Varsity To Establish Centre For Research, Documentation

Federal University Gusau (FUGUS) has inaugurated a committee to develop a comprehensive blueprint for the proposed Centre for Research and Documentation on Zamfara History and Culture.

In a statement signed, the university’s spokesperson, Jamilu Ibrahim Gusau, said the vice chancellor, Prof. Tukur Adamu, inaugurated the 16-member committee at the University Council Chamber on Tuesday,.

According to him, Adamu described the event as a major milestone in the university’s efforts to contribute meaningfully to the preservation, promotion and dissemination of the rich historical and cultural heritage of Zamfara State and its people.

“As a university established to advance knowledge and serve the society, we have a responsibility not only to generate new knowledge but also to preserve the valuable historical records, traditions, languages, customs and practices that define us as a people,” the vice-chancellor said.

He noted that Zamfara possesses a rich and unique history spanning centuries and has made immense contributions to scholarship, agriculture, commerce, governance, traditional institutions, and Islamic civilisation in the region.

The Vice Chancellor, however, observed that much of this invaluable heritage remains undocumented and scattered across oral traditions, private collections, and various historical records.

Professor Adamu therefore underscored the urgent need for a dedicated institution that will systematically collect, preserve, document, and disseminate this wealth of knowledge for the benefit of present and future generations.

“The proposed Centre for Research and Documentation on Zamfara History and Culture will serve as a hub for multidisciplinary research, archival preservation, cultural studies, publication of scholarly works, digitisation of historical records, and collaboration with traditional institutions, relevant government agencies, researchers, and cultural organisations. The Centre will also provide opportunities for Students and Scholars to undertake research that promotes a deeper understanding of our history and cultural heritage,” he added.

Professor Adamu explained that the chairman and members of the committee were carefully selected based on their expertise and track records.

He charged them to justify the confidence reposed in them, stressing that the success of the initiative would depend largely on their ability to produce a workable blueprint that positions the Centre as a leading institution for historical and cultural research, not only in Zamfara State but across Nigeria and beyond.

Responding on behalf of the Committee, its Chairman, Professor Ja’afar Makau Kaura, a distinguished academic and former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, described the establishment of the proposed Centre as justified, timely and highly commendable.

He assured the Vice Chancellor that the Committee would work diligently to deliver effectively on its mandate within the stipulated timeframe.

The Committee is tasked with developing a comprehensive plan to establish the Centre, proposing an effective organisational structure, and identifying potential partners, areas of collaboration, and possible sources of funding, among other responsibilities.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Aliyu Usman Moyi, serves as Co-Chairman of the Committee whose membership is drawn largely from the Departments of History and International Studies of Federal University Gusau and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, as well as representatives of the Zamfara State History Bureau, the State Council of Chiefs, and the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Other notable members of the Committee include Professor Ibrahim M. Jumare, Professor M. J. Ladan, Professor A.F Usman, former Commissioner for Information and Culture in Zamfara State, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad Danmadamin Birnin Magaji, and former State Solicitor General, Barrister Sani Nasarawa, among others.

Malam Bello M. Gedawa and Malam Kabiru M. Abdullahi, both of the University Registry, will serve as the Secretary and Assistant Secretary of the Committee, respectively.

The Committee has been given two months to submit its report.