Kaduna State University (KASU) held a comprehensive two-day orientation and reorientation programme for newly recruited and existing staff on Tuesday, 22nd, and Wednesday, 23rd July 2025. The event, organized by the Registry Department in collaboration with the Centre for Mentorship and Career Development (CMCD), took place at the University’s main campus and focused on institutional values, professional development, mentorship, digital literacy, ethics, and productivity.
In her opening remarks, the Registrar, Barr. Samira Balarabe, emphasized the need for staff to align with the University’s values of integrity, discipline, and unity. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi Ibrahim Musa, in his keynote address, described the University as a family and highlighted mentorship as a tool for institutional continuity and staff development.
Several principal officers and resource persons delivered goodwill messages and presentations. These included Prof. Yusha’u I. Ango, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic); Prof. Muhammad Bashir Ali, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Hajiya Hauwau Dalhat, University Bursar; Dr. Hadiza Talatu Muhammad, Deputy University Librarian; Prof. A.F. Abdulsalam, Director of Academic Planning; and Prof. Audee T. Giwa. All emphasized mentorship, innovation, accountability, and professionalism.
A key highlight of the event was Prof. Helen Afang Andow’s presentation on Kaduna State University’s Future Vision and Strategic Plan. She emphasized the need for staff—especially the younger generation—to understand the University’s past, present, and future goals. Prof. Andow outlined five strategic pillars: teaching and research excellence, community engagement, student-centeredness, and structural development. She urged continuous self-improvement, collaborative research, and bridging theory with practice to boost graduate employability. She also recognized parents’ trust in the institution and called on staff to enrich students’ lives with dedication and care.
This first day featured a general session for all staff, covering diverse topics relevant to academic, technological, and administrative roles. Notable sessions included:
• Institutional Policies, Regulations, and By-Laws by Mr. Lucky Bala Kantoma, Deputy Registrar and Secretary, College of Postgraduate Studies;
• Code of Conduct, Workplace Ethics, and Disciplinary Procedures by Barr. Abdulmutallab Idris, Deputy Registrar (Staff Matters);
• Work-Life Balance and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health by Dr. Fatima Jaafar;
• Conflict Resolution, Professionalism, and Teamwork by Prof. Hauwa’u E. Yusuf, Administrator of the Kafanchan Campus;
• Professionalism and Work Ethics in University Administration by Mrs. Florence Suleiman, Deputy Registrar, Student Affairs Division;
• Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship by Prof. Maryam Abdu;
• Exploring the Library and Its Resources by Dr. Esther Gani, Head of Community Service, University Library;
• Harnessing Soft Skills and Expertise by Prof. Audee T. Giwa; and
• Project Supervision and Mentorship in Academia by Prof. Binta Abdulkadir.
The second day of the program featured focused breakout sessions tailored to the specific needs of academic, administrative, and technical staff. These targeted discussions provided a platform for each group to engage deeply with issues relevant to their roles, share experiences, and explore practical strategies for professional growth and improved service delivery within the University.
Administrative-focused sessions included:
• Promotion Criteria and Career Advancement by Alheri Precious Sarki, Deputy Registrar, College of Medicine;
• Digital Tools for Academic and Administrative Efficiency by Engr. Martins Sambo, Director of ICT;
• Time Management and Productivity by Mrs. Amina Audu Abutu, Deputy Registrar and Academic Secretary;
Academic-focused sessions included:
• Assessment and Quality Assurance by Prof. A.K. Babajo, Provost of the College of Humanities, Education, and Law;
• Teaching Ethics, examination invigilation and Bloom’s Taxonomy by Prof. Auwal Farouk Abdussalam;
• High-Impact Research: Driving Innovation and Societal Progress by Prof. Bashiru Kayode Sodipo;
• Innovative Teaching Methods: Leveraging KASU E-Learning Platforms by Dr. Usman Yahaya;
• Networking and Academic Collaboration by Dr. B.R. Gandi;
• Academic Research and Publishing by Dr. Muhammad Aminu Ahmad.
Laboratory Technologist -focused sessions included:
• The Role of Technologists in Innovation and Research by Prof. Timothy Bulus;
• Best Practices in Laboratory and Technical Support Services in Academia by Dr. Solomon Bitrus;
• Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Standards in University Laboratories by Comrade Aliyu Garba.
The Chairpersons of SSANU, Hajiya Saadiyya Mustapha, NAAT, Comrade Aliyu Garba and NASU, Comrade Nina Ochigbo were also in attendance and expressed appreciation for the management’s efforts in organizing the impactful sessions. Abubakar Abdullahi, Chairman of the ASUU-KASU Branch, commended the depth and relevance of the discussions. Dr. Bashariya Mustapha Baba, Director of the Centre for Mentorship and Career Development, acknowledged the commitment of both facilitators and participants and delivered the vote of thanks for all the sessions.
The programme ended with a group photograph, symbolizing unity and a renewed commitment among staff to uphold KASU’s mission, enhance productivity, and foster a collaborative work environment.
Signed
Adamu Nuhu Bargo
Public Relations Officer,
Kaduna State University.