Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja, has appointed Professor Yahuza Bello, former vice-chancellor of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), as its pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council.
The announcement was made during a joint meeting of the university’s board of trustees and governing council held recently in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Aisha Bala Mohammed, first lady of Bauchi State and chancellor of the university, said the appointment reflects the institution’s commitment to strong governance standards in line with best practices for private universities in Nigeria.
She noted that the meeting also reviewed the university’s progress since it commenced operations two years ago, commending the management for successfully running two uninterrupted academic sessions.
Bala Mohammed urged Nigerians to take advantage of the institution’s programmes to build skills and improve employability. She also called on the federal government to adopt policies that encourage greater private and community participation in education, particularly in supporting the girl child.
In his remarks, Bello thanked the university for the appointment and pledged to support the management in achieving its strategic goals.
He declared the commencement of the 2025/2026 admission process and assured prospective students of “quality, innovation, and integrity” in the university’s operations.
He further urged Nigerian youth and marginalised groups to embrace digital learning opportunities, while also calling on the federal government to pursue sincere dialogue in addressing the labour crises affecting the education sector.
Other council members at the meeting included Professor Garba Aliyu Babaji, Ibrahim Saidu Jahun, Professor Ibrahim Maqari, and Engineer Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed.