Interview
By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar
In this special interview with KatsinaTimes, the Vice-Chancellor of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina, Professor Shehu Salihu Muhammad, speaks extensively on his academic journey, the establishment and transformation of the university, the role of successive Katsina State governors, staff welfare, community relations, and his vision for positioning the institution among Nigeria’s leading universities.
KatsinaTimes: Professor, kindly tell us about your background and academic journey.
Prof. Shehu Salihu Muhammad:
My name is Professor Shehu Salihu Muhammad. I was born on February 13, 1961, in Mahuta, Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State. I had my primary education in Mahuta and attended Government Secondary School, Kafanchan, from 1974 to 1979.
In 1979, I gained admission into Bayero University, Kano, where I later obtained my first degree in History and Political Science (Combined Honours). By the grace of Allah, I graduated as one of the best students in my set. I proceeded to earn my second degree at the same university in 1985 and later obtained my PhD from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
I completed my National Youth Service in Benue State, where I taught History and Government. I later worked briefly as an Administrative Officer at the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in Lagos before joining Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, as a Graduate Assistant. I rose through the ranks to become a Professor.
Over the course of my career, I have attended conferences and academic engagements in over 18 countries and served as an expert in strategic management at the African Training and Research Centre in Administration for Development (CAFRAD), an international organization headquartered in Tangier, Morocco, representing 37 African countries.
Eventually, after serving in several capacities, including as a Seconded Academic Staff in Abuja, I was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University after a competitive selection process in which 25 candidates applied and nine were interviewed.
KatsinaTimes: When was Umaru Musa Yar’adua University established, and what are its major achievements so far?
Prof. Muhammad:
The university was established in 2006 by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, who was then Governor of Katsina State. May Allah have mercy on him. The vision was very clear: to build a university that would compete favorably with any institution within and outside Nigeria, while expanding access to higher education for the people of Katsina State and beyond.
The university began with three faculties and a modest number of students. Today, almost 20 years later, we have over 20,000 students enrolled in more than 117 academic programmes, spread across nine faculties. These achievements reflect consistent growth and deliberate planning.
KatsinaTimes: Can you assess the contributions of successive Katsina State governors to the development of the university?
Prof. Muhammad:
The foundation was firmly laid by late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua. The location, master plan, road networks and initial infrastructure were well thought out. When he became President, Governor Ibrahim Shema continued the work, adding critical structures and consolidating early gains.
Subsequent administrations, including that of Governor Aminu Bello Masari and the current governor, have sustained and expanded these achievements. The result is a relatively young university that is thriving academically and physically.
Today, our road networks, classrooms, laboratories, offices and equipment compare favorably with those of much older universities in Nigeria. External examiners, accreditation teams and visiting scholars often commend what they see on ground.
KatsinaTimes: How has staff welfare been handled under your administration?
Prof. Muhammad:
Staff welfare is a priority. Salaries are paid promptly and consistently, even if the due date falls on a weekend. One of the most commendable interventions by the state government is the integration of earned academic allowances into monthly salaries, ensuring financial stability for staff.
Promotion is handled transparently and regularly. In October 2025 alone, 19 staff members were promoted to the rank of Professor, about 20 to Reader, and over 113 staff advanced across various academic levels. Many staff members are also supported through staff development funds to pursue Master’s and PhD programmes, not only through TETFund but also through internally generated investments.
The university also enjoys strong government support in areas such as electricity, with over 18 hours of daily power supply, solar street lighting across campus, and well-maintained facilities.
KatsinaTimes: What is the relationship between the university and its host communities?
Prof. Muhammad:
Our relationship with the surrounding communities is cordial and mutually beneficial. The university engages members of the host communities through employment, skills acquisition and support for the less privileged, particularly during Ramadan.
Community members also have access to our health facilities, farmlands, and other social services. In return, individuals and groups from Katsina and beyond have supported the university by building hostels, providing solar power, sponsoring indigent students and donating facilities.
This strong town-and-gown relationship has also contributed significantly to campus security, as community members willingly share information and support security agencies. As a result, the university enjoys relative peace and stability.
KatsinaTimes: Finally, how do you express your appreciation for the support from the state government and stakeholders?
Prof. Muhammad:
My greatest expression of appreciation is commitment to service. I dedicate myself fully to upholding the laws of the university, ensuring the integrity of its resources, promoting staff and student welfare, strengthening academic standards, and maintaining peace and harmony on campus.
With the continued support of the Katsina State Government, our host communities, staff and students, my goal is to ensure that Umaru Musa Yar’adua University is counted among the leading universities in Nigeria and beyond.
Interview conducted by KatsinaTimes.
