Academic activities to take-off in October, Pioneer VC, federal university of health sciences Azare assures

By Mohammed Kaka Misau

The Pioneer Vice Chancellor, federal university of health sciences Azare in Bauchi state, Professor Bala Mohammed Audu has assured that academic activities will take off smoothly in October this year.

Professor Audu who stated this after taking round, the resource verification team from the National University Commission (NUC) on Monday noted that the programmes under verification are MBBS Programme that trains both medical doctors and doctors on dentistry.

According to him, other programs include, Bsc nutrition and dietetics, Bsc Nursing Programme and Bsc in Radiography Programme.

He said following his management’s interactions with the team, they went through all the various potential areas where the academic Programmes would be hosted.

The Vice Chancellor noted that the verification team did a very thorough assessment on what is available on ground and the curriculum that the university have developed.

Professor Audu said the verification team were very impressed about a number of resources made on ground which prompted them to give the university management marks of excellence.

He acknowledged that there are also some areas where the verification team felt there are challenges that need to be addressed.

The Vice Chancellor promised that the university management under his Leadership would soon address the challenges to pave way for a smooth take-off of academic activities.

“Hopefully, by September/October this year, we have to start the first academic session of this university for these five programs”, Professor Audu hinted.

While appreciating the management of the federal medical center Azare, the VC described the hospital as part and parcel of the comprehensive training program for the university.

“It takes up to, if not more than 70 percent of the time needed for training of people in the health sciences section. There is no word that one can say that will be in excess of appreciating the federal medical center for the key role they have played, it is currently playing and it will play in the future to ensure the success of these programs”, he said.

The vice Chancellor noted that the federal medical center has always been a great partner in the project, adding that the leadership of the center has shown great commitment.

“We surely appreciate the role they have played and the one they will continue to play towards smooth take off of the programs”, he added.

The Vice Chancellor who thanked the minister of education, Mal Adamu Adamu for giving all the needed support, said the minister has been helping the university towards addressing any challenges they have.

He equally appreciated the NUC for guiding the university address some of the challenges encountered towards ensuring the smooth take off of the programs, adding that the medical and dental council of Nigeria has also been very supportive.

The VC who also pointed out that the host communities have very been supportive, commended the emir of Katagum, and other prominent people for the support.

The vice Chancellor who hinted that academic activities will commence in October this year, noted that with the visitation by the NUC, the university will escalate their recommendations as well as have an interaction with the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reflect them on their brochure and portal so that Nigerians all over the country will be able to select the university to study any of the five courses that the university is going to start with.