FUGA begins 3-Day retreat on 5-yr- development blueprint

From Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu

The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Gashua (FUGA), Professor Yaqub Ahmed Geidam, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable growth as the university commenced a three-day retreat for the development of its 2026–2031 Strategic Plan.
The retreat brought together key stakeholders, including members of the Governing Council, university management, deans, directors, heads of departments, staff unions, students, and representatives of Flexisaf Edusoft Consult.
According to the institution’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Adamu Saleh, the retreat is aimed at producing a comprehensive roadmap that will guide the university’s growth and development over the next five years.
Speaking at the opening session, Professor Geidam described the retreat as a “foundational exercise” that would shape the future identity, priorities, and direction of the university.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the decision to develop a strategic plan within his first 100 days in office was deliberate and aimed at providing a clear direction for the university’s advancement.
“Federal University Gashua stands today at a defining moment in its development trajectory,” he said.
Professor Geidam highlighted the institution’s role in expanding access to quality education and addressing environmental, economic, and social challenges, particularly within the Sahel region.
He outlined several priority areas expected to shape the strategic plan, including academic innovation through the introduction of demand-driven programmes such as biotechnology, information technology, cyber security, software engineering, entrepreneurship, and Islamic banking and finance.
He also stressed the need for structured student population growth supported by adequate infrastructure and improved student services, alongside a robust digital transformation agenda driven by blended learning and modern Learning Management Systems.
The Vice-Chancellor further underscored the importance of environmental sustainability through the FUGA Green Code initiative, describing it as a key component of the university’s identity due to its location within a fragile ecological zone.
Professor Geidam called for a results-oriented strategic plan with clear performance indicators, monitoring frameworks, and accountability mechanisms to ensure effective implementation.
He also emphasized inclusivity in the planning process, noting that the success of the strategic plan would depend on how well it reflects the collective aspirations of stakeholders.
Professor Geidam expressed confidence that participants’ contributions would enrich deliberations and support the development of a realistic, forward- looking, and globally competitive strategic document.
He urged participants to actively contribute innovative ideas and approach the exercise with diligence and a shared sense of responsibility.