An advisory committee raised by Ahmadu Bello University to advise the institution on legal and other related matters has been inaugurated.
A statement from the public affairs directorate office of the VC said the committee, chaired by Justice Ishaq Usman Bello, a retired Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, was inaugurated by the University Governing Council.
The committee was formed to specifically advise on the operations of the institution’s Directorate of Legal Services, particularly the handling of legal and other related matters involving the university.
Statute 38 of Ahmadu Bello University (2025) provided for the establishment of the Directorate of Legal Services and for the constituting of the advisory committee.
This is essentially for the purpose of providing legal representation and services, engaging the services of external solicitors or legal practitioners on behalf of the university.
The committee was inaugurated by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Ahmadu Bello University Governing Council, Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, CFR.
Ahmed described the committee as a ‘unique’ one, given that it is being chaired by a retired Chief Judge.
He equally described Justice Bello as a dedicated alumnus of the university with an enviable record of foresight, humaneness, and adherence to due process.
The committee, according to him, was raised to provide strategic legal guidance for the review and resolution, and/or for effective prosecution and defence of cases involving the university.
Ahmed explained that the work of the committee was to also involve consideration of preventive measures as well as the identification and addressing of institutional weaknesses leading to legal disputes.
“This is in addition to performing other functions that may be assigned by the Council or the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the University Laws and Statutes and other applicable laws”, he also said.
The Pro-Chancellor said the university was delighted to have Justice Bello to chair the committee, appreciating him for accepting to serve the institution in that capacity.
In his address of welcome, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, lamented the increased legal cases of the university which he said they had jeopardized its existence.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to the chairman and all members of the committee for their willingness to serve.
He appreciated the Pro-Chancellor immensely for his significant efforts in resolving some high-profile cases and in ensuring the committee was properly formed and inaugurated.
In his remarks, Justice Ishaq Usman Bello expressed pleasure at the assignment, describing it as a “great honour” to serve his alma mater.
Justice Bello, now Chairman of the Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Practitioners Displinary Tribunal, thanked ABU for considering them worthy for the job.
He pledged that they would carry out their assignment diligently for the purpose for which the committee was set up.
The Director, Directorate of Legal Services, Prof Ishaq Abubakar, equally spoke.
He thanked the Pro-Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor as well as the chairman and members of the committee for their roles in the process that led to the formation of the committee and its subsequent inauguration.
Members of the committee include the Registrar, Rabiu Samaila; the Dean of Law, Prof Salim B Magashi; and the Governing Council representative, Barr. Hadiza Dije Ali.
They also include Chief Ume Kalu, SAN; the Director, Directorate of Legal Services, Prof Ishaq Abubakar; and the Administrative Secretary, Directorate of Legal Services, who will serve as Secretary.
