By Yobe State University (YSU), Damaturu, has formally ushered in a new chapter of leadership with the assumption of office of Professor Muhammad Bashir Tahir as the fifth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
The event marked the unveiling of a policy direction anchored on continuity, academic excellence, and institutional growth.
Professor Tahir made this known during a formal handover ceremony held at the newly renovated Senate Chamber of the University.
In his remarks, the new Vice-Chancellor expressed commitment to strengthening YSU’s academic and administrative systems, while fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and collective responsibility.
“We are deeply grateful to Almighty Allah for this opportunity to serve,” Professor Tahir said. “We sincerely appreciate the confidence reposed in us by the Executive Governor of Yobe State, the University Governing Council, and the search team.”
He assured the University community of inclusive leadership, pledging to engage all stakeholders in decision-making and policy implementation to advance the institution.
The ceremony also featured the formal assumption of office by Mallam Isa Audu Dallari as the Substantive Registrar of the University, following the completion of his appointment in line with the Yobe State University Law, 2006 (as amended). He took over from the Acting Registrar, Mallam Garba Ahmadu.
Earlier, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bukar Jamri, formally handed over the affairs of the University to Professor Tahir, describing the occasion as a historic milestone. Professor Jamri recalled that he assumed office on February 13, 2025, following the exit of the fourth Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mala Mohammed Daura.
He noted that his administration was guided by inclusive leadership and teamwork, which enabled the University to record notable achievements despite prevailing challenges.
Among the milestones recorded during his tenure were the construction of new infrastructural facilities, renovation and upgrade of the Senate Chamber and other key administrative offices; commencement of eleven new undergraduate programmes; full accreditation of clinical programmes at the College of Medical Sciences; additional quota approval for the LL.B (Law) programme; approval to commence the LL.B (Islamic Law) programme; enhancement of staff welfare and capacity-building initiatives; recommendation of eight Readers for assessment to the rank of Professor and twenty Senior Lecturers to the rank of Reader; strengthening of student support services and academic activities; progress in research development and academic planning; as well as improved financial management and accountability systems.
Professor Jamri expressed gratitude to the Yobe State Government under the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, the University Governing Council, Management, Senate, staff, and students for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure. He also congratulated the new Vice-Chancellor and Registrar, assuring them of the continued support of the University community.
Professor Tahir, a Professor of General Surgery and Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons, brings extensive academic, medical, and administrative experience to the role, having previously served as Medical Director of the Ultra-Modern Police Hospital, Damaturu.
Similarly, Mallam Isa Audu Dallari had earlier served the University diligently as Director, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, before his appointment as Substantive Registrar.
The combined handover of the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar underscores leadership continuity and signals renewed commitment to institutional growth as Yobe State University charts a new course under its substantive leadership.
