The new Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, visited the new Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, on Thursday July 17, 2014. Njodi and his team were received at the Federal Ministry of Education by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. MacJohn Nwabiala, and the Director, Human Resources, Dr. M.B. Umar.

The Vice Chancellor's mission was to congratulate the Minister on his appointment which took place only a few days earlier. The academic delivered a congratulatory letter to the minister after the introductions had been done.

The Vice Chancellor's message read, in part: "Sir, as you are aware, the 'footprints on the sands of time are not made by sitting down. I am convinced that your ascension as Minister of Education, being a core educationist, would revolutionize the education sector in Nigeria. Please, count on us in your proposed giant strides to reposition the Nigerian education system. We wish you all the best in your new role. Please, accept the assurance of my highest and esteemed regards."

The Minister, MallamShekarau, responded by thanking Professor Njodi for visiting him. "I thank you for this brotherly and friendly visit. I am amazed and honoured that you travelled all the way from Maiduguri to Abuja just to felicitate with me".
The minister continued by acknowledging the fact that it would require much work to transform the country's education sector. To achieve the objective, the minister disclosed that "we need comfort and peace of mind, knowing that whatever happens in the ministry will definitely affect learning in the classroom".
He then promised to help the University of Maiduguri whenever he was asked to.

On Professor Njodi's team were Professor Peter Bzugu, Engr. Yahaya Habu and Dr. Adamu Dzivama.

SOURCE: MEDIA/PR Aide, OFFICE OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR

The irony is in the name. Get it?