In a major boost to staff welfare, the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Dutse (FUD), Ahmad Muhammed Gumel, has secured the allocation of 1,000 housing units under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Scheme for members of the university community.
The announcement came during a strategic engagement with campus unions — the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) — where the new VC outlined sweeping reforms aimed at repositioning the institution.
Professor Gumel described the allocation — located in Janguza, Kano State — as a timely intervention aligned with his 11-point agenda, which prioritises staff welfare and institutional stability.
While acknowledging that the houses are outside Jigawa State, he encouraged staff to view them as valuable long-term assets and assured them of the university’s readiness to facilitate access to the scheme.
Beyond the federal allocation, the VC disclosed that he has formally approached the Jigawa State Government for housing units within the Danmodi Housing Estate, situated close to the university. According to him, the response has been encouraging.
He further revealed plans to pursue a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to develop staff quarters within the university campus — a move aimed at creating sustainable accommodation solutions closer to work.
In a shift designed to improve transparency and efficiency, Professor Gumel announced that staff promotions will now follow a fixed annual cycle — beginning in April and concluding in October.
He stressed that academic promotion assessments will no longer suffer prolonged delays, as external assessors will be required to meet strict timelines or risk replacement.
The VC also pledged dedicated funding streams for non-teaching staff training and internal research grants for academic staff, describing capacity development as central to institutional growth.
Determined to reduce financial constraints, Professor Gumel signalled an aggressive internally generated revenue (IGR) drive. Plans are underway to revitalise key university ventures, including the Guest House, University Farm, Consultancy Services, and the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development.
He also moved to address concerns about the staff school, directing the Registrar to establish a reform committee to upgrade and reposition the facility.
Closing the engagement, the VC appealed for cooperation and loyalty from the unions, emphasising that his administration is anchored on inclusion, dialogue, and collective progress.
With housing secured, reforms outlined, and revenue plans activated, FUD’s new leadership appears poised to chart a decisive course toward improved welfare and institutional renewal.
FUD secures 1,000 homes, unveils sweeping welfare reforms
