ABU Vice-Chancellor Initiates Major Reform of Physical Planning Unit; Appoints Prof. Zubairu to Lead Overhaul

Prof Ibrahim K Zubairu of the Department of Building will lead the reform of the Physical Planning and Municipal Services (PPMS) Unit, Ahmadu Bello University. 

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, in a letter dated 22nd December, 2025, approved his appointment to chair the committee raised to carry out the reform of the unit. 

Specifically, the committee is to undertake a comprehensive review of the structure, functions, and operational processes of the unit. 

It is to also propose practical recommendations that will enhance efficiency, professionalism, accountability, and value-for-money service delivery in alignment with ABU master plan. 

Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor approved the appointment of Arc. Mohammed H Mukhtar as Acting Director, Physical Planning and Municipal Services (PPMS). 

He equally approved the redeployment of Arc. Suleiman Mohammed from Physical Planning and Municipal Services to the University Estate Management Company where he will assist the Acting General Manager. 

A letter appointing Prof Zubairu to lead the university PPMS reform said the decision was informed by the university's urgent infrastructure needs, sustainability requirements, and financial management. 

Ahmed pointed out that the PPMS increasing complexity in responsibilities, coupled with structural and operational challenges affected its efficiency and service delivery. 

The committee has eight Terms of Reference for the assignment and it is to submit its final report within six months. 

Members of the committee include Prof Boyi Jimoh, Department of Electrical Engineering; Prof D B Adie, Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering; and Dr A S Usman, Department of Urban and Regional Planning. 

Others are Arc. Y Badiru, Department of Architecture; Dr Ashiru Mohammed, Department of Civil Engineering; Dr Fatima M Bello, Department of Quantity Surveying; and Musa Ahmadu of the Registry who will serve as Secretary. 

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor approved the appointment of Arc. Mohammed H Mukhtar of the Department of Architecture as the Acting Director, Physical Planning and Municipal Services. 

Arc. Mukhtar's appointment, which is for a period of six months, is with immediate effect. 

The appointment, according to the Vice-Chancellor, followed the setting up of the PPMS reform committee aimed at strengthening the structure, systems, processes, governance, and sustainability of the unit. 

Arc. Mukhtar's primary responsibility is to ensure uninterrupted day-to-day operations and service delivery of PPMS throughout the reform period. 

The Acting Director was given five Terms of Reference that will guide him in carrying out the assignment. 

In the same vein, the Vice-Chancellor approved the redeployment of Arc. Suleiman Mohammed from the Physical Planning and Municipal Services (PPMS) to the University Estate Management Company. 

Arc. Mohammed, who until the redeployment was the Director, PPMS, is to assist the Acting General Manager, University Estate Management Company. 

His redeployment was also as a result of the constitution of the PPMS reform committee. 

A letter conveying his redeployment said the university management considered it important that the institution continues to benefit from his experience .