The Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, Prof. Kabiru Bala, has warned that the chronic shortage of staffing in academic units is affecting teaching, research and community service for which the higher institution is known.
His comments come at a time when the emigration of highly skilled Nigerians, including teachers and researchers, to the UK, Canada, USA and other Western countries is at an all-time high.
Bala appealed to the federal government to lift the embargo on recruiting academic staff for universities to address the deficit.
Mr Bala made this address during the university’s Diamond Jubilee Convocation, during which 35,758 graduands were conferred with degrees and diplomas.
His parting charge to the graduands was: “I urge you to venture to seize these opportunities, conquer the world and make it a better place with innovative ideas and always be appreciative that your ABU education has provided you with the pedestal for self-fulfillment.”
Notable alums of ABU include former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, former Central Bank of Nigeria governor Sanusi Lamido, and presidential aspirant and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
