1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY: HOW FAITH BROUGHT FEAT IN ADSU
By Fidelis Jockthan
The popular adage, “It is not how long, but how well,” finds a powerful testament in the first year of Professor Augustine Clement’s tenure as Vice Chancellor of Adamawa State University (ADSU), Mubi.
Professor Augustine Clement, VC Adamawa State University
Since assuming office as one of the youngest Vice Chancellors in Nigeria’s history, Professor Clement has embarked on an aggressive and multi-faceted transformation agenda, rapidly addressing infrastructural deficits, forging strategic partnerships, and boosting staff morale.
In just 12 months, his administration has moved beyond rhetoric to deliver tangible results across the university’s campuses.
A key early priority was addressing the basic but critical necessity of water.
The university successfully rehabilitated its internal water reticulation system, ensuring a consistent and reliable water supply for students and staff—a fundamental improvement to campus life.
Simultaneously, the physical landscape of the university is being modernized. The Vice Chancellor reactivated the electrification project at the Abubakar Barde Campus, bringing stable power to the area. Major construction and security upgrades are also underway, with contractors having been mobilized and handed over sites to begin the perimeter fencing of the main campus.
Infrastructure development continues with the ongoing construction of a modern Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre at the Abubakar Barde Campus and the completion of the ADSUCONS Annex.
Recognizing that a world-class university cannot operate in isolation, Professor Clement has aggressively pursued local and international collaborations.
Rt Hon.Dr.Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri CON. Executive Governor, Adamawa state
In a bid to expand the university’s academic scope, a committee tasked with establishing a Faculty of Medical Sciences paid a crucial visit to a key stakeholder, Alhaji Dr. Aliyu Danburam, the Ptill Madagali and former Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre Yola signaling progress toward this long-awaited project.
Several landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed, including partnerships with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for academic and research cooperation, and with the (PAWECA) for entrepreneurship development.
The university has also partnered with the Environmental Care Foundation and is exploring collaboration opportunities with Golden Finger Farm to boost its Agribusiness programme.
In a significant move for institutional development, the VC engaged industrial giants BUA Group to explore strategic partnerships. Furthermore, a high-level visit from the President of the American University of Nigeria (AUN) was received, paving the way for potential inter-university collaboration.
The university’s academic standing has been reinforced with the successful hosting of an accreditation team for its programmes in 2025. Staff welfare and motivation have also been central to the VC’s strategy.
In a major morale booster, Professor Clement oversaw the promotion of several senior academic staff to the prestigious Professorial Cadre. Most notably, his administration signed and commenced the implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage and earned allowances for all eligible staff, a move that has been widely praised by the university community.
The tenure has also been marked by a series of landmark events.
In a rare feat, the university successfully held its 15th, 16th, and 17th convocation ceremonies all within this one-year period, clearing a backlog of graduating students. Student life has seen direct improvements with the renovation of a students’ hostel.
The university’s commitment to alternative energy was demonstrated with the commissioning of new solar projects across the campus.
Beyond the immediate university community, Professor Clement has extended the institution’s impact.
In a gesture of community relations, he donated computers to the Mubi-North Divisional Police Headquarters to aid their digital operations.
Professor Clement’s inclusive leadership style has been a hallmark of his first year.
He has consistently carried everyone along—from the Senate and university management to the staff and the broader student body.
Security remains a paramount concern, with the administration ensuring that safety is continuously prioritized across all ADSU campuses.
This groundswell of support from key stakeholders is evident. Mbege Ka Michika, the Paramount Traditional Ruler and Academic visited the Vice Chancellor to reaffirm his unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the university.
As Professor Augustine Clement marks his first year in office, the evidence suggests a university not just in transition, but in full-scale renaissance.
With ongoing projects like the construction of an MPH programme facility and a clear vision for the future, the youngest Vice Chancellor is proving that transformative leadership is not about time served, but about the impact made.
Fidelis Jockthan,a Yola based Journalist can be reached at; baitulhikima1@gmail.com.
