As Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, commemorates its 63rd anniversary, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adamu Ahmed has raised concerns over a troubling trend: a significant exodus of staff seeking better opportunities within and outside Nigeria.
Speaking at a press briefing marking the university’s anniversary, Prof. Ahmed revealed that nearly 2,000 staff members have left the institution in the last five years, citing low morale due to poor remuneration and outdated infrastructure.
“Aging infrastructure and poor renumeration have dampened staff motivation.
“It is disheartening to state that the university has lost nearly 2,000 staff in the last five years,” he said.
He warned that the growing staffing gap is beginning to affect academic standards.
“Presently there is a particular programme run by the university whose staff are 95 per cent professors.
“This development may risk non-accreditation of the programme in subsequent time and result to shortage of those who will take over from the existing high-calibered staff,” he explained.
Prof. Ahmed also pointed to chronic underfunding as a key challenge, noting that it has hampered efforts to renovate facilities, update library resources, and support research.
Despite these setbacks, the vice-chancellor said the university is charting a course toward innovation. Plans are underway to integrate new teaching methods and technology into its academic system.
“We shall strengthen the Distance Learning Centre (DLC), the largest in Nigeria, to increase the pace at which education is taken to every home, ensuring that no family is left behind,” he said.
“In this way, ABU will not only expand access but also contribute meaningfully to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs), especially in inclusive education and reducing inequality.”
He called on alumni to play a more active role in supporting their alma mater through endowment funds, donations, and regular giving.
According to him, such efforts are essential to securing ABU’s future.
Prof. Ahmed also commended the federal government under President Bola Tinubu for initiating bold reforms across the education sector and the wider economy.
NAN
