Prof. Baba El-Yakub Appointed Director of ABU Rural Finance and Entrepreneurship Centre
The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, has approved the appointment of Prof. Baba El-Yakub as the new Director of the International Centre of Excellence in Rural Finance and Entrepreneurship (ICERFE).
In a statement issued by the Public Affairs Directorate, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria., says Prof. El-Yakub succeeds Prof. Idris Bashir Bugaje, whose tenure as Director recently came to an end.
A former occupant of the ABU-PTDF Professorial Chair in Chemical Engineering, Prof. El-Yakub is a lecturer in the university’s Department of Chemical Engineering. His appointment, according to the university, is in recognition of his distinguished academic credentials, professional experience and commitment to the institution’s growth.
As Director, Prof. El-Yakub will provide strategic leadership for the centre in line with its approved mandate. He is expected to spearhead reforms aimed at repositioning ICERFE into a more student-centred institution that aligns with ABU’s vision of producing innovative, entrepreneurial and globally competitive graduates.
The centre will also continue to advance its core responsibilities in rural finance, entrepreneurship, capacity development, research, community outreach and stakeholder engagement.
Expressing confidence in the appointment, the Vice-Chancellor said ICERFE would become a more vibrant and impactful centre under Prof. El-Yakub’s leadership.
The appointment takes immediate effect and is for an initial two-year tenure, renewable for another two years subject to satisfactory performance and the needs of the university.
In a related development, Dr. Kabiru Tsoho of the Department of Marketing has been appointed Deputy Director of ICERFE. He will assist the Director and oversee the day-to-day operations of the centre.
