By Ammar M. Rajab In an exclusive interview with journalists, the outgoing Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Profess...
By Ammar M. Rajab
In an exclusive interview with journalists, the outgoing Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Professor Kabir Bala, candidly reflected on his five-year leadership of one of Nigeria’s foremost educational institutions.
Despite his tenure being marked by numerous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the prolonged ASUU strike, Professor Bala shared his pride in the institution’s successes and the lessons learned during his administration.
As his time as Vice Chancellor draws to a close, the professor was quick to downplay any notion of personal achievement, attributing the university’s progress to the collective efforts of his team. “The greatest achievement, without a doubt, is the peaceful coexistence we’ve maintained at ABU. It’s a remarkable feat, given the university's diverse and cosmopolitan nature,” Professor Bala said. “Peace was key to everything we achieved.”
Indeed, in an era where many Nigerian universities struggle with unrest, ABU remained largely calm under his leadership—a feat that he sees as his most significant legacy. However, he acknowledged that his tenure was not without its difficulties, particularly the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 lockdown and strikes that curtailed the university’s operations. “We had a very short time to implement our plans,” he explained, noting that the university was effectively open for only three out of the five years he served due to external disruptions.
Despite these setbacks, Professor Bala is proud of his leadership style, which he describes as one rooted in an open-door policy. “Even a primary school pupil could seek an appointment with me, and I would always make time for them,” he said. This approach, he believes, fostered a culture of accessibility and cooperation that allowed all stakeholders—students, staff, and the local community—to contribute to the university's development.
Reflecting on his future, Professor Bala expressed optimism for ABU’s continued growth. “My dream for ABU is for it to be financially sustainable,” he stated, stressing the importance of developing self-sustaining strategies. “We must improve our revenue-generating capacity. The government funding may not significantly improve in the near future, so we must adapt.”
He also outlined his aspirations for the university to not only remain the best public university in Nigeria but to rank among the top 100 universities worldwide. He further highlighted his belief that ABU has the potential to secure a Nobel Prize, a goal he is determined to see realised.
Another key area of focus during his tenure was improving student life. Despite facing financial constraints, Professor Bala implemented several initiatives aimed at enhancing student welfare. Notably, ABU undertook significant investments in hostel accommodation, with the construction of new facilities and renovation projects. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of sports in students’ development, reviving ABU’s football club and expanding the university's sports infrastructure.
However, infrastructure and welfare improvements were not the only notable changes. Among the key initiatives introduced by Professor Bala was the “receipt” system for final-year students—a policy that enabled them to graduate on time, avoiding an additional year of delay. This change drastically improved the graduation rate, culminating in a historic 38,000 graduates in one academic year—a first for ABU.
As for his future, Professor Bala expressed a desire to rest but also acknowledged that his post-VC plans were already overflowing. “I have a lot of work lined up for me,” he said, with a smile. “I’m not likely to miss working, but I will certainly miss the hustle and bustle of this role, the constant interaction with students and staff, and even the more unusual moments—like caring for the research snakes at the university."
When asked how the role had impacted him personally, Professor Bala humbly noted that it had deepened his humility. “Serving in this capacity has humbled me,” he reflected. “When you are in service, you learn the true meaning of humility.”
Professor Bala’s advice to his successor was clear: prioritise peace. “Keep the peace at whatever cost,” he urged. “Peace is the foundation upon which everything else is built. Without it, progress is almost impossible.”
As he bids farewell to ABU, Professor Bala is hopeful for the future of the university and its potential to continue thriving under new leadership. He remains confident that ABU will remain a beacon of academic excellence and a model for other institutions across Africa and beyond.
For now, though, he takes his leave with a sense of accomplishment, proud of what he has contributed to ABU and confident that his vision for the university will continue to shape its trajectory in the years to come.
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