The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Dutse, Ahmad Muhammed Gumel, has revealed that the university has been allocated 1,000 housing units under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Scheme to improve staff welfare.
Professor Gumel made the announcement during an interactive session with members of staff unions, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Non‑Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, and the National Association of Academic Technologists.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, improving staff welfare—particularly housing—remains a key component of his administration’s 11-point agenda.
He explained that the houses were allocated under the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Housing located in Kano
Professor Gumel disclosed that the housing units are located in Janguza, Kano State, noting that the university would assist interested staff members in accessing the homes.
Although the houses are not situated within Jigawa State, the VC encouraged staff to take advantage of the opportunity as a valuable long-term investment.
Plans for additional staff housing
The Vice-Chancellor also revealed that the university has contacted the Jigawa State Government regarding the possible acquisition of part of the Danmodi Housing Estate, located close to the university.
He added that the state government has responded positively to the request.
In the long term, Professor Gumel said the university plans to develop staff quarters within the campus through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
Focus on staff development
The VC emphasized that staff training and development will be given priority under his administration.
He explained that new funding strategies are being designed to support training programmes for non-teaching staff as well as internal research grants for academic staff.
Professor Gumel also addressed concerns about the university’s staff school, saying he has directed the Registrar to establish a committee to reorganise and improve the facility so that it becomes more attractive for staff members to enrol their children.
Changes to promotion process
To ensure efficiency in career progression, the Vice-Chancellor announced that the staff promotion cycle will be reorganised.
Under the new system, promotion exercises will begin in April, with results expected to be released by October.
He also noted that external assessors responsible for evaluating academic staff will now be given strict timelines to submit reports or risk being replaced.
Boosting university revenue
Professor Gumel further disclosed that his administration intends to strengthen the university’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
He said plans are underway to revitalise several university ventures, including the University Guest House, University Farm, Consultancy Services, and the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development.
These initiatives, he explained, will help generate funds to support projects and improve both staff and student welfare.
The Vice-Chancellor called on staff unions to support the administration’s vision, assuring them that his leadership remains open to ideas that will move the university forward.
