……..Vows Zero Tolerance for Indiscipline
Is a new dawn for the Federal University of Education, Zaria (FUEZ), as Prof. Yahaya Isa Bunkure, Makaman Rano, assumed duty this Wednesday as the institution’s first substantive Vice Chancellor following his appointment by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on 3rd September, 2025.
The atmosphere on campus was electric as jubilant students and union leaders holding colorful banners with welcome slogans at the University’s main gate broke into chants as they welcomed Prof. Bunkure’s convoy, and their joy soon turned into a procession as they escorted him to the Senate Building, where University management and principal officers, led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr. Suleiman Balarabe, formally received him.
From the Senate, the Vice Chancellor, accompanied by family, friends, well wishers and colleagues from Kano and other places, proceeded to the Dr. M. I. Maccido Hall, where he addressed members of staff, students and all present, in his first official interaction with the University community.
Prof. Bunkure, who previously served as Provost of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kano, and later as pioneer Vice Chancellor after its upgrade, said that while the terrain might be new, the responsibility was familiar.
“The position of the Vice Chancellor is not new to me, only the environment is new. I am confident that my tenure will bring meaningful development to this University,” he assured.
He set a firm tone for his administration, declaring: “My tenure will not tolerate indiscipline. I belong to every one of you. Let no one think that Prof. Bunkure has come here to work for him. No! I am here for all of you.”
In his message, he stressed accountability and fairness: “No matter how close you are, if you cannot deliver results, you will have to step aside. If you come with peace, we treat you with peace; if otherwise, you will face the consequences.”
Addressing the students, he encouraged them to balance union activities with academic pursuits, admonishing them to be respectful, modest, and remain committed to their studies and reemphasized his stance on indiscipline to them.
“I have come with zero tolerance for any form of indiscipline. Those who do right will be rewarded, and those who go astray will be punished accordingly,” he said.
Prof. Bunkure also recognized the efforts of his predecessor, where he commended the former Acting Vice Chancellor, now Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr. Suleiman Balarabe, and his team, acknowledging they have laid a strong foundation for the University, while promising to build on those achievements, “the DVC and his team have done a lot for the University, we will collaborate and continue to build it,” he said.
“Our goal is to make FUE Zaria a model institution and shining example for other institutions, especially in teacher education,” he added.
He also called on the unions in the University to join hands with him in building the University towards success, noting that this can only be achieved when there is peace, tolerance and collaborative efforts between them and the Management of the University.
Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr. Balarabe congratulated the new Vice Chancellor, describing the occasion as a joyful milestone for the University. He assured him of the full cooperation of management, staff, and students, while praying for a peaceful and successful tenure.
The interactive session closed with Prof. Bunkure extending gratitude to all who came to celebrate with him, while wishing everyone safe travels back to their destinations.
