The Vice Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), Prof. Bashir Garba, has assured that his institution will continue to support the Northwest University, Sokoto (NWUS) as its NUC-appointed academic mentor.
In the same vein, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Professor Sabir Anas, has pledged to support NWUS in all areas of need.
Professors Garba and Anas pledged when the Vice Chancellor of NWUS, Professor Mukhtar Umar Bunza, led a delegation on separate courtesy visits to UDUS and UDUTH on Thursday.
“We are delighted to have you in our midst as the Vice Chancellor of the Northwest University, Sokoto. We are also proud that an Information, Communication and Technology Centre (ICT), a Faculty of Law complex, a teaching hospital, among many other projects, have been provided within the short time of your assumption of office,” Prof. Garba said, adding that, “By the time you complete your tenure, much would have been achieved.”
The Vice Chancellor further said that “the Northwest University Sokoto is an offshoot of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University. It is therefore an obligation on us to continue to provide our support. Conversely, if at any time we need your support in certain areas, we will approach you.”
Prof. Garba commended the Founder of NWUS for deeming it necessary to establish the College of Medical Sciences along with a teaching hospital.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the Northwest University, Sokoto (NWUS), Prof. Mukhtar Bunza, told the UDUS Vice Chancellor that the courtesy visit was to formally express profound appreciation to the management of UDUS for its unwavering academic and administrative mentorship, which is in line with the National Universities Commission (NUC) directive that places the young institution under UDUS’s guidance for its five-year probationary period.
Presenting the letter to the UDUS Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bunza said it is to convey NWUS’ “gratitude to the UDUS Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bashiru Garba, MFR, and the entire UDUS community for the exceptional support rendered since NWUS commenced operations.”
NWUS VC, Prof. Mukhtar Umar Bunza presenting the letter of appreciation to UDUS VC, Prof. Bashir Garba
Prof. Bunza acknowledged that the mentorship—mandated by the NUC—covers key areas such as staff recruitment, provision and access to human and material resources, implementation of carrying capacity, and staff development support. According to him, UDUS has gone beyond these formal expectations to offer additional goodwill and encouragement.
He recalled the solidarity visit paid by the UDUS Vice Chancellor in April, describing it as a turning point that further strengthened the collaboration between the two institutions. “Since that visit, your guidance and support have remained constant, and we are eternally grateful,” Prof. Bunza noted.
As NWUS advances into a critical phase of its academic development—particularly entering the second year of its medical and paramedical programmes—Prof. Bunza appealed for strengthened collaboration to help the University provide high-quality training and produce the required manpower for Sokoto State and beyond.
“On behalf of the Founder, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, as well as the Senate, Management and staff of Northwest University, Sokoto, I extend our heartfelt appreciation. We pray for Allah’s continued guidance and blessings upon your tenure and your future endeavours,” the statement concluded.
At the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Prof. Mukhtar Bunza told the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Sabir Anas, that the courtesy visit was to advocate for support, especially in areas relating to the newly established teaching hospital of NWUS. “We will rely on you for support and guidance in all areas.”
Responding, the CMD assured Prof. Bunza of UDUTH’s support. “We appreciate your visit and we assure you that we will do our best to support you, and I applaud you in the choice of some of our staff. You are located where you can access resources. You need UDUTH and we are there for you. UDUTH will ease your stress. In all areas, you have our support.”
Those on the courtesy visit were the NWUS Bursar, Garba Shinkafi; Chief Medical Director of NWUS Teaching Hospital, Prof. Muhammad Taufeeq Ibrahim; Provost, College of Health Sciences, Prof. Umar Muhammad; Director, Department of Health Services and Deputy Provost, College of Health Sciences, Dr. Jamil Lukman; and Chief Security Officer, Aliyu Altine Jabo.
