The Yobe State House of Assembly has pledged to increase budgetary support for Yobe State University (YSU) and facilitate access to interventions from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and other agencies. This commitment was made by the Speaker, Chroma Buba Mashio, during a familiarisation visit by the university’s management, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Muhammad Bashir Tahir. The meeting aimed to strengthen ties between the Assembly and the university.
Mashio assured the university management that they would be invited to participate in the 2027 budget defence, ensuring the university's needs are adequately addressed. He also pledged to utilise relevant platforms, including the Nigerian Speakers Conference, to secure interventions from TETFund and other agencies. This move is expected to boost the university's development and enhance its academic offerings.
The Speaker urged the university to extend its expertise to the state’s primary and secondary schools, citing existing problems in the state's education sector. He sought the university's advice on improving the state's education system, leveraging the expertise of its professors and qualified staff. This collaboration aims to address the challenges faced by the state's education sector.
Prof. Muhammad Bashir Tahir, who assumed office in January 2026, reported that his administration has focused on repositioning the university for academic excellence, accountability, and greater impact. The university has completed accreditation processes for Medical Laboratory Science and Radiography, enhancing its academic programmes. These developments are part of the university's efforts to improve its standards.
Tahir disclosed that the university has sponsored 16 medical doctors for postgraduate training abroad, with seven studying in India and six others set to travel to Malaysia in October. Additionally, 32 academic staff have been sponsored for postgraduate training in Nigeria, while 70 academic and non-academic staff have benefited from in-house postgraduate programmes. These initiatives aim to enhance the university's human resources.
The university has achieved several milestones, including the commissioning of the Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre, the introduction of six new postgraduate programmes, and the establishment of a Faculty of Computing. These developments have expanded the university's academic offerings and research capabilities. The university's progress reflects its commitment to growth and excellence.
The university has also provided scholarships to its students, with 10 students benefiting from the Grema Mohammed Scholarship sponsored by Ashaka Cement Company. This support has helped students pursue their academic goals. The university's efforts to provide scholarships demonstrate its commitment to supporting its students.
Key points
- Yobe State House of Assembly pledges increased budgetary support for Yobe State University.
- University has completed accreditation processes for Medical Laboratory Science and Radiography.
- University has sponsored staff and students for postgraduate training locally and abroad.
