By Dada Ahmed.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has constituted a high-powered 13-member committee to review its academic programmes in line with national development priorities, global trends, and the university’s strategic plan.
This is contained in a statement from the Directorate
Office of the Vice-Chancellor
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
and a copy made available to The Reporters on Sunday.
The committee, chaired by Prof. Raymond B. Bako, a Professor of Philosophy of Education and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), was inaugurated following concerns over declining enrolments and the decreasing relevance of some programmes in the job market.
The review aims to ensure academic offerings remain competitive, industry-responsive, and attractive to prospective students. Specifically, the committee is expected to assess the structure, content, and duration of all programmes, eliminate overlaps, and recommend interdisciplinary approaches where beneficial.
Among its six terms of reference, the committee is tasked with rationalising programmes by introducing new demand-driven courses, merging similar programmes, modifying curricula, and phasing out outdated or unsustainable disciplines.
In a letter appointing Prof. Bako, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, expressed confidence in his leadership and scholarly experience to drive the vital review exercise. The committee has been given four weeks to submit its report.
The committee’s members include senior academics and administrators from across the university, such as Prof. Olayinka Okubanjo, Provost, Postgraduate College; Prof. Abubakar Abdullahi, Dean, Faculty of Environmental Design; and Prof. Maryam Aminu, Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences.
Other members are from the Faculties of Administration, Basic Medical Sciences, Political Science, Engineering, and the Centre for Energy Research and Training. Mr. Yakubu Anivbassa, Acting Director, Directorate of Human Resources, will serve as Secretary to the committee.
