The Niger State Government has reiterated its commitment to complete all the ongoing projects in Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, including the University’s teaching hospital.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Honourable Abdullahi Adamu Mammagi at the 18th Matriculation Ceremony, held at the General Abubakar A. Abdulsalami Convocation Arena, Lapai.
He congratulated the newly admitted students, acknowledging their academic performance in JAMB, which earned them a place at the prestigious institution.
Honourable Mammagi urged them to dedicate themselves to their studies and be mindful of negative peer influences that could derail their academic journey.
He also congratulated the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, noting that his emergence as the University’s Chief Executive was destiny.
The Commissioner expressed confidence that Professor Sulaiman’s leadership would foster an all-inclusive administration, anchored on innovation and global competitiveness, positioning IBB University as a leading institution of higher learning.
He highlighted the Niger State Government’s commitment to supporting tertiary education through consistent payment of bursaries to indigent students, emphasizing that bursaries are privilege.
Honourable Mammagi further affirmed that in line with Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s vision for inclusivity, the state had recently conducted an aptitude test in preparation for sending 1,000 underprivileged students abroad to study science, engineering, and medical courses. The initial target countries include India, Canada, and China.
He commended IBB University for its remarkable strides in infrastructure development, strategic partnerships, and expansion of academic programmes, particularly the establishment of the College of Health Sciences, which he described as a significant achievement that has fulfilled the aspirations of many students who wish to pursue medicine.
He particularly emphasized the administration’s dedication to the timely completion of the IBB University Hospital Complex in Minna, which will provide medical students with access to modern facilities for their clinical and preclinical training.
Earlier in his opening remarks the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Hassan Ibrahim, emphasized that matriculation is a fundamental academic tradition that formally admits qualified candidates into the university system and serves as an opportunity to introduce new students to the institution’s rules, regulations, values, and academic culture.
Highlighting the University’s growing reputation, Professor Hadi disclosed that IBB University received over 9,000 applications for undergraduate programmes in the 2024/2025 academic session.
He said the applications spanned across regular academic programmes on the main campus, and part-time degree programmes under the Institute of Continuing Education and e-Learning (ICEeL) and the Long Vacation Training (LVT).
Out of these applicants, the Vice Chancellor said, over 6,000 candidates successfully met the admission requirements and have now been officially matriculated.
Professor Hadi reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the Institution, emphasizing that, with the continued support of the Niger State Government under Governor Bago, the institution is set to achieve remarkable progress in the next five years.
He acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor and reaffirmed his commitment to elevating the University’s national and international standing.
The Vice-Chancellor underscored the need for innovative funding strategies to drive infrastructural development, and called on contractors working with Niger State Government to support the University’s expansion efforts.
The Vice Chancellor further said one of his key initiatives is to ensure a 24-hour electricity supply on campus, a move that will significantly reduce operational costs and allow the University to redirect resources toward other developmental projects.
Professor Hadi urged stakeholders, including government agencies, alumni, and private sector partners, to collaborate in achieving the Institution’s long-term vision.
He advised the new students to remain focused on their academic pursuits and avoid distractions that could hinder their success.
Professor Hadi encouraged the students to seek guidance from academic advisers and take advantage of University resources for their academic and personal development.
