Governor Dr. Dauda Lawal Dare of Zamfara State has pledged his full support for the growth and development of the newly established Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe.
Speaking during the official inauguration of the pioneer Vice Chancellor in Abuja, the governor described the institution as a life-changing project that will open new frontiers in human capital development and healthcare delivery for the people of Tsafe and beyond.
Represented by the Head of Service, Yakubu Sani Haidara, Lawal explained that the establishment of the university would not only expand access to advanced medical training but also position Zamfara as a strategic hub for healthcare innovation.
He commended the tireless efforts of Senator Ikira Aliyu Bilbis, representing Zamfara Central, for championing the cause that led to the establishment of the university.
The historic event, held on Wednesday, May 11, 2025, at the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja, also witnessed the official presentation of the appointment letter to Professor Ibrahim Adamu Yakasai, mni, who was appointed as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the university.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, congratulated Professor Yakasai and described the development as the dawn of a new era for Tsafe.
The minister noted that the university would serve as a centre of excellence, driving education, healthcare, and innovation while boosting regional growth.
Dr. Alausa also lauded Senator Bilbis for his relentless advocacy, which ensured the project became a reality.
Echoing this, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, emphasised that the creation of the Federal Universities of Health Sciences and Technology was a deliberate strategy to strengthen President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, balance the spread of higher institutions, and fast-track regional transformation.
She congratulated Professor Yakasai, stressing that the legacy he leaves as the pioneer Vice Chancellor would shape the university’s reputation for generations.
In his acceptance speech, Professor Yakasai pledged to lay a strong foundation for the university, assuring that his priority would be to create a safe and conducive environment for learning at Tsafe.
He called on stakeholders and the host community to rally behind the vision, promising to steer the institution towards global standards in medical education and technological innovation.
The Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe, is the first of its kind in Northern Nigeria, uniquely integrating medicine and technology to drive innovation in healthcare.
Also inaugurated alongside Professor Yakasai were the pioneer management team, which included Hamisu Yusuf Yalwa as Registrar, Sanusi Usman Naktsalle as Bursar, and Dr. Aminu Shehu Liman as Librarian.
Professor Yakasai, a distinguished Professor of Gynaecology and current President of the West African College of Surgeons, brings decades of academic and professional experience to his new role.
His leadership is expected to position the institution as a model of excellence in advancing medical education, research, and healthcare solutions.
