After fulfillment of all the statutory and requisite processes, Lincoln University is set to commence academic activities at its Kumo campus, Gombe, Northeast Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the University’s management team when they paid a visit to the Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau in his office to discuss the finishing touches for the final take-off of the university.
Speaking during the visit, the leader of the team, Prof. Datuk Bibi Florina Abdullah, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of the University, informed the Deputy Governor that the team is in the state to finalize arrangements on the implementation of the historic Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Gombe State Government and Lincoln University Malaysia which led to the establishment of the first campus of their university in Nigeria at Kumo.
“We arrived in the state some few days ago. Our visit is concerning the MoU we entered into with the state government a year ago. We are here to get your support on the commencement of the university”, the Prof. said.
While shedding light on the issue, the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Murtadho Alao, and the Chief Operating Officer, Abdulwahab Shehu said the university is set to begin academic activities next month as all necessary arrangements are put in place.
They added that the management is set to meet with the authorities of the National Universities Commission (NUC) to finish up issues of accreditation which is the only thing that remains for the university to take off.
Responding on behalf of the Gombe State Government, the Deputy Governor, Manassah Daniel Jatau, Ph.D. appreciated the team and the entire management of Lincoln University for their sincere zeal to partner with the government of Gombe State under Governor Inuwa Yahaya in fostering the development of education in the state.
The Deputy Governor expressed the government’s unflinching support towards ensuring the smooth take-off of the university, assuring to lend a helping hand to the university whenever the need arises
“We are ever ready to support you towards the take-off of Lincoln University. I find it difficult to understand the fact that you are coming to help us and still thanking us. We should be the ones thanking you for coming to help us develop education in Gombe.
The Deputy Governor assured the management that the Gombe Government is ready to fast-track the shipment of their facilities. “I am aware that you have started shipping equipment into the country. May be I should let you know that I am a retired Customs Officer, and ready to assist if you have any problem in shipping the equipment”.
“As a way of demonstrating our readiness to support you, we have spent a huge sum of money in rebuilding the General Hospital Kumo turning it into a brand new hospital with state-of-the-art facilities in preparation for a Teaching Hospital”, he added.
Given the recent commencement of oil drilling in the Kolmani region, the deputy governor called on Lincoln University to introduce petroleum-related courses.
“It may also interest you to know that oil was discovered in our state. You should start thinking of introducing courses on petroleum for students who may have an interest in petroleum-related courses”.
Recall that the Gombe State Government under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON had last year entered into a public-private partnership (PPP) with Lincoln University Malaysia to convert the erstwhile Gombe State University of Science and Technology, Kumo to Lincoln University Kumo campus, a world-class university that will be offering medical and engineering courses thereby increasing the human capital base of the state.
Also, present during the visit were, the immediate former Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr. Dauda Batari Zambuk among other stakeholders from Ministries and parastatals.
