Prof. Baba El-Yakub Appointed Director of ABU Rural Finance and Entrepreneurship Centre

Prof Baba El-Yakub is the new Director for International Centre of Excellence in Rural Finance and Entrepreneurship (ICERFE), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. 

El-Yakub replaces Prof Idris Bashir Bugaje whose tenure ended recently. Prof El-Yakub, former Occupant of the ABU-PTDF Professorial Chair in Chemical Engineering, teaches at the Department of Chemical Engineering. 

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, approved El-Yakub's appointment. The appointment was in recognition of his academic standing, professional experience, and demonstrated commitment to the development of the university. 

As Director, he shall be responsible for providing strategic leadership for the Centre in accordance with its approved mandate and functions as stipulated by the university. 

He is specifically required to lead the reform and repositioning of the Centre to make it more student-focused and responsive to the university's vision of producing innovative, entrepreneurial, and globally competitive graduates. 

This is in addition to the Centre's existing responsibilities relating to rural finance, entrepreneurship, capacity development, research, outreach, and stakeholder engagement. 

The Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence that under Prof El-Yakub's leadership, ICERFE would evolve into a vibrant and impactful centre. 

The appointment is with immediate effect. It is for an initial period of two years, renewable for further period of two years subject to satisfactory performance and the need of the university. 

Meanwhile, Dr Kabiru Tsoho of the Department of Marketing has been appointed as ICERFE Deputy Director. 

By his appointment, Dr Tsoho will be responsible to the Director for the day-to-day operations of the Centre.