The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Zaria, Prof. Yahaya Isa Bunkure, has inaugurated the University Academic Staff Training and Development Committee (AST&D) following the harmonisation of the activities of all TETFund-related committees into a single body.
A statement signed by Sani Lawal maqarphy media aide to the VC said the newly constituted committee brings together the functions of the Research Committee, Institutional-Based Research Committee, Conference Committee, and Book Development Committee under one umbrella to enhance coordination and efficiency in managing staff development programmes and TETFund interventions.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor stated that the initiative was designed to streamline processes and strengthen the University’s effectiveness in handling academic staff development matters. He noted that the committee draws its membership from across various sectors of the University community to ensure broad representation and inclusiveness.
The membership of the committee comprises the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Yahaya Isa Bunkure, as Chairman; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Suleiman Balarabe, as Co-Chairman; and M. Peter Mogit Kuchacks as Secretary.
Other members include Mal. Sa’idu Shehu Iya (Acting Registrar), Mal. Mohammed Kabir Aliyu (Acting Bursar), Mal. Ahmed Tijani Abdul (Acting University Librarian), Prof. Kabir Haruna Danja (Dean, Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education), Prof. Ilesanmi Ajibola Gabriel (Director, TETFund Centre of Excellence for Technology Enhanced Learning), and Prof. Ibrahim Muhammad Tanimu.
Also serving on the committee are Dr. Muawiya Haruna Usman (Chairman, Committee of Deans), Dr. Ayotunde Alaba Fadele (Director, ICT), Mal. Najmuddeen Alhassan (TETFund Desk Officer), Dr. Ubale Isma’ila Alhaji (Representative of Academic Staff Union), and Mal. Abdullahi Ibrahim (Representative of Senior Non-Teaching Staff).
The committee, which commenced its mandate on 20 April 2026, is expected to consider candidates applying for TETFund sponsorship through AST&D and assess applications based on faculty needs while applying TETFund guidelines in making recommendations. The committee will also ensure that institutional priorities, areas of need, and seniority considerations are taken into account.
Additionally, the committee is mandated to invite research proposals from academic staff, consider conference applications for teaching and non-teaching staff in line with stipulated TETFund ratios, and prioritise academic staff requiring journal publications, papers, and conference presentations for promotion purposes before making recommendations to the University Management for onward transmission to TETFund.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Suleiman Balarabe, thanked the Vice-Chancellor for the foresight in reconstituting the committee and pledged members’ commitment to carrying out their responsibilities diligently and working collaboratively toward achieving the committee’s objectives.
