How i resisted threats from Boko Haram- Ex UniMaid VC
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Secretary to Gombe State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, has revealed how he managed to complete his tenure as Vice Chancellor despite Boko Haram activities in the North East.
Njodi prior to his appointment as SSG, was Vice Chancellor of University of Maiduguri (UniMaid), noting that he chose to ensure that the citadel was in operation without fear of threats from the terrorist group.
According to him, he had a choice to either shut down the University of Maiduguri or to leave it in operation.
The former University don who was appointed Vice Chancellor in the hit of the insurgency in June 3, 2014, made this disclosure during his acceptance speech on the title of Mayegun (Ambassador of Peace), conferred on him by Oodua Youth Parliament.
Njodi said, “I stood my grounds and looked at Boko Haram to the face and said we will not close the University of Maiduguri, Do your worst.
“We got recognized by the Federal Government, where I was awarded National Productivity honours because of this. Things may be looking different but stand your ground.
“This one that some crazy people are trying to put us in they are akin to be Boko Haram. It tells me clearly that some of these things happening may have been the cause of the Boko Haram.
“Now that Boko Haram has failed to divide the country, they brought in another word to say Fulani herdsmen after that we now have unknown Gunmen. Surely, they will be known if we stand our ground.”
While lauding the efforts of Nigerian Youths in promoting peace and unity in the country, the SSG said elders have been the ones exhibiting bitterness and hatred.
“While the elders are showing bitterness you (Nigerian youths) have brought water to douse the tension. I’m happy, If I should die today, I will die with a smile on my face because the youth, you are doing what is needed. After 51 years of fighting a worthless, needless war, we should have forgotten, buried that hatchet. Sadly, some people want to bring back bad memory.
“I dedicate this award to the good people of Gombe state,the Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya,” Njodi said.
Also, Speaker, Oodua Youth Parliament Abdulmajeed Oyeniyi, hinted that the youth group singled out the SSG, due to his leadership whilst on campus and at the moment as chief scribe.
He said, “We believe in the unity of Nigeria, the SSG has been a father, mentor to youths in the country. In has a track record right from his years as vice chancellor in University of Maiduguri. There were alot of landmark achievement we saw, so the need to honour him as an Ambassador of peace of the entire youth.”
Indeed Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi is equal to the task he deserved that we can bear witness indeed he is the Architecture of UNIMAID
Keep the good work profesor and may God Almighty continue to guide you and protect you always.
May God Almighty continue to guide you sir, protect you always. Keep the good works