Former NSUK Vice-Chancellor Urges University Administrators to Build Enduring Systems

A former vice-chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State, (NSUK), Prof. Suleiman Bala Mohammed, has called on leaders, particularly those in Nigeria’s university system, to focus on building institutions and systems capable of outlasting their tenure in office.

According to Mohammed, leaders should be judged by the enduring impact of their service rather than the number of years they spend in office.

He made the remarks while serving as a resource person at a Two-Day Extended Management Retreat for Management staff of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), held at the Committee of Vice-Chancellors Centre in Abuja.

Dignitaries at the event included the Vice-Chancellor of FULafia, Prof. Mohammed Isa Kida a former vice-chancellor of the University, Prof. Ekanem Ikpi Braide as well as principal officers and Management staff of the institution.

Speaking during the retreat, Mohammed criticised the leadership development approach in many Nigerian universities, advocating adoption of a structured mentoring system to groom future leaders.

He stressed that universities become stronger when leaders delegate responsibilities and empower others, noting that leadership should not be driven by personal aggrandisement.

The former vice-chancellor encouraged leaders to make difficult but necessary decisions in the interest of their institutions, regardless of whose personal interests may be affected.

He emphasised that credible, strategic and proactive leadership remains essential for institutional stability and sustainable development.

Mohammed further urged university administrators to embrace the values of integrity, fairness and impartiality in order to earn the trust, confidence and respect of their workforce.