By Bala Dauda, Damaturu
The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Gashua (FUGA), Professor Yaqub Ahmed Geidam, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable growth as the University commenced a three-day retreat for the development of its 2026–2031 Strategic Plan.
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The retreat, which brought together key stakeholders including members of Council, University Management, deans, directors, heads of departments, staff unions, students, and representatives of Flexisaf Edusoft Consult, is aimed at producing a comprehensive roadmap that will guide the University’s development over the next five years.
In his opening address, Professor Geidam described the retreat as a “foundational exercise” that will shape the future identity, priorities, and direction of the University. He noted that since assuming office on February 11, 2026, he has undertaken a broad assessment of the institution, engaging stakeholders and evaluating both human and financial resources.
He emphasized that the development of a strategic plan within his first 100 days in office was a deliberate move to provide clear direction and position the University for excellence.
“Federal University Gashua stands today at a defining moment in its development trajectory,” the Vice-Chancellor said, highlighting the institution’s unique role in expanding access to quality education and addressing environmental, economic, and social challenges, particularly within the Sahel region.
Professor Geidam outlined key priority areas expected to shape the Strategic Plan. These include academic innovation through the introduction of demand-driven programmes such as biotechnology, information technology, cyber security, software engineering, entrepreneurship, and Islamic banking and finance.
He also stressed the need for structured student population growth supported by adequate infrastructure and strong student services, as well as a robust digital transformation agenda driven by blended learning and modern Learning Management Systems.
Environmental sustainability featured prominently in his address, with the Vice-Chancellor underscoring the importance of the FUGA Green Code initiative as a central pillar of the University’s identity, given its location in a fragile ecological zone.
On governance, he called for a results-driven plan with clear performance indicators, monitoring frameworks, and accountability mechanisms to ensure effective implementation.
The Vice-Chancellor further emphasized inclusivity in the planning process, noting that the success of the Strategic Plan would depend on the extent to which it reflects the collective aspirations of stakeholders.
The retreat also featured a distinguished lineup of resource persons, including Professor J.D. Amin, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri; Professor Aliyu Suleiman Kantudu of the Virtual Institute for Capacity Building in Higher Education; Professor Mohammed D. Madawaki; Professor Mustapha Bala Abubakar; Professor Halima Idrisa Gambo; Professor Fatima Alfa Tahir; and Professor Hamidu Usman.
Their expertise, Professor Geidam noted, is expected to enrich deliberations and ensure the development of a forward-looking, realistic, and globally competitive strategic document.
He urged participants to engage actively, contribute innovative ideas, and approach the assignment with diligence and a shared sense of purpose.
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At the end of the retreat, the University aims to produce a clear, actionable, and consensus-driven Strategic Plan that will position FUGA as a model for excellence and sustainability in Nigeria and beyond.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence that the collective effort of participants would result in a transformative blueprint capable of driving the University towards G-string growth and impact.
