The Vice Chancellor of Ahmdu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, has decried loss of talented staff to better opportunities within and outside the country.

Speaking at a press conference to mark the 63rd anniversary of the institution in Zaria, Prof. Ahmed lamented that aging infrastructure and poor renumeration have dampened staff motivation, noting how the University lost nearly 2,000 staff in the last five years.

He said currently, the institution is in dire need of a replacement and additional staff to strengthen its research and academic activities.

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“Presently, there is a particular programme run by the University whose staff are 95 percent professors.

“This development may risk non-accreditation of the programme in subsequent time and result to shortage of mentees who will take over from the existing high calibered staff.” he noted.

The Vice Chancellor, who identified funding constraint as a serious problem affecting institutional operation, said the situation has compressed capacity for infrastructure renovation, library acquisition and research support.

Prof Ahmed, however, highlighted the University’s plans to strengthen Distance Learning and contribute meaningfully to inclusive education.

“We shall strengthen the Distance Learning Centre (DLC), the largest in Nigeria, to increase the pace at which education is taken to every home, ensuring that no family is left behind.

“In this way, ABU will not only expand access but also contribute meaningfully to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs), especially in inclusive education and reducing inequality.”

The Vice Chancellor challenged alumni community of the University to give back to the institution through endorsement gifts, annual giving and generous donations to secure its future.

Prof Ahmed also applauded the commitment of the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu for its bold reforms across the economy and the education sector in the country.