ABU Constitutes Committees to Boost Distance Learning, Review Sports Policy

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22/01/26 • 20 विचारों • 0 शेयर करना • में प्रकाशित अन्य

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has set up two high-level committees to strengthen its Distance Learning Centre and review the institution’s draft sports policy, in a move aimed at aligning key ..

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, approved the constitution of the committees in separate letters dated January 16, 2026, underscoring the management’s commitment to innovation, quality assurance, and institutional competitiveness.

A former Director of the ABU Distance Learning Centre, Prof. Adamu Hassan Zoaka of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, was appointed Chairman of the seven-member committee mandated to reposition the Centre. According to Prof. Ahmed, the initiative reflects ABU’s vision to expand access to education, improve delivery standards, and enhance competitiveness amid growing demand and competition in the digital and distance learning space.

He noted that the ABU Distance Learning Centre remains a national reference point in online and open learning in Nigeria. Since its establishment in 2013, the Centre has recorded cumulative enrolments approaching 40,000 learners, a development he said makes consolidation, innovation, and strategic repositioning imperative.

The Vice-Chancellor explained that the committee will review the Centre’s operational, academic, technological, and governance frameworks, identify existing gaps, and propose innovative strategies to ensure sustainability, relevance, and national impact. The committee is expected to submit its report within eight weeks of inauguration.

Other members of the Distance Learning committee are Prof. Umar Usman Pateh of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Dr. Aliyu Dalha Kankia of the Department of Political Science and International Studies; Engr. Bashir Sani of the Iya Abubakar Institute of ICT; Prof. Ashiru Bello of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning; Malam Yahaya Hussain of the Bursary Department; and Dr. Abdulkadir A. Baba of the Student Affairs Division, who will serve as Secretary.

In a related development, Prof. Ahmed also approved the constitution of a committee to review ABU’s draft sports policy, with Prof. Julius A. Gwani of the Department of Human Kinetics appointed Chairman.

The Vice-Chancellor said the review is intended to align the university’s sports framework with global best practices and ABU’s institutional vision, noting that a comprehensive policy is now essential given the growing role of sports in student development, staff welfare, national development, and the sports economy.

Describing ABU as one of Nigeria’s foremost sports institutions with a history of producing elite athletes, coaches, and administrators, Prof. Ahmed said the revised policy is expected to integrate sports as a core element of academic culture, recreation, wellness, and campus life.

Members of the sports policy review committee include Prof. Ismaila Ilu of NAERLS; Prof. Ibrahim Musa Jaro of the Department of Geography; Prof. Dzikwi Adel Garkida of the Department of Glass and Silicate Technology; Prof. Mohammed Iliyas of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Malam Saidu Mohammed Minin of the Department of Quantity Surveying; Prof. Umar Musa and Prof. Adefunke Mariam Suleiman of the Department of Human Kinetics; George Atsuwe of PPMS; Prof. Mohammed Ishaq of the Faculty of Law; and Dr. Abdullahi Babagana of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning.

Malam Magaji Dalhatu of the Registry will serve as Secretary, while the committee is also expected to submit its report within eight weeks of inauguration.

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