ABU VC Lauds NEMA DG Zubaida Umar, Says Her Leadership is Source of Pride to University

The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, has described the achievements of Mrs. Zubaida Umar as Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as a source of pride to the university.  

Prof. Ahmed made the remarks on Monday, July 13, 2026, during a courtesy visit by the university’s management team to NEMA headquarters in Abuja.  

He said Mrs. Umar, a distinguished alumna of ABU, has demonstrated exemplary leadership since assuming office, noting that the agency had strengthened disaster preparedness, improved stakeholder coordination, and deepened disaster risk reduction efforts under her watch.  

“These achievements have strengthened public confidence in the agency and reflect Mrs. Zubaida’s dedication to national service,” the Vice-Chancellor said. “She continues to exemplify the values of excellence, integrity, and service that Ahmadu Bello University seeks to instill in its graduates.”  

Prof. Ahmed also commended NEMA for its support in establishing ABU’s Centre for Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies, stating that the partnership provided a solid foundation for research, capacity building, and policy engagement in disaster management.  

He stressed the need for stronger collaboration between universities and operational agencies, citing the increasing frequency and complexity of disasters driven by climate change, environmental degradation, and rapid urbanization.  

The VC reaffirmed ABU’s commitment to supporting NEMA through research, policy development, professional training, and technological innovation. He further urged the agency to leverage ABU’s Centre of Excellence in Environmental and Social Standards and Sustainable Procurement, ABU SPESSECE, to strengthen emergency operations.  

In her response, the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, thanked the delegation for the visit, describing it as her “most exciting moment since assuming office.” She pledged NEMA’s commitment to collaborate with the university to enhance the agency’s mandate.  

Members of the ABU delegation included the Registrar, Malam Rabiu Samaila; Prof. Muhammad Nasir Maiturare, Department of Actuarial Science; Prof. M. I. Umar-Buratai, Director, DAIE; Prof. Shehu Abbas, Director, Centre for Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies; Malam Auwalu Umar, Director, Public Affairs Directorate; Dr. Ahmed Zakariyya, Assistant Director, Advancement Services; and Malam Haruna Ajo, University Liaison Officer, Abuja.