Prof. Rasheed: A square peg in square hole

Istrongly believe that the National University Commission (NUC) the nation’s tertiary education regulatory body is on its way to greatness and I say this because of the man at the helm now, Professor Abubakar Rasheed Adamu. Based on his antecedent, we can be assured that under his leadership, efficient service delivery will be guaranteed, as his passion for education cannot be overemphasised.

In 1993, when he was appointed Managing Director of New Nigerian Newspapers, the company which was on the verge of collapse became robust and one of the must-read newspapers as a result of his proficiency.

And as Vice Chancellor, Bayero University Kano (BUK), he used his ingenuity, unique perspective, and concern for efficient results to productively transform the university. From this unique vantage point within the academia, Professor Rasheed’s reflected on the principal challenges facing the university, using his good diplomacy, accessibility, extension of friendly hand and good virtues, to relate with TETFUND to bring developmental projects to the institution.

Analysts, who drew inferences on his tenure as Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, and as Managing Director, New Nigerian Newspapers, argued that the proficiency and vast experience Professor Rasheed demonstrated in administering the two institutions would equally be replicated at the National University Commission.

No university can excel because of its size but through consistent innovations and breakthroughs, which the new Executive Secretary would work to achieve.

An erudite scholar with incisive and wider worldview, Professor Rasheed has connected with so many people. He began his teaching career in July 1981, as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of English and European Languages at the Bayero University, Kano and 10 years later, he became a Senior Lecturer and Head of Department.

Born in October 1957 at Makarfi in Kaduna State, Professor Rasheed was promoted to the rank of Professor, in October 2001. He authored several peer reviewed journal articles and technical reports.

A Fellow of several professional bodies and also a recipient of many awards for his intellectual erudition and humanitarian services, Professor Rasheed is a successful academic and an administrator who will indeed add value to university education in Nigeria.