The Governing Council of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) has approved the appointment of Prof. Muhammad Khalid Othman as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution.
The announcement was made by Ali Abubakar Jatau, pro-chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council, shortly after the Council’s 36th Special Meeting held in Dutse, Jigawa State.
According to the chairman, the appointment followed a rigorous and transparent selection process based on the report of the Joint Council/Senate Selection Board on the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor.
He revealed that out of 28 applications received for the position, the Search Team identified three additional candidates, bringing the total to 31 applicants. After screening, 17 candidates were shortlisted and invited for the interview process.
“The emergence of Othman followed a rigorous selection process involving 17 shortlisted applicants for the position,” Jatau said, adding that the Council considered the top three performing candidates before approving the appointment.
Born on July 22, 1962, in Bindawa Local Government Area of Katsina State, Othman is an accomplished Agricultural Engineer and scholar from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he obtained his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees between 1984 and 2007.
He began his academic career as an Assistant Lecturer and rose through the ranks to become a Professor. Over the years, he has served as a teacher, researcher, and administrator.
Notably, he was the executive director of the National Agricultural Extension Research and Liaison Services (NAERLS), ABU Zaria, and is currently a member of the FUDMA Governing Council representing the Senate.
Prof. Othman is married with nine children according to Nasiru M. Abdul, director of Information and Protocol, FUDMA
Meanwhile The Governor of Katsina state, Dikko Umaru Radda, has congratulated Professor Muhammad Khalid Othman, on his appointment as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA).
Othman’s appointment was announced by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Ali Abubakar Jatau, following the 36th Special Meeting of the Council held at the Grand Amber Hotel and Suites, Dutse, Jigawa State.
Governor Radda described the appointment as a well-deserved recognition of Professor Othman’s distinguished academic career and leadership record, noting that his vast experience as a scholar, researcher, and administrator will greatly benefit both the University and the wider education sector. He commended the Governing Council for conducting a rigorous and transparent selection process, which saw Pro. Othman emerge from a pool of highly qualified candidates through merit and competence.
“Prof Othman is a respected academic and an outstanding son of Katsina State whose contributions to agricultural research and higher education are widely acknowledged. His emergence as Vice Chancellor reflects excellence, integrity, and years of dedicated service,” the Governor said. Radda expressed confidence that under Mr Othman’s leadership, FUDMA will witness stronger academic performance, improved research capacity, and deeper community engagement, in line with the University’s founding vision.
Prof. Othman, a proud son of Katsina State from Bindawa Local Government Area, is a renowned Agricultural Engineer and an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained his first, second, and third degrees.
He has served in various capacities, including as Executive Director of the National Agricultural Extension Research and Liaison Services (NAERLS), ABU Zaria, and is currently a member of the FUDMA Governing Council representing the Senate.
Governor Radda assured the new Vice Chancellor of his administration’s continued support and collaboration with the University toward strengthening education, research, and innovation in the state. “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Katsina State, I congratulate Prof. Muhammad Khalid Othman on his appointment as the new Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma. We pray for Allah’s guidance and wisdom as he leads the institution to greater excellence,” Governor Radda added. End
