The Governing Council of Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) under the Chairmanship of Prof. Funmi Togonu-Bickersteth held its 20th meeting from Wednesday, August 18th to Friday, 20th August, 2021.

During the meeting, the Council approved the promotions of three (3) academic staff to the rank of Senior Lecturers and ten (10) Senior Non-teaching staff to various ranks. This was sequel to the recommendations of the Senior Staff Appointment and Promotion Committee (SSAPC).

Meanwhile, the Council noted with delight the progress made so far on academic matters, especially the securing of full accreditation of 27 courses currently offered by the University.

The Council also expressed happiness as the University got its Nursing Science Programme fully accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). The accreditation makes the Nursing Programme offered in the University a full-fledged professional course, by the Nursing Council Standards.

The Council also noted with keen interest as the University secured approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to commence ten (10) Programmes in the Faculty of Education namely: B.Sc. Ed. Biology, B.Sc. Ed. Chemistry, B.Sc. Ed. Mathematics, B.Sc. Ed. Computer Science and B.Sc. Ed. Physics. Others are B.Ed. Educational Administration and Planning, B.Sc. Ed. Business Education, B.Sc. Ed. Geography, B.Sc. Ed. Economics and B.A. Ed. English.

Similarly, Council was informed that the University is proposing to commence twenty (20) new undergraduate programmes in 2022. They are: B.A. Islamic Studies, B.A. Hausa, B.A. Literature in English, LL.B, B.Sc. Mass Communication, B.Sc. International Relations, B.Sc. Criminology and Social Studies, B.Sc. Banking and Finance as well as B.Sc. Entrepreneurship Studies.

Others include B.Sc. Software Engineering, B.Sc. Information Technology, B.Sc. Molecular Biology, B.Sc. Biotechnology, B.Sc. Science Laboratory Technology and B.Sc. Physics. The rest are B.Sc. Urban and Regional Planning, B.Sc. Estate Management, B.Sc. Industrial Design and B. Pharm.

On the commencement of Postgraduate Programmes, the Council was excited that the postgraduate school would usher in opportunity to members of the academia and host community to further their studies, while paving way for more research in academic and professional standings.

The Council further applauded the Management for the establishment of Biosciences Research Institute (BRI) as a Centre of Excellence. The Centre is mandated to conduct research in various areas of Biosciences as well as extend its services to Kebbi State and the North-west region of Nigeria. The Centre is also expected to collaborate with other relevant agencies in the development and spread of Biosciences research outputs and products.

The Council took tour of the various completed and on-going projects in the University. It lauded the Vice Chancellor and his Management team for the infrastructural development made in the institution.

(Signed)

Jamilu M Magaji,

Public Relations Officer,

Federal University Birnin Kebbi.

August 25, 2021