The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially appointed Professor Farouk Haruna as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Kontagora (FUEK) in Niger State. The announcement, made during the university’s Governing Council meeting held on October 24, 2025, marks a major milestone for the institution and the country’s teacher education landscape.
The decision, according to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Professor Francis Adedayo Faduyile, followed a transparent and competitive selection process conducted in line with the Federal Government’s regulations on appointments into public tertiary institutions.
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A Transparent and Merit-Based Process
Professor Faduyile explained that six highly qualified candidates applied for the position of Vice-Chancellor. After rigorous screening and interviews by the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board, Professor Haruna emerged as the top candidate. The process, he added, included observers from the Federal Character Commission to ensure fairness, credibility, and inclusivity.
He described the appointment as the beginning of a new era for the young university, urging staff, students, and the host community to support the new Vice-Chancellor in building a world-class institution dedicated to producing skilled and innovative educators.
Haruna, whose appointment takes effect from November 4, 2025, will serve as the university’s first substantive Vice-Chancellor since its establishment. The Pro-Chancellor commended the Federal Ministry of Education and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for giving the new university a solid foundation to thrive under competent leadership.
From College Provost to University Pioneer
Before his new appointment, Professor Farouk Haruna served as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of FUEK and previously as Provost of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Kontagora, from which the university was upgraded. Over the years, Haruna has built a reputation for excellence in administration, academic leadership, and community engagement.
During his tenure as provost, he spearheaded several infrastructural and academic development projects that transformed the former College of Education. These included new lecture theatres, ICT centres, research facilities, and improved staff welfare programmes. He also oversaw partnerships with educational agencies and donor organisations aimed at improving teacher training and curriculum innovation.
Colleagues describe him as a visionary leader whose calm yet firm approach has consistently delivered progress. A non-governmental organisation, Intellectuals Without Borders, hailed his appointment as “a well-deserved recognition of academic excellence and leadership maturity,” noting that his “deep understanding of the education sector will be invaluable in laying the foundation for a globally competitive university of education.”
Local and National Support
Reactions to the appointment have been overwhelmingly positive. The Governor of Niger State, Umaru Bago, congratulated Professor Haruna, calling his elevation “a victory for merit and service.” In a statement issued through his media aide, the governor described the new VC as “a man of intellect and integrity who has proven his commitment to education and human development over the years.”
Community leaders in Kontagora also expressed optimism, describing the appointment as a blessing for the region. They noted that Haruna’s track record as Provost had already improved the town’s educational profile and that his new role would further attract development, jobs, and academic opportunities to the area.
Stakeholders across Nigeria’s education sector agree that FUEK’s establishment—and Haruna’s leadership—will help strengthen teacher training in the country, particularly at a time when Nigeria faces a shortage of qualified educators at both primary and secondary school levels.
A Vision for Transformative Teacher Education
As the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Professor Haruna faces the challenge of turning a newly upgraded university into a model of academic excellence. His priorities are expected to focus on curriculum development, research funding, staff recruitment, and building strong partnerships with local and international educational institutions.
FUEK, established in 2021 and operational since 2025, was created to advance teacher education and research. Its vision is to produce educators equipped with both traditional and modern teaching skills, capable of driving innovation in classrooms and communities.
In an earlier public statement, Haruna had expressed his commitment to building a university that “redefines teacher education by integrating technology, research, and community service.” He emphasised that education should not only be about transferring knowledge but also about shaping responsible citizens who contribute meaningfully to national development.
Security and infrastructure development will also form part of his immediate priorities. With the institution still expanding its facilities, Haruna is expected to push for more funding and collaborations with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to strengthen the university’s foundation.
A Defining Moment for FUEK and Nigeria
The appointment of Professor Farouk Haruna is more than just a personnel change; it symbolises Nigeria’s renewed commitment to rebuilding its teacher education system. Experts say that empowering institutions like FUEK will have ripple effects on the quality of learning across the country.
For Kontagora, the development represents a source of pride. The community now hosts one of Nigeria’s emerging higher institutions focused entirely on educational innovation. For Niger State, it signals renewed federal attention and investment in human capital development.
As Haruna takes over the mantle of leadership, expectations are high. But with his record of excellence and the confidence of both the government and the people, FUEK appears set on a promising path. The journey to transform Nigeria’s education sector may be long, but under the guidance of its new Vice-Chancellor, the Federal University of Education, Kontagora, is already taking its first confident steps toward that goal.
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