By Salisu Ibrahim
Four University Registrars from The Gambia have understudied the Registry operations of the foremost Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, a statement by the Director, Public Affairs Directorate, Malam Auwal Umar has said.
The Registrars were in ABU for six days – from Sunday, 25th January, 2026 to Friday, 30th January, 2026.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Gambia, Prof Adamu Ahmed, who led the team had earlier requested for the working visit by the four Registrars to Ahmadu Bello University to further strengthen relationships.
Prof. Ahmed, a Nigerian and a staff of the Department of Agronomy, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, was seconded to Gambia in July 2025, in order to facilitate the establishment of a new University.
The visiting Registrars, comprise of Mr Bobo Baldeh, Registrar University of Gambia (UTG); Mr Demba S M Yabon, Registrar, University of Education, The Gambia (UEG); Mr Alieu B Saine, Registrar, University of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (USET); and Mrs Adama O Njie, Registrar, Civil Service University (CSU).
He said, the visit was in recognition of ABU’s unique attributes as a foremost citadel of learning in Africa, endowed with experienced and time-tested experts, teachers, and researchers.
On arrival, they paid a courtesy visit on the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof Adamu Ahmed who explained that more areas of collaborations between Ahmadu Bello University and The Gambian Universities would be explored.
Nigeria and The Gambia, according to him, had enjoyed cordial relationship for quiet a long time.
ABU Vice Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, welcomed the visiting Registrars, saying the purpose of the visit would be achieved.
On their visit to the Human Resources, Administration (HRA), they were taken through the scope of work and how the department relates with other units as well as the routine official administrative duties.
At the Academic Affairs Directorate, the Ag. Director Academic Affairs, Malam Umar Kasim, briefed them on the admission process, procedures and other related duties like processing and issuance of results to students.
On their second day, papers were presented for them. “The Role of the University Registrar in University System”, by Malam Rabiu Samaila, Registrar, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Mrs Janet Kwaga delivered on “Towards an Effective Registry in the University System: Benchmarking the Institutes”.
“The Role of the University Professional Administrator” was another paper. It was presented by Dr Aliyu Dalha Kankia of the Department of Political Science and International Studies.
Another paper, “Enhancing Services Delivery in University System: An Overview of the Academic Affairs Directorate” was presented by Malam Nasiru Bello.
Malam Yakubu A Anivbassa spoke on “Managing Human Resources in the Universities for Enhanced Productivity”.
The Gambian Registrars were also taken on a tour of the palace of the Emir of Zazzau, His Highness, Malam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, CFR.
Other places they visited were the Institute of Administration, Ahmadu Bello University, and Faculty of Law, all at Kongo Campus.
They also attended a public lecture on “Building Inter-Ethnic and Religious Harmony in Nigeria: Pathways to National Unity”, by Rt Rev. & Rt. Hon. Justin Welby, GCVO, former Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Registrars met with two Gambian staff teaching at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
They are Prof Abdoulie Momodu Sunkary Tekanyi, Department of Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering; and Dr Muhammad Faal, Department of Political Science and International Studies.