Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has underscored the need for proactive leadership, integrated governance, and community partnerships in addressing insecurity confronting higher institutions in bandit-prone areas.
The Governor made this known at the launching of a book titled “University Governance and Insecurity in Nigeria”, organised in honour of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Gusau (FUGUS), Professor Mu’azu Abubakar Gusau.
Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Malam Wadato Madawaki, Governor Lawal noted that while higher institutions traditionally serve as centres of learning, research, and innovation, their location within insecurity-affected regions exposes them to risks that go beyond academic challenges.
Dr Dauda Lawal stressed that, addressing such threats requires foresight, inclusiveness, and policy-driven actions rather than reactive responses.
According to him, physical threats to students and staff, insecurity in host communities, weak infrastructure, and environmental vulnerabilities have continued to negatively affect learning outcomes and staff productivity.
He said the realities make it imperative for university leadership to adopt strong internal security governance frameworks and deepen collaboration with local, state, and federal security agencies.
Governor Lawal commended Professor Mu’azu Gusau for what he described as “quiet but impactful leadership,” noting that, despite daunting challenges, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor has left the Federal University Gusau better than he met it.
He added that the visible expansion of academic and non-academic infrastructure on campus stands as a lasting legacy and a source of pride to the people of Zamfara State.
Reflecting on past challenges, the Governor recalled on how bandit attack the university two years ago, during which staff and students were kidnapped, throwing the institution into national attention.
He noted that parents and relatives had trooped to the campus seeking information, while the university management, Zamfara State Government, and federal security agencies worked together to secure the release of the victims.
“Alhamdulillah, that painful episode is now history,” the Governor said, while warning that insecurity remains an ongoing concern”
He called for sustained vigilance, investment in preventive infrastructure such as lighting and surveillance systems, improved communication channels, community engagement for intelligence gathering, regular security awareness programmes, and counselling services for staff and students.
Governor Lawal, who also outlined expectations for the incoming university administration covering the 2026–2031 tenure, he urged the new leadership to build on existing achievements, develop a clear strategic roadmap to elevate the university’s national and continental standing, strengthen accountability and transparency in resource management, and integrate practical skills and entrepreneurship into academic programmes to better prepare graduates for leadership and technological innovation.
The Governor further assured the university community that the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has developed a roadmap to strengthen cooperation among federal, state, and private tertiary institutions across Zamfara State.
At the event, 25 copies of the book were officially launched at the cost of ₦10 million on behalf of the Governor, while other prominent participants also purchased copies.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and former Vice-Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Professor Sulaiman Lawal Bilbis described the gathering as a true academic celebration focused on research and knowledge generation rather than entertainment.
Professor Bilbis emphasised that, the primary mandate of universities is the creation of knowledge, with teaching serving as a complementary responsibility.
Responding, Professor Mu’azu Abubakar Gusau, the Vice Chancellor Federal University Gusau, described the book as a rigorous academic exercise, acknowledging minor gaps while commending contributors and editors for their scholarly input. He expressed optimism that future editions would address identified areas such as digital and cyber security.
Professor MZ Umar of the Federal University Birnin Kebbi is the First reviewer of the book while Professor M.A Bagudo, Former Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Usman Danfodiyo is the second Reviewer of the Book.
The ceremony attracted Vice-Chancellors from various universities, academicians, students, traditional rulers, and other key stakeholders in the education sector.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
