ABU Sets Up Committees to Strengthen Distance Learning, Review Sports Policy

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has constituted two committees aimed at strengthening its Distance Learning Centre and reviewing the institution’s draft sports policy as part of broader efforts to align operations with its strategic objectives.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, approved the constitution of the committees in separate letters dated January 16, 2026. A former Director of the ABU Distance Learning Centre, Prof. Adamu Hassan Zoaka of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, was appointed to chair the seven-member committee tasked with strengthening the Centre.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the decision reflects the university’s strategic vision to expand access, improve quality, and enhance competitiveness in the face of emerging challenges and increasing competition within the distance and digital learning sector. He noted that the ABU Distance Learning Centre remains a national leader in online and open learning delivery in Nigeria.

Prof. Ahmed explained that since its establishment in 2013, the Centre has recorded cumulative enrolments approaching 40,000 learners, placing it at a critical stage where consolidation, innovation, and strategic repositioning are required to sustain growth and deepen national impact. He said the committee is expected to review the Centre’s operational, academic, technological, and governance frameworks, identify challenges and opportunities, and propose innovative strategies to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness. The committee has been given eight weeks from its inauguration to submit its report.

Members of the Distance Learning committee include Prof. Umar Usman Pateh of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Dr Aliyu Dalha Kankia of the Department of Political Science and International Studies; Engr Bashir Sani of the Iya Abubakar Institute of ICT; Prof. Ashiru Bello of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning; Malam Yahaya Hussain from the Bursary Department; and Dr Abdulkadir A. Baba of the Student Affairs Division, who will serve as secretary.

In a related development, the Vice-Chancellor also approved the constitution of a committee to review the university’s draft sports policy, with Prof. Julius A. Gwani of the Department of Human Kinetics appointed as Chairman. Prof. Ahmed said the review is aimed at ensuring alignment with global best practices and the university’s vision, stressing that a comprehensive and guided sports policy has become imperative given the strategic importance of sports to the development of well-rounded graduates, national development, and the sports economy.

Describing ABU as a foremost sports institution with a long-standing reputation for producing elite athletes, coaches, and sports administrators, the vice-chancellor said the revised policy is expected to integrate sports as a core component of academic culture, student development, staff welfare, recreation, and wellness. He expressed confidence that the committee would deliver a robust policy framework capable of repositioning sports as a core pillar of academic and student life in the university.

Members of the sports policy review committee include Prof Ismaila Ilu of NAERLS; Prof Ibrahim Musa Jaro of the Department of Geography; Prof Dzikwi Adel Garkida of the Department of Glass and Silicate Technology; Prof Mohammed Iliyas of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Malam Saidu Mohammed Minin of the Department of Quantity Surveying; Prof Umar Musa and Prof Adefunke Mariam Suleiman of the Department of Human Kinetics; George Atsuwe of PPMS; Prof Mohammed Ishaq of the Faculty of Law; and Dr Abdullahi Babagana of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning. Malam Magaji Dalhatu of the Registry will serve as Secretary. The committee is also expected to submit its report within eight weeks of inauguration.