By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja on a diplomatic mission, first to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of Guinea-Conakry’s President-elect, Mamadi Doumbouya, and then to attend the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.

According to a statement from Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Shettima’s attendance at the Saturday, January 17 inauguration in Conakry underscores Nigeria’s leadership role in ECOWAS and supports Guinea’s return to constitutional order. The visit also aims to strengthen bilateral trade, which saw Nigerian exports to Guinea rise to $3.29 million recently.

Following the inauguration, the Vice President will proceed to Davos-Klosters for the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (January 19–23). Under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” he will engage global leaders and investors to promote Nigeria’s economic reforms, highlight investment opportunities, and discuss Africa’s role in fostering a resilient global future.

Key forum discussions will focus on responsibly deploying frontier technologies—such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced energy systems—to drive growth, expand market access, and support sustainable development.

Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after his engagements in Davos.

Written by Abdu Saidu

Eight-Year Tenure Marked by Stability, Expansion, and Institutional Reforms

The Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta (ABCOAD), Kano State, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, held a send-forth ceremony, formally unveiled the ABCOAD Sci-Tech Journal, and conducted a handover ceremony in honour of its outgoing Provost, Professor M. A. Wailare, who concluded a successful eight-year tenure.

The event, attended by members of management, staff, students, and invited guests, also featured the formal transfer of leadership to the Deputy Provost, Dr. Hassan Ibrahim, marking a smooth and orderly transition in the College’s administration.

In separate remarks, speakers described Professor Wailare’s tenure as a defining era in the institution’s history, crediting him with restoring peace and stability on campus and steering the College through sustained academic, infrastructural, and institutional growth. Throughout his time in office, the College recorded no major crisis, protest, or disruption—an achievement that fostered unity, confidence, and a renewed sense of belonging among staff and students.

A major milestone of the administration was the expansion of the College’s academic scope with the establishment of 15 new departments, including Fisheries Technology, Horticultural Technology, Agribusiness Management, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Environmental Science and Management Technology, and Networking and Cloud Computing, among others. Speakers noted that this development positioned ABCOAD as a multi-disciplinary institution aligned with emerging global trends in science, technology, and agriculture.

The handover

Professor Wailare was also commended for strengthening transparency and accountability through the introduction of a cashless financial policy in 2018, as well as for establishing key directorates such as Quality Assurance, Strategic Planning, Renewable Energy and Climate Change, Guidance and Counselling, and Research and Development.

Under his leadership, the College deepened community and international engagement, notably through collaboration with Wageningen University in the Netherlands under the Seed for Change programme, which boosted horticultural development. Annual Farmers’ Field Days, tree-planting campaigns, and the distribution of improved seedlings further reinforced the institution’s impact on neighbouring communities.

In the area of regulation and quality assurance, ABCOAD successfully hosted multiple NBTE accreditation exercises in 2018, 2022, and twice in 2025, alongside achieving SIWES and full institutional accreditation in 2025. The introduction of free education at the ABCOAD Staff School for children from disadvantaged neighbouring communities was also cited as part of the administration’s social responsibility drive.

Infrastructure and ICT development featured prominently during the tenure, including the renovation of classrooms, laboratories, hostels, offices, vehicles, and tractors, as well as the rehabilitation of the College clinic. The institution also benefited from ICT interventions such as the establishment of an NCC E-Learning Centre, the donation of laptops and tablets, the modernization of the e-library, the launch of the official website, and the upgrade of the ICT Centre to host JAMB CBT examinations over several years.

Agricultural innovation was strengthened through the introduction of high-yielding cassava varieties in collaboration with IITA and ATASP, the restoration of 33 hectares of farmland, the establishment of commercial seedling production, and the fabrication of prototype agricultural machinery. Hundreds of youths and women were trained under programmes supported by the World Bank, KSADP, TVET, and the French-sponsored WATEA initiative.

Other milestones recorded during the period include the construction of a Leather Enterprises Innovation Centre and a Water Treatment Plant, the adoption of renewable energy solutions through solar installations, perimeter fencing and general renovation of the College by the Kano State Government in 2025, and national recognition with the 2025 Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Award (Tertiary Category).

As part of staff welfare and administrative efficiency, Professor Wailare introduced free daily shuttle bus services, provided at no cost, for management staff, Heads of Departments, and Directors commuting from Kano to Dambatta.

During the handover ceremony, Professor Wailare received several awards and gifts from various departments and units in recognition of his exceptional leadership and for providing staff with opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the institution. Presenters noted that the gesture reflected widespread appreciation for his inclusive and empowering leadership style.

Professor Wailare also led efforts to reposition the institution for the future, initiating processes for its transformation into the Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, and actively participating in legislative engagements aimed at upgrading the College to a Federal University of Agriculture.

In his farewell remarks, Professor Wailare expressed gratitude to the management, staff, and students for their cooperation and support, noting that collective commitment was central to the achievements recorded. He urged the College community to sustain unity, discipline, and dedication, while wishing the institution continued growth and success.

Furthermore, Professor Wailare commended the Kano State Government under the leadership of Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf for the support and educational development initiatives implemented to advance the College, emphasizing that such assistance has greatly contributed to strengthening teaching, research, and the overall development of the institution.

The ceremony concluded with the formal unveiling of the ABCOAD Sci-Tech Journal, described by stakeholders as a landmark platform for advancing research, innovation, and scholarly engagement within and beyond the College.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, the globally celebrated cleric who risked his life to shelter hundreds of Christians during sectarian violence in Plateau State, has passed away at the age of 92.

The late Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area died after a brief illness.

Imam Abubabar earned worldwide acclaim for his extraordinary courage on June 23, 2018. When armed attackers struck communities in Barkin Ladi, he opened his mosque and home to protect over 300 fleeing Christians, refusing to surrender them to the assailants.

“I did it because we are all human beings. My religion teaches me to protect lives, regardless of faith,” he later explained.

His act of interfaith heroism was recognized at the highest levels. The Federal Government honored him with the national award of Member of the Order of the Niger (OON), and he was personally commended by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He was also named joint winner of the Leadership Person of the Year Award alongside Aliko Dangote and received the International Religious Freedom Award from the United States government in 2019.

In a condolence message on Thursday, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described Imam Abubakar as “a symbol of peace, unity, and selfless leadership,” whose legacy helped build bridges of forgiveness and coexistence.

“His death is a major loss to his family, community, and the state,” Governor Mutfwang said, urging the public to uphold the imam’s values of compassion and tolerance.