A statement signed by Mallam Jibrin Ndace, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor in Minna, said the appointment was the outcome of many years of hard work, commitment and selfless service to humanity by the new vice chancellor.

Bello urged the don to be steadfast in decision making, imbibe the spirit of continuity and be innovative in line with global best practices.

He said that the institution had been rated among the best in Africa, hence there was the need to sustain and improve on the standard.

“You must contribute your quota in restoring the dignity of the nation’s educational system by ensuring that the university achieves academic excellence and infrastructure development; to improve on its rating nationally and internationally,” he said.

The governor lauded the university’s governing council on the appointment and enjoined the new vice chancellor to ensure the sustenance of relative peace being enjoyed by the institution and its host community.

He called on the new vice chancellor to ensure that the indigenes of the state get admission into the university and consider them for employment.

Bello advised him to be a worthy ambassador of the state, adding that the State Government would continue to partner with the institution to enhance qualitative education.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the appointment of Bala was approved by the governing council of the university at its 125th special council meeting on Sept. 12.

Bala, who hails from Suleja in Niger, was born on March 27, 1967; he holds a master’s degree in Soil Chemistry and PhD in Soil Microbiology, University of London.

He was first appointed as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, on Feb. 24, 2012 and was redeployed as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics on Feb. 4, 2013.

Bala was also re-appointed as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics for a final term of two years on March 7, 2014.

He is a member of many professional bodies within and outside the country; such as the International Union of Soil Science (IUSS), the Soil Science Society of Nigeria (SSSN) and the American Society for Agronomy (ASA).

The appointment is for a single term of five years with effect from Dec. 3, 2017.