In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Professor Hassan Garba, the Vice Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (...
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Professor Hassan Garba, the Vice Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, to discuss his vision for the future of the institution. With a focus on sustainable research, development, and a renewed commitment to academic excellence, Professor Garba outlines his leadership plans, the vital role of TETFund, and his strategies for fostering stronger community relationships. With a wealth of experience in academia and leadership, Professor Garba's tenure promises to leave a lasting legacy of innovation, academic growth, and a commitment to shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
What are your leadership plans for ensuring sustainable research and development within the university?
VC: Good afternoon, and thank you very much for the opportunity. Our plans for ensuring that we have a viable, sustainable, and impactful university rest on three pillars.
The first is to totally revamp the culture of teaching and learning, as well as to rehabilitate the entire teaching and learning environment. This involves refocusing and rededicating ourselves to academic excellence. To achieve this, we must consider the entire ecosystem—starting with the students. We must instill in them the right mindset; we are, after all, training future leaders.
Secondly, we must evaluate the conditions under which they live and study. The hostels, for instance, are critical. Their state, the services provided, and the general living conditions are a reflection of our commitment to student welfare. A university should provide holistic protection and support.
We have taken a critical look at the hostels and have embarked on total rehabilitation. Similarly, we are focused on refurbishing and reactivating classrooms, bringing them up to par with global standards by introducing modern learning technologies. This includes using smart boards in lecture halls and installing modern sound systems to enhance teaching delivery.
Another area receiving principal attention is our laboratories and workshops. These are essential for practical learning, and we are committed to restoring them and equipping them with modern tools. Simultaneously, we must also consider the work environment of our academic and non-academic staff. Offices must be conducive and well-equipped to inspire staff and, by extension, students.
Moreover, we are emphasizing capacity building. Theoretical knowledge is no longer sufficient; real, hands-on experience is crucial. We are investing in continuous training and mentorship for academic staff to keep pace with global trends in education across all disciplines. This will require commitment and significant resources.
Sustainability also hinges on financial stability. While funding challenges affect most Nigerian universities, we must devise innovative ways to place the university on solid financial footing. Internally, we are exploring how best to leverage available resources and create initiatives for generating revenue.
The third pillar is community relations. This includes staff-student relationships and our engagement with host communities. For instance, Gubi—the community near our campus—is just 20 km from Bauchi, yet the highest qualification among residents is an NCE. This is concerning. It suggests either a gap in our outreach or a lack of awareness on their part—or perhaps both.
We are working to bridge this gap by strengthening our relationship with the community. We aim to empower them through educational access and livelihood training. We’ve banned illegal deforestation for charcoal and are in talks with partners—especially from the UK—to offer ICT training for women and youths, particularly widows. An MOU is underway to formalize this. These initiatives will extend across the 19 Northern states as part of our community service agenda.
Additionally, we are laying the foundation for sustainable research and human development. A key to this is respect for the rule of law and institutional integrity. Our leadership vision is firmly anchored on transparency, discipline, and innovation.
How do you assess the impact of TETFund on your institution?
VC: Just look around—almost every building on this campus was constructed with support from TETFund. Without TETFund, Nigerian universities would be in a dire state. Apart from our library, which was built by the NNPC, TETFund has been the backbone of our infrastructure development.
Beyond buildings, TETFund has sponsored countless postgraduate scholars—PhD and MSc students—across our departments for over two decades. These interventions have enabled scholars to pursue research globally in diverse fields such as engineering, agriculture, medical sciences, computing, and management.
TETFund also sponsors academic staff to attend international conferences, enhances our libraries, supports ICT infrastructure, and funds career centers to guide students on future opportunities. We are even negotiating with partners to offer short courses in entrepreneurship. Scrapping TETFund would be disastrous for higher education development in Nigeria.
How have you engaged stakeholders to bring more positive impact to the university?
VC: We are working tirelessly to promote productivity and development. This includes actively engaging stakeholders like the Emir of Bauchi and other influential figures across different sectors to support sustainable initiatives within the university.
What would you like to be remembered for?
VC: I would like to be remembered for leaving a legacy of excellence, research, and innovation during my tenure as Vice Chancellor of ATBU.
Please, sir, tell us a bit about your background.
VC: I was born 55 years ago. I began my primary education in Maiduguri, in the then North Eastern Region. By the time I was in Primary Five, Bauchi State had been created. I completed my primary education at Yelwa Baptist School and began secondary school in 1981 at GSS Warji. When the government introduced science and technical secondary schools, I passed the science entrance exams and transferred to Government Science Secondary School Kumo, graduating in 1984.
In 1987, I attended the School of Basic Studies at ABU Zaria for my A-Levels. I gained direct entry into the University of Maiduguri in 1989 and graduated in 1992 with a degree in Biochemistry. I completed my NYSC in Delta State, serving with the NNPC during the early 1990s political crisis.
I joined ATBU on April 8, 1994, as a Graduate Assistant and rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Biochemistry in 2012. I've never taken a sabbatical. I served as Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Science for several years, and later as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) for two years.
I've written several research proposals, especially at the Centre for Science and Entrepreneurship Development. I became Vice Chancellor on October 24, 2024. My postdoctoral studies took me across Europe, India, and several African countries. In 2010, I conducted research in modular medicine laboratories in Europe. I later became an EU-funded health research fellow in Cameroon and then worked in Cape Town, South Africa, on cancer biology. My work in Germany focused on biochemical diseases, particularly HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis—all funded by the European Union.
Beyond science, I ventured into project management. I’m happily married with children.
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