By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times
The outgoing Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Professor Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi, has reflected on his leadership journey, highlighting key achievements and notable challenges faced during his administration.
In an exclusive interview granted to journalists on Tuesday, 6th May 2025 — just days before the end of his tenure — Professor Bichi expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve. He began his journey as Acting Vice Chancellor, holding the position for three years before being officially confirmed to serve a five-year term.
“It has not been an easy journey,” he admitted, “but with divine support and cooperation from the university community, we achieved remarkable progress.”
Professor Bichi extended his appreciation to former President Muhammadu Buhari; former Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu; former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed; and other regulatory and funding bodies including the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), for their roles in supporting the university’s growth.
Among the key milestones recorded under his leadership was the expansion of the university’s faculties from just three to fourteen. He also established three new colleges: the College of Health Sciences, the Postgraduate College, and the College of Continuing and Professional Education, which now attract students from across the country.
When he assumed office, FUDMA had fewer than 5,000 students. Today, that number has grown to over 40,000. Academic programmes also expanded significantly—from 20 programmes with only three fully accredited by the NUC to over 100 programmes now, all fully accredited. The newly established Postgraduate School currently offers more than 80 accredited postgraduate programmes.
In terms of academic staff, the number rose from just over 10 lecturers to more than 100, and over 100 staff members earned their doctoral degrees during his tenure.
However, Professor Bichi noted the need for more personnel to manage the growing academic departments and programmes. “Some may criticise staff recruitment,” he said, “but it is essential to sustain student admissions and maintain academic standards.”
On challenges, Professor Bichi recounted a major controversy involving a fellow academic, Professor Hamzat, who took him to court challenging the legitimacy of his appointment. “Hamzat is my friend,” he said. “I appointed him to various positions, but he later contested my appointment, claiming the President had no authority to make such a decision.”
At the time of his appointment, there was no Governing Council in place, and the President exercised constitutional authority to make the appointment. Professor Bichi said that Professor Hamzat refused to appear before the university’s disciplinary committee and resigned in defiance of the university’s rule requiring six months' notice from senior staff. As a result, the university officially terminated his appointment.
Professor Bichi concluded by expressing confidence that his administration would be remembered for its transformative impact—particularly for the establishment of new faculties such as Law, Medicine, and Engineering, which have elevated FUDMA’s standing among its peers.
He expressed pride in his contribution to the development of education in Katsina State, the North-West region, and Nigeria at large.
