From Umar Egbunu Muhammed
A new chapter has opened at the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) as Prof. Mohamed Isa-Kida formally took over as the institution’s fourth Vice Chancellor, pledging to consolidate its gains and reposition it for greater national relevance.
The Professor of Accounting succeeds Prof. Shehu Abdul-Rahaman, whose tenure recently came to an end. The transition ceremony, attended by principal officers, staff and stakeholders, signaled both continuity and renewed ambition for the Nasarawa-based federal university.
In his inaugural remarks, Isa-Kida described his appointment as humbling and deeply significant, dedicating it to God. He said his emergence goes beyond personal accomplishment, representing a bridge between the university’s formative years and its next phase of expansion.
“This is not just a personal milestone,” he noted. “It symbolises continuity, transition and renewed hope for thousands of students whose dreams are nurtured within this institution.”
Acknowledging the enormous responsibility of leading a growing federal university, the new Vice Chancellor promised an open-door administration anchored on inclusiveness, transparency and prudent resource management. He said his leadership would focus on widening access to quality higher education, strengthening research output and fostering innovation capable of addressing national challenges.
Isa-Kida highlighted FULafia’s rapid transformation in just over a decade of existence, citing improvements in academic programmes, infrastructure, staffing and student enrolment.
“These achievements were made possible by the visionary leadership of my predecessor and those before him, as well as the collective dedication of staff and students,” he said.
He pledged to build on that foundation by strengthening quality assurance systems, reviewing curricula to ensure relevance, promoting interdisciplinary and problem-solving research, and investing in staff development to enhance productivity and global competitiveness.
The Vice Chancellor also expressed appreciation to Bola Tinubu, Abdullahi Sule, as well as traditional rulers and the host community, for their continued support to the university. He assured them of his commitment to justify the confidence reposed in him.
In his farewell remarks, Prof. Shehu Abdul-Rahaman thanked God for a successful tenure and expressed gratitude to the President, the Governor and members of the university community for their cooperation. He urged stakeholders to rally behind the new Vice Chancellor, expressing confidence that Isa-Kida would take the institution to even greater heights.
Delivering a goodwill message, Pro-Chancellor Mrs. Lola Fibisola-Akande commended the outgoing Vice Chancellor for stabilising and advancing the university. She congratulated Isa-Kida and voiced optimism that his leadership would deepen academic research, enhance staff welfare and strengthen the university’s academic standards.
With the formal handover completed, expectations are high that the new administration will not only sustain FULafia’s growth trajectory but also sharpen its impact as a centre for knowledge, innovation and national development
Isa-Kida Assumes Office as FULafia’s Fourth VC, Promises Inclusive Reforms
