Outgoing FULafia Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shehu Abdul Rahman Honored for Inclusive Leadership

It was a day suffused with colour, gratitude and quiet reflection as tributes poured in for the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), Prof. Shehu Abdul Rahman, from within the University community to external organisations, the steady stream of accolades underscored an administration widely regarded as impactful, inclusive and unifying.

The sequence of honours commenced at the Vice-Chancellor’s and Office, where the Director of the Centre for Disability Studies, Professor Adaka Terfa Ahon, presented two prestigious plaques to Abdul Rahman. Ahon had earlier represented the vice-chancellor at the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), an event dedicated to advancing the ideals of inclusion, equity and human dignity.

The first plaque was conferred on Abdul Rahman by the Nasarawa State Disability Rights Commission, which bestowed on Abdul Rahman the title: “Ambassador of Inclusive Education.” 

The honour recognised his unwavering commitment to promoting equal educational opportunities for persons with disabilities, as well as his support for policies and initiatives that enhance accessibility and inclusiveness within the university system.

The second plaque came from Global Hope and Justice Inc., a disability and human rights organisation.

Inscribed: “Distinguished Award of Excellence for Disability Inclusion,” the award acknowledged the vice-chancellor’s advocacy and practical interventions aimed at embedding disability inclusion into both the academic and social life of FULafia. 

Together, the honours highlighted an administration that placed human dignity and equal opportunity at the heart of its vision.

The eulogies did not end there. Still at the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, another tribute followed—this time from within the University. 

The Department of French honoured Abdul Rahman for what it described as his decisive role in restoring sanity, harmony and unity within the department. 

The French group was led by the Head of Department, Prof. Joseph Igono, alongside Mrs. Patience Abuga.

They commended the vice-chancellor for uniting both teaching and non-teaching staff, fostering cooperation and creating an atmosphere of stability that allowed the department to thrive.

Later in the day, the stream of tributes shifted to the vice-chancellor’s residence in Lafia, where the Egbura Staff Forum of FULafia paid its own homage. 

The forum was led by the Director of the Muhammadu Buhari TETFund Centre of Excellence, Prof. Abdullahi Usman.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Usman expressed deep appreciation for what he described as the tangible development and opportunities experienced by members of the forum during Abdul Rahman’s tenure. He noted that the progress recorded under the vice-chancellor’s leadership was deserving of lasting gratitude and remembrance.

The gathering also provided a moment of solemn reflection and thanksgiving. Prayers were offered for Abdul Rahman, who is expected to vacate office on February 11, 2026.

Participants prayed for divine guidance and success in his future endeavours, expressing their confidence that he would continue to touch lives positively wherever he serves. 

Gratitude was also extended to God Almighty for what was described as a successful and impactful tenure marked by peace, development and inclusiveness.

In his response, Abdul Rahman expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the honours and goodwill extended to him. He urged staff to remain committed, dedicated and selfless in the discharge of their duties, reminding them that true leadership is defined not by position but by service. 

According to him, the true measure of leadership lies in the positive impact one makes in the lives of others and in the institutions one serves.

As his tenure draws to a close, the waves of eulogies continue to stand as a testament to an administration remembered for its inclusion, unity and service and an enduring legacy that will remain etched in the history of the Federal University of Lafia.