Meet Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, the Visionary at the Helm of the National Universities Commission

Born in Fufore, Adamawa State on September 2nd, 1960, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, FCVSN embodies a lifelong dedication to education and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Now, as the newly appointed Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Ribadu brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the Nigerian academic landscape to steer its future.

Professor Ribadu’s formative years laid a solid foundation for his illustrious career. His primary education (1967-1973) paved the way for his admission to the esteemed Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Mubi, where he excelled, earning his West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1978. The young Ribadu spent a brief but impactful period at the School of Basic Studies at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria from 1978 to 1979. This programme gave him a strong foundation for his further studies in veterinary medicine. In October of 1979, Professor Ribadu began his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine programme at ABU Zaria, graduating in June 1984. He then fulfilled his mandatory National Youth Service year at the Lower Niger River Basin and Rural Development Authority in Ilorin, from 1984 to 1985.

Returning to his passion for academia, Professor Ribadu joined the University of Maiduguri in September 1985 as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Reproduction. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a Master of Science degree in Theriogenology at his alma mater, ABU Zaria (1986-1988). This pursuit was further fueled by a prestigious Commonwealth Scholarship in 1990, which took him to the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, for his PhD. His groundbreaking work on “ultrasonography and endocrinology of ovarian cysts in cattle” during this period has garnered significant international recognition and continues to be widely cited.

Professor Ribadu’s commitment to global academic engagement is further evidenced by a coveted 2-year Postdoctoral Fellowship awarded by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) in 1997. This fellowship saw him immersed in research at Rakuno Gakuen University in Hokkaido, Japan, broadening his horizons.

His ascent through the academic ranks at the University of Maiduguri was steady and impactful, culminating in his appointment as a Professor of Veterinary Reproduction in October 2002. Throughout his stint at the University, Professor Ribadu held numerous numerous academic and administrative roles, demonstrating his leadership capabilities and dedication to institutional growth. As a testament to his leadership acumen, in April 2004, the then President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed Professor Ribadu as the 5th Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Yola (FUTY), now Modibbo Adama University. His five-year tenure (2004-2009) as Vice-Chancellor was marked by transformative initiatives that left a lasting positive impact on the university.

Professor Ribadu’s expertise has been sought after by numerous institutions, serving as an external assessor and examiner for Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Ibadan, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. A resourceful and highly competent researcher, his extensive research outputs are reflected in numerous publications in peer-reviewed national and international journals and presentations at academic conferences.

In December 2013, Professor Ribadu assumed the role of pioneer Vice-Chancellor at the newly established Jigawa State University, Kafin Hausa (later renamed Sule Lamido University), skilfully leading the institution through its foundational years and setting it firmly on a path to success.

Professor Ribadu’s deep understanding of the NUC’s operations stems from his sabbatical (June 2009 – November 2011), during which he chaired the Commission’s Committee on Monitoring of Private Universities (COMPU). His contributions to higher education continued as a Professor at the University of Abuja in November 2013. More recently, his roles as a Visiting Professor at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University (GADVASU), India (2023), and at the NUC itself before becoming Executive Secretary, highlight his sustained engagement with the NUS. While at the NUC, he also deepened his expertise by chairing various ad-hoc committees focused on quality assurance, monitoring, and governance matters within universities.

A respected member of numerous national and international professional bodies, Professor Ribadu’s credentials include the Membership Diploma (MCVSN, 2003) and Fellowship (FCVSN, 2011) of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria. He is also a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (MNIM), an Honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (FNIAE), a Fellow of the Global e-policy and e-government institute (South Korea), and a Fellow of the Institute for Government Research and Leadership Technology (2014). His leadership extends to his role as the Honorary Secretary-General of the Association of West Africa Universities (AWAU) from 2016-2019. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was conferred with an Honorary Degree – Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) Honoris Causa by the Commonwealth University, London in 2017. His commitment to research is further demonstrated by his membership in TETFund’s National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRF) since 2021.

Professor Ribadu, a devoted family man and an avid traveller, enjoys unwinding by reading and a game of table tennis. He is also fluent in Fulfulde, Hausa, and English, and possesses a working knowledge of Japanese.

With his extensive experience, unwavering commitment to academic excellence, and proven leadership, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu steps into the role of Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission at a pivotal time. The Nigerian university system stands poised for further growth and innovation, and under his guidance, the NUC is set to chart a new course towards a brighter future for higher education in Nigeria.