By Ahmed Liman Kingimi, Maiduguri
ICTV24 News has honored Professor Babagana Gutti, Vice-Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University, for the institution’s contributions to peacebuilding, countering violent extremism, and driving major reforms in academics and infrastructure in Northeast Nigeria.
Presenting the award, Babagana Bukar Wakil Ngala, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ICTV24, said the recognition aligns with the organization’s mandate to promote peace and counter extremist narratives across the Lake Chad and Sahel regions.
“ICTV24 was established to counter the narrative of Boko Haram insurgents. Our mandate is peacebuilding and conflict resolution, not only in Northeast Nigeria but across the Lake Chad and Sahel region,” Ngala said. “We are identifying institutions and individuals whose work aligns with our vision.”
He credited the university under Professor Gutti’s leadership with expanding access to higher education, raising student admissions from 1,000 to 4,000 within a short period.
“This expansion has helped dry up recruitment sources for terrorists by creating opportunities for young people,” Ngala said. “The university is now producing graduates who are contributing productively within Nigeria and abroad. This is a major development for Borno State and for Nigeria.”
In his acceptance speech, Professor Gutti thanked ICTV24 and dedicated the award to the university’s management team.
“I initially declined because we are doing this work for humanity, not for reward. But my team persuaded me that this also acknowledges their efforts,” he said. “We remain committed to openness, research, and community partnership.”
The VC said visible transformation is underway across the university, pointing to investments in health, digital systems, power, and staffing.
The College of Medicine has been provided with office space and full equipment for programs including NBDS. Following advisory visits, officials of NBDS and NBCN commended the facilities and advised the university to proceed with accreditation.
The university is establishing a Faculty of Computing to deliver programs and certifications that will enable graduates to access remote jobs in Canada, the US and other markets from Maiduguri.
“Our children can work in America right here in Maiduguri,” Gutti said.
Digital Infrastructure: The university has replaced its outdated ICT system. Over 300 computers have been deployed in the Departments of Mathematics and Computer Science for computer-based examinations. Academic processes have been fully automated, allowing students to register courses and access results digitally.
The campus and hostels now operate on solar power. Solar-powered boreholes have been drilled to provide clean water, and campus-wide internet has been deployed.
More than 200 new lecturers have been employed to address staffing gaps. Books, journals and online resources have been procured for all departments, including the teaching hospital.
Professor Gutti also acknowledged the support of the Borno State Government under Governor Babagana Zulum for funding salaries, operations, and capital projects including the teaching hospital.
He called on partners and the media to visit the university and engage with its programs.
“We want to be recognized as a university that teaches with the best facilities, conducts research, and partners with the community,” he said.
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