By Olukayode Babalola
The management of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) has appointed renowned academic, Associate Prof. Mohammed Abubakar Mohammed, as the new Director of its Centre for Artificial Intelligence (CAI).
The appointment was announced in the institution’s bulletin dated June 19 and made available to newsmen in Lafia on Saturday.
According to the bulletin, the appointment was approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Muhammad Kida, as part of efforts to strengthen the university’s capacity in emerging technologies, research and innovation.
It said the move also forms part of a broader restructuring and repositioning of key academic and administrative units.
Mohammed’s appointment followed his successful tenure as Deputy Director of the CAI, a position he assumed about six months ago.
“His elevation is attributed to his outstanding performance and effective implementation of the institution’s artificial intelligence initiatives and policies.
“The Tsaragi-born scholar is widely respected in academic and professional circles for his contributions to geosciences, energy studies and technological innovation,” it stated.
Mohammed, a native of Edu Local Government Area of Kwara, holds a Ph.D. in Development and Exploitation of Oil and Gas Fields from Khazar University, Azerbaijan, and another Ph.D. in Geology from Gideon Robert University, Zambia.
He obtained a Bachelor of Technology degree in Geology from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and a Master of Science degree in Petroleum Geosciences from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
According to the bulletin, his appointment would accelerate FULafia’s drive to become a leading centre for artificial intelligence, digital transformation and technology-driven research in Nigeria and beyond.
In a related development, Kida approved the reappointment of Prof. Victor Dugga as Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies (CPGS) for a second two-year term.
Also reappointed were Prof. Dalhatu Yusha’u and Prof. Mohammed Binin as Deputy Provosts of the College of Postgraduate Studies for Humanities and Sciences, respectively, for two years.
The bulletin further confirmed the appointment of Prof. Joseph Zira as Provost of the College of Health Sciences for a two-year tenure, while Dr Jude Chima was appointed Deputy Provost of the college for one year.
The university said the appointments are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen academic leadership, improve institutional efficiency and reposition the institution for greater excellence.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bukola Adetoye/Muhyideen Jimoh