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Verily, “true stars rise to the top not by chance but through purpose and passion” I’m citing this quote so as to pay tribute to a well cultured gentleman, religious, professor and a leader who has used his skills and positions in different capacities for the growth and development for people, state and the country.
Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, NPOM, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Gombe State and former Vice-Chancellor of the prestigious University of Maiduguri who has tremendously and phenomenally impacted many lives. His commitment to making a positive difference is unequaled. His resilience, boldness, competence, foresight and forthrightness are deeply commended and worthy of emulation.
His vision over the years has always been to bring about developmental changes to the University of Maiduguri and Gombe State, and to the lives of many Nigerians through his vast experience.
It’s on record that during his stewardship as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, he has transformed the University to a world class university that led to signing of memoranda with many local and international universities including the university from Sudan. And that is why he was crowned as the Shettima Ilumuye of Borno by the Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alh. (Dr) Abubakar Ibn Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi.
Despite the challenges of insecurity, meagre resources, and insufficient manpower, it’s worthy to mention that Prof. Njodi has secured the construction of many developmental projects in the university which include; the Construction of the first Senate Building (Muhammadu Buhari Senate Building), Muhammadu Indimi Centre for Distance Learning and International Conference Centre, New Male Hostels, Professorial Quarters, New Faculty of Art Building, NUCC (New Unimaid Computer Center), Aisha Buhari’s Hostel, among others, these are numerous to mention.
Prof. Njodi who was described as the “Architect of Modern Unimaid” headed the university at the peak of the insurgency from 2014 to 2019 was honored by the former President, Muhammad Buhari with the National Productivity Order Merit (NPOM) award in 2017 and subsequently, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) conferred the Distinguished Alumnus Award on him for his dedication and service to humanity.
As a vibrant leader par excellence, he has been awarded several professional fellowships and awards; even from his ancestral home, Prof. Njodi has been crowned as Dan Rimin Kaltungo Emirate and later elevated to the title of Maidakin Kaltungo by Mai Kaltungo.
Astonishingly, it’s obvious that “a golden fish has no hiding place”, since inception as SSG in Gombe State, he has been at the forefront of Gov. Inuwa Muhammad Yahaya administration and making impacts to the administration. It’s never surprise when he was appointed as the Chairman of Forum of Northern SSGs.
It is recalled that the Governor of Gombe, Inuwa Muhammad Yahaya said he reappointed Professor Abubakar Njodi as SSG, considering his meritorious service in the same capacity during his first tenure (2019-2023).
The Governor described Professor Abubakar Njodi as a seasoned administrator who made significant contributions to the modest achievements already recorded in the first phase of his administration.
It’s interesting to know that Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi (born January 1959) is a Nigerian Professor of Health Education and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri. He assumed office as Vice Chancellor of the University on June 3, 2014 and prior to his appointment, he was the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the university. Prof Ibrahim Njodi was appointed Secretary to the Gombe State government by Governor Inuwa Yahya immediately after his tenure elapsed as the Vice Chancellor of University of Maiduguri.
Meanwhile, as a mentee, I wish Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi more years of joy, good health and Iman for continued service to the country and humanity as a whole.
Abdulmumin Kolo Gulani, writes from Damaturu.
