Federal University Dutse Names Professor Ahmed Muhammed Gumel as New Vice-Chancellor

Federal University Dutse Names Professor-Federal University Dutse has entered a new chapter in its leadership journey following the official confirmation of Professor Ahmed Muhammed Gumel as the institution’s fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor. The appointment was ratified by the university’s fourth Governing Council after a special meeting convened in mid-December 2025 to deliberate on the selection outcome.

According to the resolution reached at the meeting, Professor Gumel’s tenure is scheduled to begin on 10 February 2026. His emergence concludes a competitive and highly scrutinised leadership selection process designed to identify a candidate capable of steering the university through its next phase of academic and institutional growth.

The announcement has generated significant interest across the university community and the wider higher education sector, as it signals continuity, renewal, and a renewed focus on academic excellence, research advancement, and administrative efficiency.

How the Appointment Was Finalised

The Governing Council, chaired by Professor Shuaibu Oba Abdulraheem, OFR, NPOM, explained that the decision followed an extensive recruitment exercise conducted in line with statutory requirements and best governance practices. The selection process attracted a strong pool of applicants, reflecting the growing national profile of the institution.

From an initial list of candidates, 21 individuals were shortlisted and invited for interviews. Each candidate was assessed on leadership competence, academic standing, administrative experience, vision for the university, and alignment with institutional goals. At the conclusion of the evaluation process, Professor Gumel emerged as the top-ranked candidate.

The Council Chair formally congratulated the Vice-Chancellor-designate and expressed confidence in his ability to provide purposeful leadership. He also extended goodwill and prayers for wisdom and success as Professor Gumel prepares to assume office.

Response From the Vice-Chancellor-Designate

In his response to the announcement, Professor Gumel expressed deep appreciation for the confidence placed in him by the Governing Council. He acknowledged the role of the joint selection committee, the Council leadership, and the current Vice-Chancellor in ensuring a transparent and credible process.

He described the appointment as a call to service and pledged to prioritise the collective interests of students, staff, and stakeholders. According to him, his administration will consolidate existing achievements while pursuing innovative strategies to strengthen academic standards, research output, and institutional reputation.

Professor Gumel also emphasised collaboration, inclusiveness, and accountability as core principles that will guide his leadership approach.

Academic Background and Training

Professor Ahmed Muhammed Gumel possesses a strong international academic foundation. He completed his postgraduate education at the University of Malaya in Malaysia, where he earned a Master’s degree in Biotechnology before proceeding to doctoral studies in Industrial Biotechnology.

His doctoral research focused on biocatalysis and bioprocess technology, a field with wide-ranging applications in medicine, industry, and environmental sustainability.

Following the completion of his PhD in 2013, he undertook postdoctoral research at the same institution, further strengthening his expertise and global academic exposure. His doctoral dissertation received a distinction, underscoring the quality and impact of his research contributions.

In addition to his scientific training, Professor Gumel holds advanced qualifications in public policy, education, information technology, and digital literacy. This multidisciplinary background positions him well for leadership in a complex and evolving university environment.

Research Profile and Scholarly Contributions

Professor Gumel has built a solid research reputation with measurable impact across multiple academic indexing platforms. His work spans biotechnology, industrial applications, and interdisciplinary research areas that address real-world challenges.

His scholarly footprint includes dozens of peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, conference papers, and authored books. His research has attracted thousands of citations, reflecting both relevance and influence within the global academic community.

Beyond publications, he is also credited with international patents in biomedical materials and polymer-based technologies, demonstrating a strong orientation toward innovation and practical application of research outcomes.

Supervision and Mentorship Record

An experienced academic mentor, Professor Gumel has supervised numerous students across different levels of higher education. His supervision portfolio includes doctoral candidates, master’s students, postgraduate diploma participants, and undergraduate researchers.

This long-standing engagement with student development highlights his commitment to capacity building, academic mentorship, and the cultivation of future researchers and professionals.

Professional Affiliations and Global Engagement

Professor Gumel is a registered biotechnologist and an active participant in several professional and scholarly organisations spanning Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. His memberships and affiliations reflect sustained engagement with international academic and professional networks.

He has served as a peer reviewer and editorial contributor for multiple international journals, contributing to quality assurance in scholarly publishing. In addition, he works as a research consultant to global advisory platforms, providing expert insights on specialised scientific and policy-related matters.

His ability to attract competitive research funding has further strengthened institutional research capacity and visibility.

Administrative Experience at Federal University Dutse

Since joining Federal University Dutse in 2015, Professor Gumel has held a wide range of academic and administrative positions. These roles have exposed him to different layers of university governance and operations, from departmental coordination to central administration.

His leadership assignments have included student affairs, postgraduate coordination, departmental management, and senior executive responsibilities at the institutional level. Most recently, he served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor overseeing central administration, where he played a key role in policy implementation and strategic planning.

This extensive internal experience provides continuity and institutional memory as he transitions into the Vice-Chancellorship.

Awards, Recognition, and International Exposure

Professor Gumel’s contributions have earned him numerous awards and commendations both within and outside the university system. These recognitions reflect excellence in teaching, research, administration, and community service.

He has also represented the university at conferences, workshops, and academic engagements across several countries, facilitating international collaboration and exposure for the institution.

Looking Ahead Under New Leadership

With Professor Ahmed Muhammed Gumel set to assume office in February 2026, expectations are high for sustained progress in academic quality, research innovation, infrastructure development, and student welfare.

Federal University Dutse appears poised to build on existing foundations while embracing new ideas that align with national and global higher education priorities. Stakeholders across the university community will be watching closely as the new Vice-Chancellor begins his tenure and articulates his strategic vision for the institution’s future.