The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners has extended heartfelt congratulations to Professor Adamu Ahmed on his appointment as the new Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
His appointment has been widely praised by professionals in urban planning, academia, and key stakeholders who believe his leadership will bring transformative progress to the institution.
The National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Tpl. Chime Ogbonna, described the appointment as well deserved, highlighting Prof. Ahmed’s extensive experience in Urban and Regional Planning.
“Prof. Ahmed, as a teacher and scholar in urban and regional planning, brings a wealth of knowledge that will not only transform ABU Zaria but also deepen its global recognition,” Ogbonna stated.
Tpl. Nathaniel Atebije, the immediate past National President of the Institute, also lauded the appointment, emphasizing Prof. Ahmed’s dedication and impact in the field of urban planning.
“Professor Ahmed is someone I met immediately after his first degree, and I have known him as a friend, a colleague, and a town planner. He is an exceptionally knowledgeable, diligent, and cerebral man. In the northern region, whenever we need someone to speak on topical and contemporary urban planning issues, he is always the first choice. He has contributed immensely to both the profession and academia, and his appointment as Vice-Chancellor is no surprise. We have always believed in his capabilities. ABU has always been an excellent institution, but with his leadership, it will reach even greater heights,” Atebije remarked.
Town Planner Barnabas Atiyaye, the Chairman of the Northern Planners Forum, on his part expressed his confidence in Prof. Ahmed’s leadership.
“His appointment came as a pleasant surprise, but one that is truly deserving. Professor Ahmed is articulate, intelligent, and highly pragmatic. Whatever he commits to whether in administration or academics, he excels beyond expectations. The spirit of excellence is deeply embedded in him, and we are immensely proud that a town planner has risen to this level of university administration. His international connections and exposure will further elevate ABU Zaria, and I am confident that his tenure will leave a lasting impact. I wish him good health and a strong team to help him achieve even greater success,” Atiyaye said.
The convener of the Africa International Housing Show, Festus Adebayo, also congratulated Prof. Ahmed, emphasizing the long-standing association of the immediate past VC with AIHS while anticipating the same relationship from the newly appointed VC who he said is also a friend of AIHS, the largest housing and construction event in Africa.
“The previous Vice-Chancellor was part of us and did exceedingly well, and now, the new one is also part of us. We are delighted that he will be one of our VIP guest speakers during AIHS 2025. His expertise and insights will be invaluable to the discourse on housing and urban development,” Adebayo noted.
Prof. Adamu Ahmed’s appointment was officially announced by ABU Zaria’s Governing Council during its 209th special council meeting, presided over by Chairman Mahmud Yayale Ahmed. His selection followed a rigorous process, with the institution’s leadership recognizing his track record in academia and urban development.
A professor at the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Prof. Ahmed has also served as the Director of the Directorate of University Advancement and is currently the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Education, Kano. His leadership experience and expertise in urban planning position him as a transformative figure for ABU Zaria.
He takes over from Prof. Kabiru Bala and he is expected to lead the institution into a new era of academic excellence, research advancement, and infrastructural development.
His colleagues and well-wishers remain optimistic that his tenure will bring unprecedented growth to the university and beyond.
