Prof. B.G. DanShehu Appoints New V C Kebbi State University,By Malam Sidi
By Malam Sidi
Kebbi State University of Science and Technology (KSUSTA) is set to embark on a new chapter with the appointment of Prof. Engr. B.G. DanShehu as its new Vice Chancellor. This highly anticipated appointment has generated optimism from the academic and local community, with Prof. DanShehu’s stellar academic and professional background positioning him as an ideal leader to take the university to greater heights.
Prof. DanShehu, who hails from Gwadangwaji town in Kebbi State, is a world acclaimed Professor of Engineering and erudite scholar with a long-standing reputation for excellence in both academia and engineering. Currently, he serves as the Coordinating Director of Engineering at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), where his leadership has played a critical role in advancing innovation and technology infrastructure in Nigeria. In addition to his NASENI role, he was also the Director of the Energy Research Centre at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), where he has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at advancing renewable energy research and applications.
Prof. DanShehu’s career is marked by a dedication to science, technology, and engineering. A Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, his expertise spans several fields, including energy research, engineering infrastructure, and academic administration. His wide-ranging experience makes him a perfect fit to lead KSUSTA as it continues to develop its role as a center for technological innovation and education.
Prof. DanShehu’s journey in higher education spans several decades, during which he has held numerous administrative positions such as Dean of Faculty and Head of Department. His leadership in these roles helped to strengthen the academic framework and research output of various faculties, particularly in engineering and applied sciences. His commitment to fostering an environment that prioritizes research, development, and collaboration has been instrumental in shaping the academic community wherever he has served.
While serving as Director of the Energy Research Center at UDUS, Prof. DanShehu has been at the forefront of energy innovation in Nigeria. The center focuses on research and development of renewable energy solutions, which are critical to Nigeria’s future energy security and sustainability. His contributions to the field of renewable energy have not only been groundbreaking but have also paved the way for young researchers to engage in this critical area of study. His dual leadership roles at NASENI and UDUS underscore his commitment to leveraging academic research for practical solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges.
As Influential Figure in Engineering and Academia, Prof. DanShehu’s appointment as Vice Chancellor comes at a crucial time for Kebbi State University, which has been working to strengthen its academic programs, research capabilities, and infrastructure. His experience at NASENI and UDUS, combined with his status as a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, positions him as an influential figure capable of driving the university’s academic and infrastructural agenda forward.
At NASENI, Prof. DanShehu was instrumental in developing and overseeing projects aimed at boosting Nigeria’s capacity for technological innovation. These initiatives, which have focused on sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, and infrastructure, have helped Nigeria develop a more resilient and diversified economy. His work has fostered strong ties between academia and industry, a vision he is expected to bring to Kebbi State University as its new Vice Chancellor.
Prof. DanShehu’s appointment has been met with widespread approval from various stakeholders within and outside Kebbi State University. Many faculty members and students have expressed confidence in his ability to lead the university toward achieving new academic heights. His leadership style, which emphasizes collaboration and inclusion, is expected to encourage more interdisciplinary research and partnerships with industries, particularly in the fields of
engineering and technology.
University administrators and academic staff are optimistic that under Prof. DanShehu’s leadership, the university will strengthen its research output and enhance its academic offerings, particularly in science and engineering disciplines. A faculty member noted opines that, Prof. DanShehu’s track record in academia and engineering gives us confidence that he will take Kebbi State University to the next level, particularly in terms of research and industry collaboration.
Having assumed duty last week, Prof. DanShehu`s remarks is seen as a strategic step toward realizing Kebbi State University’s long-term vision of becoming a leader in research and development in Nigeria. With the global economy increasingly driven by knowledge and innovation, Nigerian universities must prioritize research in critical areas such as renewable energy, industrial technology, and agriculture. His experience in energy research and engineering infrastructure is expected to be invaluable in shaping the university’s research agenda.
In addition to advancing research, he is also expected to focus on improving the university’s infrastructure. Modernizing classrooms, laboratories, and research facilities will be key to enhancing the learning environment and ensuring that Kebbi State University remains a center of excellence for both students and faculty. His work at NASENI, which involved overseeing large-scale infrastructure projects, has given him the experience needed to guide the university in this direction.
One of Prof. DanShehu’s key strengths is his ability to bridge the gap between academia and industry. At NASENI, he fostered numerous collaborations between government agencies, private sector companies, and academic institutions to develop innovative solutions to Nigeria’s engineering and technological challenges. This experience will be crucial in helping the University form similar partnerships that benefit both the university and the broader community.
The University is uniquely positioned to serve as a research hub in key industries such as agriculture, renewable energy, and engineering. By leveraging partnerships with local and international companies, the university can enhance its research capacity and provide students with practical experience that prepares them for the workforce. Therefore, his leadership is expected to accelerate these collaborations, creating a win-win scenario for the university, its students, and its industry partners.
Prof. DanShehu’s appointment is also a reflection of the University’s commitment to human capital development. As Vice Chancellor, he is expected to prioritize both student and faculty development, ensuring that academic staff have opportunities to further their education and engage in meaningful research. His vision for students development will likely focus on preparing graduates who are equipped to meet the demands of the modern economy, particularly in fields such as engineering, science, and technology.
With a focus on curriculum development, hands-on training, and internships, Prof. DanShehu aims to produce graduates who are not only academically proficient but also prepared to contribute to Nigeria’s growth. His dedication to human capital development, particularly in the context of Kebbi State, is expected to create lasting impacts that go beyond the university’s walls.
Prof. DanShehu’s appointment marks an exciting new era for the University. His deep academic and professional background, combined with his experience in leadership roles at both NASENI and UDUS, positions him as a transformative leader who will help the university achieve its full potential. As Vice Chancellor, he is expected to guide the university in strengthening its research capabilities, forging industry partnerships, and fostering a culture of innovation and academic excellence.
The entire university community, along with stakeholders in Kebbi State and beyond, are optimistic about what the future holds under Prof. DanShehu’s leadership. With a focus on research, infrastructure development, and human capital growth, his tenure is expected to be a period of significant progress for Kebbi State University, contributing to both local and national development in Nigeria.
Malam Sidi writes from Birnin Kebbi.
