New FUWukari VC Promises Welfare Boost, Digital Transformation
Speaking shortly after the handover ceremony held in Abuja, Prof. Kefas assured the university community of his commitment to strengthening the institution's academic foundation, enhancing staff welfare and driving digital transformation across its operations.
"I am not new to the university. I have been teaching here for the past four years. My style is going to be student and staff-focused. I want to strengthen the foundation built by the first, second and third vice-chancellors so that the structures on top of it will not crumble," he said.
The new Vice-Chancellor promised improved management of teaching schedules and academic activities, stressing that laboratories, hostel facilities and learning environments would receive urgent attention.
"Our students must get what they need. Laboratories should be equipped. Hostel accommodation should also be improved. They should have freedom of learning, including continuous education for lecturers to bring new ideas into the university," he added.
Prof. Kefas also emphasised the importance of improved revenue generation, noting that adequate funding remains critical to the growth and sustainability of the institution. He pledged to operate an open-door policy to strengthen communication between management, staff and students.
"What it means is that staff and students can approach me. I will still create time to be in the classroom with students so I can understand their needs. Making visits to staff and faculties will allow me to hear from them directly so we can jointly address the university's challenges," he said.
On digital transformation, Kefas said the university would expand digital learning and administrative processes in line with global best practices. Responding to concerns about his reputation as a digital-driven administrator, he noted that efforts were underway to enhance Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills among staff and students.
"Yes, I am ICT savvy. My goal is to ensure continuous education for staff and students, especially in computer-based programmes. I will assess their skill levels and group them accordingly to improve their ICT knowledge," he stated.
He, however, acknowledged potential challenges such as power outages and system failures, assuring that manual alternatives would be deployed when necessary to prevent disruption of academic activities.
"There might be times when systems fail or power supply is interrupted. Paper-based methods will serve as backup during downtime so academic activities are not disrupted," he added.
Prof. Kefas also dismissed reports questioning his academic credentials, describing them as part of the scrutiny that accompanies leadership positions.
"Records are always available. Anyone in doubt can verify them. My research works, publications and academic engagements are accessible, some online. I am a professor at the Federal University Wukari and have been here for four years," he said.
Meanwhile, the university's Governing Council approved the appointment of Dr. Temboge Andrew as the new University Librarian. The Acting Director of Information and Protocol, Agya Ashu, disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday.
According to the statement, the appointments were ratified during an emergency meeting of the Governing Council held on February 9, 2026, at the Secretariat of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities in Abuja. The approvals followed the expiration of the five-year tenure of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jude Sammani Rabo, and the former University Librarian, Dr. Isa Sidi Attahir.
In his remarks, Prof. Rabo described his tenure as memorable, citing expansion in academic programmes, infrastructure development and land acquisition. He noted that the university grew from three faculties to 15 under his leadership.
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