Prof. Mohammed Khalid Othman: Steering Federal Varsity Dutsin-Ma Towards Greater Excellence

Prof. Mohammed Khalid Othman is a scholar of note. He is versatile and for a long time maintained a weekly column in some prominent national dailies.

An agricultural engineer, researcher and now the vice chancellor of the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina State, Prof. Othman reflects more than three decades of commitment to higher education, agricultural research and institutional leadership. Renowned for his academic excellence and administrative competence, he has built a career dedicated to advancing knowledge, strengthening institutions and promoting innovations that improve agricultural productivity and rural development in Nigeria.

Born in Bindawa local government area of Katsina State, Othman began his educational journey at Bindawa Primary School before attending Government Secondary School, Funtua, where he completed his secondary education. He proceeded to the School of Basic Studies at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and later earned Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Agricultural Engineering from the same institution.

His academic career has been marked by steady growth, rising from assistant lecturer to professor through years of dedication to teaching, research and community service.

As a lecturer, he has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students while making major contributions to agricultural engineering research. His work has focused on agricultural mechanisation, extension services and technologies aimed at improving farming systems, increasing productivity and enhancing food security, particularly in northern Nigeria.

Othman has also established himself as an accomplished administrator, serving in several academic and management positions before being appointed executive director of the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), one of Nigeria’s foremost agricultural research and extension institutions based at ABU. Under his leadership, NAERLS strengthened its role in disseminating research findings to farmers, supporting agricultural extension programmes and promoting the adoption of modern farming technologies across the country.

His years at NAERLS provided him with extensive experience in managing large institutions, coordinating multidisciplinary research, building partnerships and advising governments on agricultural development policies. He also worked closely with local and international organisations on programmes designed to improve rural livelihoods, increase agricultural productivity and strengthen food systems.

Othman’s administrative abilities earned him recognition beyond agricultural research. Before becoming vice chancellor, he served on the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, representing the university’s Senate. This role gave him valuable insight into the university’s governance, strategic planning and institutional priorities, while allowing him to contribute to policies aimed at improving academic standards and operational efficiency.

His appointment as the substantive vice chancellor of FUDMA followed a competitive selection process conducted by the university’s Governing Council. Emerging from a field of highly qualified candidates, Prof. Othman’s selection reflected confidence in his academic credentials, leadership experience and vision for the institution.

As vice chancellor, he assumes responsibility at a time when Nigerian universities face increasing demands for improved teaching quality, impactful research, innovation, infrastructure development and financial sustainability. His background in research management and institutional administration positions him to strengthen FUDMA’s academic programmes, expand research collaborations, attract competitive grants and improve the university’s national and international profile.

Beyond his official responsibilities, Othman has contributed to professional development through mentorship, conference presentations and scholarly publications. His research has enriched the field of agricultural engineering while helping bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and practical farming applications.

Things I Admire In Mohammed Khalid Othman

VISIONARY LEADERSHIP

His commitment to advancing higher education through innovation, academic excellence, and institutional development has strengthened Federal University, Dutsin-Ma’s reputation.

DEDICATION TO EDUCATION

Othman has demonstrated a passion for nurturing students, supporting research and creating an environment where learning and scholarship can thrive.

INTEGRITY AND PROFESSIONALISM

His leadership is marked by accountability, transparency and adherence to high ethical standards, earning him the respect of colleagues and stakeholders.

COMMITMENT TO STAFF AND STUDENT WELFARE

Othman has shown concern for staff members’ well-being and professional growth while promoting policies that enhance students’ academic and personal development.

HUMILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY

Despite his distinguished academic career, he is widely regarded as approachable, respectful and willing to engage with people at all levels, fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.