THE Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University of Abuja Governing Council, Modibbo Mohammed, has revealed that the authorities of the university has mounted a 24-hour security patrol within the campus and its surrounding perimeters to prevent a repeat of the recent kidnapping that occurred at the its senior staff quarters.
Mohammed stated this while addressing journalists in Abuja at the side of a retreat organised by the University Council for Principal Officers, Deans, Directors and the university-based unions at the weekend.
While stating that the university will do anything humanly possible to ensure that what happened recently does not repeat itself, Mohammed also said that the university has employed additional hunters, vigilantes to patrol in areas that are not fenced because of the “very vast land” the university occupies.
On the state of the staff quarters which was reported to be in a deplorable state, he said: “Our staff housing is below standard. I am ashamed of the sort of accommodation our staff are living in.
“The council has met the Minister of FCT and he has assured us to do something soon. And a delegation will soon go to FERMA to come in and give the university special consideration especially the roads within the mini campus and the residential areas.
“We will definitely partner with government agencies, we will attract funding and invite investors and discuss with government to build befitting houses that befits a university lecturer status.
Speaking on the theme of the retreat; “Navigating Myriad of Challenges in Managing Universities in Today’s World,” he said they all have a role in repositioning the university by thinking out of the box to surmount the never ending challenges they struggle to carry out their duties.
He identified problem of funding and staff attitude to work among reasons for organising the retreat, adding that the retreat will hopefully chart a new course for the varsity.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah said many factors exist that are fighting the university and that many staff do not do their duties but collect public salary, “they do not come to work on time, some do not teach while others spend just an hour and leave.”
“If we must attain the greatness and if we are ready to serve Nigeria truthfully speaking, we must put all these things aside, and stop rumours and allegations. If we are ready to move forward we must jettison the past,” the VC said.
