NSUK VC Delivers Keynote Address at FULAFIA, Advocates Strategic and Purposeful Leadership

The Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, FELLOW; UNESCO, ACLS, FIIFPN, CBER, FNIPR (Hon), Erasmus +, on Thursday, 11th June, 2026, delivered a keynote address at the maiden colloquium organised in honour of the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA), Professor Mohammed Isa Kida, where she advocated strategic, purposeful, and inclusive leadership in Nigerian universities.

The colloquium, themed “Leadership, Innovation and Transformation for Sustainable University Excellence,” was organised to commemorate the first 100 days of Professor Kida’s leadership as Vice-Chancellor of FULAFIA.

In her keynote presentation, Professor Liman commended Professor Kida for his commitment to academic excellence and urged him to sustain policies founded on consultation, participation, and inclusive governance. She noted that the colloquium was not only a celebration of an individual's achievements but also a valuable platform for examining the future of higher education in Nigeria amid global transformation.

The NSUK Vice-Chancellor identified research, innovation, inclusive leadership, digital transformation, capacity building, student empowerment, stakeholder engagement, and alumni participation as critical drivers of sustainable university excellence and national development.

She further emphasized that effective leadership shall be guided by integrity, credibility, justice, fairness, accountability, and excellence, adding that sustainable development in higher education can better be achieved through stronger collaboration among government, academia, industry, development partners, and society.

Professor Liman described innovation as a necessity tool for institutional survival and growth, stressing the need for universities to create environments that promote creativity, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving.

Highlighting the attributes of successful university leaders, she listed intellectual capacity, technological awareness, ethical discipline, global connectivity, and social responsibility as essential qualities for navigating the rapidly evolving higher education landscape.

According to her, “those entrusted with leading universities carry responsibilities that extend far beyond institutional administration. We are custodians of knowledge, architects of future generations, and builders of national possibilities.”

She also underscored the importance of critical thinking, transparency, and shared responsibility among university management, staff, students, alumni, and development partners in strengthening institutional excellence and achieving sustainable growth.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of FULAFIA, Professor Mohammed Isa Kida, expressed appreciation to Professor Liman for honouring the occasion and lauded her visionary and transformative leadership. He also thanked participants and members of the organising committee for their contributions to the success of the event.

Professor Kida noted that the colloquium celebrated the collective efforts of the university community, including management, staff, students, alumni, and development partners. He reaffirmed FULAFIA’s commitment to addressing societal challenges, promoting academic excellence, and advancing sustainable national development.

The event featured presentations by distinguished scholars and experts who shared insights on addressing contemporary challenges in higher institutions and promoting sustainable university excellence and nation-building.

A major highlight of the colloquium was the presentation of Awards of Excellence to both Vice-Chancellors in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the growth and development of their respective universities.