The management of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, has appointed Professor Bashir Garba, the current Vice Chancellor of Sokoto State University, as the new Vice Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University. He succeeds Professor Lawal Bilbis, who recently retired from the position.

This announcement was made in a press statement signed by the Pro-Chancellor of the University, Professor Attahiru Muhammad Jega, and released to newsmen on Wednesday.

The statement reads: “The Governing Council, at its 168th Special Meeting held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, approved the appointment of Professor Bashir Garba as the new Vice Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

“The appointment is for a single term of five years and will take effect on September 1, 2024, when Professor Garba is expected to assume duty.”

Professor Bashir Garba, who was born in June 1966, was previously on leave of absence from Usmanu Danfodiyo University to serve as Vice Chancellor of Sokoto State University.

He attended Usmanu Danfodiyo University (formerly University of Sokoto) and the University of Jos, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Chemistry and a master’s degree in Applied Organic Chemistry in 1988 and 1994, respectively.

He later obtained his PhD in applied chemistry from Usmanu Danfodiyo University in 1998.

A native of Sokoto South Local Government Area, Professor Garba began his academic career as a graduate assistant at Usmanu Danfodiyo University in 1989 and rose to the rank of professor in 2002.

His administrative experience includes serving as Vice Chancellor of Sokoto State University from May 2022 to the present, Commissioner and member of the Sokoto State Executive Council from June 2019 to January 2022, Secretary to the Sokoto State Government from September 2015 to May 2019, Rector of the Polytechnic of Sokoto State from August 2012 to September 2015, Director at the Energy Commission of Nigeria from April 2006 to March 2010, and Director at the Sokoto Energy Research Centre (SERC) from August 1999 to 2005.