By Khalid Kumo
Dr Babawuro Mahmood Ali, has achieved outstanding leadership as the Provost of the Federal College of Horticulture Dadin Kowa in Gombe State, during his three-year tenure. His exemplary leadership has had a significant impact on various aspects of the institution, including infrastructural development, staff welfare, conducive learning environments, and increased accredited courses for students.
His humility, kindness, and commitment to community development demonstrate his exceptional leadership qualities. Dr Babawuro’s efforts have transformed the Federal College of Horticulture Dadin Kowa into a centre of excellence in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
His impactful projects include the construction of the African Centre for Horticultural Garden, aimed at addressing environmental concerns such as degradation, pollution, and depletion of natural resources. Additionally, he has overseen the construction of 5km of roads, the installation of solar street lighting, waste management systems, and modern water storage facilities at the college.
Furthermore, Dr Babawuro has established a state-of-the-art clinic to provide quality healthcare services to staff and students, along with a modern guest house to accommodate visitors. The construction of an ultra-modern Administrative Block, which includes the provost’s office, council chamber, and conference room, has also been completed under his leadership.
In the academic realm, the college achieved full accreditation for seven academic programs at both the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels. These programs include HND Agribusiness Management, HND Cooperative Economics and Management, HND Fishery Technology, ND Library and Information Science, ND Computer Science, and ND Social Development, accredited by the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN).
In efforts to alleviate student congestion and enhance teaching and learning conditions, Dr Babawuro has constructed and fully furnished new lecture theatres, classrooms, halls, students’ hostels, perimeter fencing, and an entrepreneurial centre.
During his visit to the college earlier this year, the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Professor Garba Hamidu Sharubutu, praised the provost for the excellent idea behind the project, calling it an “incredible edifice.”
Kumo writes from Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.
