During a media briefing following the 37th Board of Trustees meeting, Chancellor and founder Distinguished Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed revealed that Professor Jamila Shu’ara, a seasoned educator and administrator, will take on the role of Vice-Chancellor for a five-year term.
Additionally, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi has been appointed as the new registrar, while Dr. Dogo Mohammed Waziri continues as the Chief Medical Director of Baze University Hospital.
Before her new role, Professor Jamila Shu’ara served as the university registrar and has held positions as the Director of Strategy and Director of Academic Planning. She is a well-respected academic and public servant with a strong background in education and governance, holding degrees in Consumer Sciences from Howard University in the USA and Bayero University in Kano.
Her academic journey includes several honors from Howard, such as a tuition-free scholarship and recognition on the Dean’s List. She is also a Fellow of both the Nigerian Institute of Management and the Home Economics Professionals Association of Nigeria (HEPAN).
She has authored multiple books, journal articles, and technical reports. Starting her career in public service as a lecturer, she climbed the academic ladder to become the chief lecturer in the Nigerian Colleges of Education system. Along the way, she took on various administrative roles, including head of department, dean, deputy provost, and provost of a Federal College of Education.
Her contributions to academic quality assurance included serving as a resource person for the NCCE. She also played significant roles in shaping national education policies, led the Teachers Registration Council, and oversaw the FME/World Bank/UBEP II project. From 2012 to 2017, she spearheaded reforms in the education, aviation, and petroleum ministries as Federal Permanent Secretary.
Professor Abiodun Adeniyi is a notable academic, journalist, and communications expert with a wealth of experience in media, consultancy, and educational management. He completed his undergraduate studies at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and was awarded the British Chevening Scholarship in 2003 to pursue International Communications at the University of Leeds, UK. His doctoral research, a groundbreaking study on Internet and Diasporic Communication, was one of the first African-centered dissertations published by the University of Leeds as part of the joint Etheses Project.
After obtaining his PhD in 2008, he worked as a Communications Consultant for the World Bank at Nigeria’s Bureau of Public Procurement. He later established Witswords Consults before moving into academia at Baze University. From 2016 to 2023, he led the Mass Communication Department, achieving the rank of associate professor in 2018 and full professor in 2021. Prior to his current role, he served as the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies.
Speaking on the appointment, the chancellor said “Baze University stands at the threshold of a new era, driven by a steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and transformative leadership. With the appointment of Professor Jamila Shu’ara as Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi as Registrar, and the reappointment of Dr. Dogo Mohammed Waziri as Chief Medical Director, we are confident that the university is well-positioned to advance its mission of providing world-class education, cutting-edge research, and exceptional healthcare services.”
The new leaders, as he stated, possess a wealth of academic and administrative experience, along with a unified vision aimed at enhancing Baze University’s reputation as a premier institution of higher education in Nigeria and internationally. He emphasized that their combined expertise, integrity, and commitment to academic excellence will propel the university toward greater accomplishments in knowledge generation, international partnerships, and contributions to society.
“As we embark on this new phase, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering an environment that nurtures intellectual curiosity, innovation, and excellence in service delivery,” Mr Baba-Ahmed said.
“Baze University remains a beacon of quality education, where students are empowered to think critically, engage meaningfully, and contribute effectively to national and global development. I call on all stakeholders, faculty, students, staff, alums, and partners, to support this new leadership team as we strengthen the foundations of academic excellence and institutional growth. Together, we will not only sustain the legacy of Baze University but also chart a bold and progressive course for the future, filled with hope and optimism.”