance and well-being as they transit to becoming professionals in their chosen fields of study.
Prof. Tahir also underscored the importance of cleanliness across the University campus, directing that all faculties and units must maintain high standards of hygiene on a daily basis.
The VC described a clean environment as a reflection of discipline, responsibility, and institutional pride which he noted would be the spice of the University community.
On discipline, the Vice-Chancellor made it clear that truancy and absenteeism among staff would not be tolerated. He pledged to instill a culture of commitment and accountability, noting that academic excellence can only thrive where duties are taken seriously
“We must ensure proper maintenance of our infrastructure and properties. What we have must be preserved and managed responsibly,” he stated, calling for collective ownership in safeguarding university facilities.
The Vice-Chancellor also met with the Director of the University Consultancy Unit, where he stressed the urgent need to boost the institution’s internally generated revenue ( IGR).
Prof Tahir noted that the University must not rely solely on government subvention, emphasizing that innovative and sustainable investment initiatives should be explored for it’s sustainability.
He charged the Consultancy Unit to develop viable business ventures, strengthen partnerships, and expand professional services that would generate income for the University.
To him, increased revenue would enhance infrastructural development, improve staff welfare, and support a more conducive environment for teaching, learning, and research.
Prof. Tahir has so far visited the University Library, Faculty of Sciences, the Desert Research Centre and Career Services, Centre for Qur’anic Studies, Consultancy Unit and Centre for Research and Capacity Development on Humanitarian Development.
At each stop, he interacted with staff, assessed ongoing activities, and listened to concerns and suggestions aimed at improving productivity and service delivery.
The tour marks the beginning of what observers describe as a proactive and reform-driven administration, as the Vice-Chancellor sets the tone for a new era of accountability, welfare improvement, and infrastructural sustainability at YSU.