By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Ummah University of Nigeria, Abuja, is targeting October 2, 2026, for the commencement of academic activities as the National Universities Commission (NUC) begins a resource verification exercise to assess the institution’s readiness for take-off.

The university’s Founder and Pro-Chancellor, Dr Mohammed Kyari Dikwa, disclosed this on Wednesday while welcoming the NUC Resource Verification Team, saying the institution had invested substantially in infrastructure, academic facilities, laboratories, ICT, library resources and staffing ahead of the proposed commencement.

The verification exercise, he said, represents a crucial step in the university’s drive to secure the necessary regulatory approvals and begin academic operations.

“Our aspiration is to commence academic activities on 2nd October 2026, In shā’ Allāh, subject, of course, to the necessary regulatory processes and approvals,” he said.

For the exercise, the university is presenting three faculties — Medicine and Allied Sciences, Computing, and Management and Social Sciences with seven departments and 16 academic programmes for verification and subsequent take-off, subject to NUC approval.

By Hajji Shehu

Maryam Umar, a graduate of the Department of Economics at Gombe State University (GSU), has become an inspiration after successfully completing her university education despite being born without arms.

Maryam refused to allow her physical condition to stand in the way of her dreams. Through determination, resilience and a commitment to education, she overcame the challenges she faced and achieved this remarkable milestone.

Her achievement is a powerful reminder that physical disability does not define a person’s potential or determine how far they can go in life.

Maryam’s success stands as an example of perseverance, patience and faith in Allah, offering hope and encouragement to others facing similar challenges.

Her story also highlights the importance of inclusive education and equal opportunities for people living with disabilities to pursue their ambitions and contribute meaningfully to society.

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Ummah University of Nigeria (UMUN), Abuja, has appointed Abdulkadir Ahmed, as Acting Registrar and Baba Gana Kaigama, as Acting Bursar as the institution prepares to commence academic activities.

The appointments, approved by the university’s Founder and Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Mohammed Kyari Dikwa, mni, will take effect on October 2, 2026.

The university announced the appointments in a statement, describing them as part of efforts to build an experienced and effective management team for the newly established institution.

Ahmed to oversee administration

Mr Ahmed, an indigene of Yobe State, is a university administrator with experience in higher education administration and institutional management.

He is currently serving at a federal university in Jigawa State, where he has handled various administrative responsibilities.

As Acting Registrar, Mr Ahmed will serve as the university’s Chief Administrative Officer and Secretary to the Governing Council and Senate.

He will oversee areas including university administration, governance and secretariat services, academic and student administration, human resources, records and information management, regulatory compliance and institutional development.

The university has also given him a 100-day mandate to conduct a comprehensive review of its administrative and governance systems.

He is expected to recommend measures that will promote efficient, transparent, technology-driven and service-oriented administrative structures.

Kaigama gets financial management mandate

Mr Kaigama, the Acting Bursar, is a finance and accounting professional with experience in various Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other institutions.

According to the university, he has expertise in public financial management, budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, compliance, resource management and institutional financial sustainability.

He has also been given a 100-day mandate to review the university’s financial systems and develop an action plan for improving financial management and accountability.

His assignment will include strengthening transparency, audit readiness, prudent resource utilisation and the use of technology in the university’s financial operations.

Dikwa sets expectations

Reacting to the appointments, Dr Dikwa said the decision was an important step towards establishing a competent, disciplined and accountable management structure for the university.

He charged the two appointees to use their professional experience and integrity to build systems that would support academic excellence, good governance and financial sustainability.

“As we build Ummah University of Nigeria, our determination is not merely to establish another university, but to develop an institution founded on knowledge, faith, integrity, excellence, innovation and service to humanity,” he said.

“The quality of its leadership, systems and institutional culture from the very beginning will therefore be critical to achieving this vision.”

Dr Dikwa further urged the Acting Registrar and Acting Bursar to work closely with the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Governing Council, management and other stakeholders to establish a strong administrative and financial foundation for the institution.

He prayed for wisdom, strength and guidance for the appointees as they take up their responsibilities.