It is no longer news that the management of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, has appointed Professor Bashir to replace Professor Lawal Bilbis as the new Vice Chancellor of the institution. Professor Lawal Bilbis just recently retired from the position; Professor Bashir Garba is also the current Vice Chancellor of Sokoto State University.
Professor Attahiru Muhammad Jega, former ASUU president and INEC Chairman who is currently the vice Chancellor of the varsity, signed the press statement that was made available to newsmen, informing the public of Professor Bashir Garba’s appointment.
“The Governing Council, at its 168th Special Meeting held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, approved the appointment of Professor Bashir Garba as the new Vice Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The appointment is for a single term of five years and will take effect on September 1, 2024, when Professor Garba is expected to assume duty.” The statement read.
Birth: Professor Bashir Garba was born on June 6, 1966. He is a native of Sokoto-South Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Education: Bashir Garba attended Magajin Rafi Primary School, Sokoto (1973-1979) and then Government Secondary Technical School, Talata Mafara (1989 -1984). He also attended Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto and the University of Jos, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.sc) in Applied Chemistry and a Masters Degree in Applied Organic Chemistry in 1988 and 1994, respectively.
He held a Doctorate in Applied Chemistry Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, in 1998.
Career: It’s on record that the academic juggernaut Bashir Garba started his career as a Graduate Assistant at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. He has held and served in different capacities both academically and politically. Garba served as the director, Sokoto Energy Research Centre, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (1999-2005).
He also served as Commissioner and Member of the Sokoto State Executive Council from June 2019 to January 2022; Secretary to Sokoto State Government from September 2015 to May 2019; Rector of Polytechnic of Sokoto State from August 2012 to September 2015; Director of Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) from April 2006 to March 2010.
Prior to his appointment as Vice Chancellor of Sokoto State University, Professor Garba served as Secretary to the State Government and later as Commissioner for higher education in the state.
Awards: Professor Bashir Garba is a meritorious recipient of the Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) national award.
Assumption of Office: According to the press release, the appointment is for a single term of five years and will be effective from September 1, 2024. Thus, Professor Bashir Garba’s tenure as the VC of Usmanu Danfodiyo University will start on September 1, 2024. He will be moving from the positon of a VC at Sokoto State University to start working in that same capacity as a VC of Usamnu Danfodiyo University. What a laudable record!