Aftermath of KWASU Crisis: VC Na’allah Returns To Office, Review Achievements

By Balkis Tijani

Following the resolution of the crisis that engulfed the almost a decade old Kwara State University concerning the selection of a new Vice Chancellor as the incumbent’s tenure expires in July; the matter has now been resolved with the incumbent VC permitted to serve out his tenure.

On his return to office, Professor Abdulrasheed Na’allah, who was the man in the eyes of the storm as the crisis rages, thank the universe community, especially students and lecturers, for their perseverance.

“I really must thank you all for your perseverance, love and support in seeing to the end of the recent crisis which is now behind us. Your support has been tremendous and I have no sufficient words to thank you. There are simply too many people I must thank globally as this crisis that led to the unfortunate closure of KWASU proved to me that your University has admirers and lovers all over the world

“The Governing Council under the dynamic Chairman and Pro Chancellor, Prof. Saka Nuru, our Pioneer Chancellor, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, the current Chancellor Justice Alfa Belgore, our amiable Executive Governor of Kwara State, Maigidan Kwara, and his cabinet, all people of Goodwill who contacted me nationally and internationally, including KWASU’s third Humanities Lecturer, Prof. Toyin Falola, who embarked on personal extra ordinary effort of support, and many more! God Almighty will thank you all for me”, the VC wrote.

While calling on lecturers and students to put the crisis behind them and focus their minds on the objective of attaining world class status for the university, the VC said the university calendar has been slightly adjusted but that it would not affect the planned convocation.

“The University Calendar has been slightly revised, but the 2019 Convocation is still June 8, 2019. Please follow the revised Time-Table, upload grades and get all approvals of our students’ results done promptly. I know that 2019 convocation brochure is already being processed by the Registry and the Ceremonial Committee. This year’s convocation ceremony will be done at the brand new Indoor Sports Hall, with capacity to sit most who would want a seat.

“I know you all share in the excitement that the 2019 Convocation will combine with a 10 year anniversary of your great University”, Professor Na’allah said.

Taking stock of his achievements, the VC said “News continue to come in of new grants from Federal Government Needs Assessment and Tetfund, and more laboratory equipment, more building spaces and much more facilities for our campus. KWASU’s famous Centre for Entrepreneurship has won a British Council grant to support collaboration with Industry in the Nigerian Higher Education Sector on behalf of Kwara State University, the University of Wolverhampton and Convenant University! KWASU is therefore the lead and principal recipient of this joint grant. This and more awards to KWASU are evidence of the excellence to date of KWASU staff and students

“Our magnificient University Library now has a commissioning date of June 29, 2019. The School of Visual and Performing Arts Building will soon be completed. The Research Centre for Nigerian Languages is taking off fully under the Directorship of Prof. Ayodele Awobuluyi, and many more! The new KWASU Japanese Language and Culture Institute (JLCI) welcomes interested KWASU staff and especially students to join the KWASU Japanese Club, and you can email the Institute Director, Prof Imamura at osamu.imamura@kwasu.edu.ng, to express your interest in becoming a member.

“KWASU Bakery has continued to produce delicious bread and I am happy that this is already being enjoyed on camous and around Malete. A permanent and new KWASU sarchet water will be launched in the next few weeks! Table Water, which KWASU had introduced for more than 7 years ago in collaboration with Lubcorn Oil company, will also follow as a fully KWASU campus sole production, in due course”, the statement added.

The Vice Chancellor therefore called on the management of the institution to rededicate itself to the task at hand; while inviting the entire university community to “enjoy the campus”.