By Abdul Lauya
Professor Sani Ahmed Yauta has been appointed the substantive Vice-Chancellor of Gombe State University (GSU).
His appointment marks the culmination of a steady academic journey that began as a Graduate Assistant in 2006 and progressed through the ranks to full professorship in Educational Management and Finance.
Until his confirmation, Professor Yauta had been serving in an acting capacity since October 2024, following the expiration of the previous Vice-Chancellor’s tenure.
Born in Malam Sidi, Kwami Local Government Area of Gombe State on October 10, 1976, his deep roots in the state align with an unspoken tradition of appointing indigenes to top positions in state universities.
He attended Zango Kanti Primary School in Jama’are and later obtained his Grade II Teacher’s Certificate from Government Teachers College Gombe in 1995.
He holds an NCE in Business Education from Federal College of Education Gombe (1998), a BSc (Ed) in Economics from the University of Abuja (2004), an M.Ed. in Educational Administration and Planning from the University of Maiduguri (2012), and a PhD in Educational Administration and Planning from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka (2015).
Over his career, he held several administrative positions including pioneer Director of General Studies, Deputy Provost of the College of Education Billiri, Head of Department, and most recently, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) at GSU.
In recognition of his scholarly contributions, he was honoured alongside the late Professor Abdullahi Mahadi in February 2025 for promoting Islamic research and community development in Nigeria.
While his professional credentials are extensive, his appointment was not without controversy, as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) accused the university of violating its appointment laws.
ASUU GSU Chapter publicly criticized the acting appointment in early 2025, insisting that only a properly constituted Governing Council has the authority to recommend vice-chancellors to the state governor for approval.
The union argued that bypassing the due process not only violates the university’s Establishment Law but also threatens institutional autonomy and academic governance.
Despite these objections, his eventual confirmation as substantive VC suggests that either the legal issues were resolved or politically overridden in favour of continuity and stability.
Analysts believe his local origin played a supportive, if unofficial, role in his elevation, considering the political and communal sensitivities that often shape appointments in state-run institutions.
However, the weight of his academic achievements and deep institutional experience appear to justify the decision beyond ethno-political considerations.
Professor Yauta’s appointment reinforces the legacy of GSU and its commitment to promoting homegrown intellectuals into leadership positions.
As he assumes full leadership, expectations are high for him to steer the university through rising challenges in funding, quality assurance, and staff welfare.
While some governance questions linger, his confirmation may ultimately signal a pragmatic move to solidify leadership and sustain academic momentum.
If he succeeds in balancing administrative transparency with inclusive development, Professor Yauta could help redefine leadership models within Nigeria’s state university system.
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