NSUK@25: Criticism to celebration: Story of a university that defied doubt

…Convocation of 3 graduating sets and honorary award to Tanzanian President mark a distinct silver jubilee

BY FRANCIS NANSAK, LAFIA 

Twenty-five years ago, the idea was almost laughed off. Nasarawa State’s internally generated revenue was less than a million naira. Yet in 2001, then-Governor Dr Abdullahi Adamu tuned out the critics and bankrolled the establishment of Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

His resolve was personal. He had once met a student who gained admission to the University of Maiduguri but could not afford transport to the distant campus. Adamu helped the young man, then made a vow: if elected governor in 1999, he would establish a university at home. He kept that promise, and what began as a contested dream has since become a state institution that serves both believers and former pessimists.

From Pyenko to a Multi-Campus Reality 

NSUK opened in 2001 at Pyenko. Today it runs over 100 academic programmes across campuses in Keffi, Lafia, Gudi, and Pyenko. More than 30,000 students were convocated this week from three graduating sets, with 82 earning First Class degrees.

Vice Chancellor Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman noted that the growth reflects sustained academic standards, discipline, and the unwavering support of founding leaders.

“The vision has been kept alive by deliberate, concerted efforts,” said former Vice Chancellor Professor Mohammed Suleiman Bala.

“Governors gave their time and personal worth to ensure this institution grew.”

A Convocation That Drew the Continent

The 8th Combined Convocation and Silver Jubilee drew African voices. Engineer Umar Buba Bindir delivered the anniversary lecture, “From Knowledge to Wealth Creation: Pathway to Revitalizing the Tertiary Education System.”

Kenyan scholar and Pan-Africanist Professor Patrick Lumumba followed with a convocation lecture, “Reimagining Africa for African Renaissance,” urging Africans to “re-educate ourselves from the shackles of the West.”

The ceremony also conferred honorary doctorate degrees, most notably on the President of Tanzania, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan. Awards of honour went to Senator Abdullahi Adamu, founder of the university, and Governor Abdullahi Sule, its current Visitor, for their contributions to its growth.

Among academic PhD recipients was Dr Hajarat Danyaro Ibrahim, the only female lawmaker in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. Dr Shuiabu Labaran Magaji SAN and current Secretary to the Nasarawa State Government,A revered Traditional Ruler, Dr Joel Aninge ,The Odyon Yankpa of Panda and the philanthropic APC State Chairman,Dr Bello Aliyu.

Brick, Mortar, and Legacy 

The jubilee week saw the commissioning of three projects: a new gate built by an alumnus from Plateau State; a library for the School of Postgraduate Studies donated by former Accountant General Dr Musa Ahmed Muhammad; and the NSUK Alumni Secretariat donated by Ambassador Yakubu Musa, Principal Liaison Officer to the President.

Governor Sule, who performed the inaugurations, praised Ambassador Musa for “setting a precedent for other alumni associations.”

Personalities That Tell a Story 

Pro-Chancellor Professor Attahiru Jega credited Governor Sule’s dedication for NSUK’s rise in rankings — 32nd internationally, 8th nationally, and 2nd among state universities. “This is the product of mark and input,” Jega said.

Chancellor and Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, urged graduates to “combine scholarship with entrepreneurial pursuit.” In his Silver Jubilee goodwill speech, he paid tribute to his late father, Alhaji Dr Muhammad Chindo Yamusa II, the university’s first chancellor for 15 years, and reflected on his own journey from lecturer in the Faculty of Law to chancellor for the past decade.

He also extended condolences to Professor Jega on the passing of his wife, praying for “Aljannatul Firdaus and strength for the family.”

What began with a stranded student in 1999 came full circle 25 years later, with presidents, governors, and scholars gathered in Keffi to celebrate a university that now shapes employers of labour at home and abroad.

As Professor Lumumba told the gathering: “Africa has what it needs to compete favorably with developed nations. The academia must be the game changer.”

For NSUK, the game has changed. The critics are quiet. The campuses are full. And the dream, once dismissed, convocated 30,000 students in one week.

Highlight of the anniversary and 8th combined convocation ceremony was the visual voicemail from the Tanzanian President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan appreciating Governor Abdullahi Sule, NSUK and the African continent leaders who encouraged her . Following the generosity of Engr Abdullahi Sule that released millions of naira as a gift package for the first-class degree recipients and best performing students.

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