Fawehinmi Unveils Tech-Driven Vision for Yakubu Gowon University, Seeks Renewable Energy Support

By Iyojo Ameh

The 8th substantive Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, has said the institution is set to deploy technology as a major tool to reposition the university and transform it into a world-class centre of learning.

Professor Fawehinmi made this known on Wednesday after an interactive session with the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education, Senator Muntari Mohammed Dandutse.

The Vice-Chancellor said his administration’s vision is anchored on creating an enabling environment where academic excellence drives research productivity, inclusivity and effective management of diversity across the university community.

“My vision is to create an environment where academic activities and excellence will increase research productivity, promote inclusiveness and ensure harmony among all groups within the university,” he said. “This will enable everyone to work together towards moving the university forward.”

He explained that staff and students’ welfare and safety are key priorities of his administration, stressing that these factors are critical to improving the university’s ranking, visibility and the quality of its graduates.

On the essence of the interactive session with the Senate Committee Chairman, Professor Fawehinmi said discussions focused on putting in place modalities for the generation of renewable energy to address power challenges and enhance academic and research activities.

According to him, improving power availability would significantly boost productivity and support teaching, learning and research within the institution.

The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the planned renewable energy project is expected to extend beyond the university, with excess power supplied to surrounding host communities as part of the institution’s corporate social responsibility.

“We envisage generating enough power to sustain the university and also distribute to neighbouring communities,” he said, adding that the initiative would support research, experiential learning for students, tech entrepreneurship and innovative research.

He further revealed plans to establish solar farms on elevated and ground locations within the university, as well as explore solar installations on dammed portions of the Giri River. He noted that the project would also integrate agriculture and tourism components.

Professor Fawehinmi expressed concern over the proliferation of universities in Nigeria, warning that it poses a threat to educational standards.

He said excessive establishment of universities has weakened regulatory control, diluted oversight and eroded the availability of quality manpower, noting that many private universities operate far below their admission capacities and are unable to serve the broader Nigerian population.

He welcomed recent government moves to halt the creation of new universities for a period, describing it as a response to public concerns over falling academic standards.

On security, the Vice-Chancellor said the university is strengthening its surveillance system through community policing, collaboration with patrol officers and synergy with local vigilante groups to secure the vast campus environment.

Addressing industrial harmony, Professor Fawehinmi said inclusive leadership, transparency and staff welfare are critical to curbing incessant industrial actions in universities.

He noted that involving staff in decision-making, ensuring open access to management and maintaining transparency in welfare issues would help sustain peace and stability within the university.

The interactive session ended with assurances of continued collaboration between the university and the National Assembly to address infrastructure, energy, security and academic development challenges at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja.