The new vice chancellor of the Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK), Prof. Muhammad Zaiyan- Umar has sought the support of journalists for positive projection to the world in furtherance of the institutions’ goals.
Zaiyan-Umar made the appeal at a media interactive session in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.
According to him, it is imperative to engage the stakeholders who have a lot to offer for the progress and development of the university.
“I am aware of the functions the journalists perform, basically on enlightenment, education, entertainment and image- making as agents of various media houses.
“I believe any responsible institution that wishes to expand its visibility cannot do away with the activities of the press.
“It is upon this belief that I felt it will be a great disservice to the institution if I shut out the media, especially in covering the activities of the institution,” he said.
Zaiyan-Umar reiterated his administration’s commitment to deploying all resources at its disposal to ensure the university emerges the best in not only in the country but in West Africa and beyond.
He added that his administration holds members of the fourth estate of the realm in high esteem, as critical stakeholders in the task of transforming FUBK into a preferred institution in the country and beyond.
Zaiyan-Umar also described journalists as dependable allies, whose professionalism would be helpful to the business of the university in order to earn it visibility in the eyes of teeming publics.
“I must admit that in the course of eight years existence of the university, the proceeding vice – chancellors were able to marshal the services of their subordinate, the management and council of the university in furtherance of the goals, vision and mission of the institution.
”I must commend their efforts for making history and ways in spite of the dwindling fortunes, in terms of finances of the university through their prudence, commitment, the academia to establish a system that worth consolidating,” he said.
Zaiyan-Umar pledged to consolidate their achievements and add the little he could within the available resources for the advancement of the course and development of the institution.
“This is why I say, I cannot do it alone, we have multiple stakeholders that have roles to play in achieving the goals of this university.
“I identify the media as one critical stakeholder and I intend throughout my tenure to partner you in a way to enhance the prospect of the institution,” the VC said.
Zaiyan-Umar, took over from the former Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Bello Bala-Shehu, whose tenure of five years ended on December 3.
