Jubilation as Wukari Indigene Emerges Vice-Chancellor of FUW

There was widespread jubilation across Wukari town and its environs following the affirmation of the appointment of Prof. Benjamin Kefas as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Wukari (FUW) by the institution's Governing Council.

Residents, stakeholders, academics, youth groups and community leaders have described the appointment as historic and long overdue, noting that Prof. Kefas is an indigene of Wukari who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of education within the area and beyond. His emergence as the first indigenous Vice-Chancellor of the university has been greeted with excitement and pride, particularly among the people of Southern Taraba.

Prof. Kefas' appointment is seen by many as the reward for years of perseverance and dedication, having previously participated in several selection processes for the position. At different times, he was shortlisted and once emerged as second runner-up, but was not appointed until now, a journey many in the community describe as inspiring and symbolic of resilience.

An accomplished scholar, Prof. Benjamin Kefas attended Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), Wukari, and Government Secondary School, Donga. He is both a medical doctor and a pharmacist, a rare combination in academia, and has served as a visiting professor at the Federal University Wukari. He has held a PhD for over twenty years.

Prof. Kefas was educated at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium. An educator, writer, and research scientist currently based in Virginia, United States, he has published numerous peer-reviewed scientific papers and authored a book chapter. He previously served as a health columnist with Leadership Newspaper, Nigeria, and is actively involved in the drafting of customized educational curricula, academic programs, and project management initiatives.

Reacting to the development, Former Commissioner of Information and elder statesman, Danjuma Adamu, expressed the community's joy over the appointment of one of its sons as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Wukari. He noted that while Prof. Benjamin Kefas hails from Wukari, his qualifications and achievements made him truly deserving of the position.

 

"The University Council recognized his competence and found him worthy of the appointment. We are very proud and happy for him and for our community," Adamu added, highlighting the pride and excitement felt across Wukari.

 

Also, Wife of Taraba State governor, Mrs. Agyin Kefas, congratulated Prof. Kefas on his appointment, describing his emergence as historic and deeply inspiring to the people of Taraba State.

"Your emergence as the first indigenous Vice-Chancellor of this prestigious institution reflects your years of dedication to scholarship, leadership and service to education. I am confident that under your visionary leadership, the Federal University Wukari will continue to thrive, setting new standards in academic excellence, research and innovation," she said, while wishing him a successful and fulfilling tenure.

  Meanwhile, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Taraba State Branch, has also congratulated Pharm. (Prof.) Benjamin Kefas on his appointment, describing it as well-deserved and a source of pride to Taraba State and the nation.

In a statement signed by its State Chairman, Pharm. Nyajon Denis Ayetop, FPCPharm, the society praised Prof. Kefas as a distinguished academic and researcher whose global achievements have continued to bring honour to Nigeria.

The PSN highlighted his attainment of a Professorship at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA, as evidence of his scholarly excellence, leadership strength, and commitment to advancing research and knowledge.

According to the society, his appointment followed a rigorous screening process and established appointment protocols, further confirming his competence, integrity and suitability for the office.

The association described the development as a significant milestone for Southern Taraba and Wukari in particular, noting that it underscores the region's contribution of quality human capital to national and global academic development.

PSN Taraba expressed confidence that Prof. Kefas would provide visionary leadership, strengthen academic standards, promote research excellence and drive institutional growth at the Federal University Wukari, while commending the appointing authorities for prioritizing merit and academic distinction.

The society wished the new Vice-Chancellor a successful and impactful tenure as he leads the institution to greater heights.