Prof. Muhammad Ahmed Abdulazeez, the former Vice-Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi, has suggested mandatory drug tests for academic staff in Nigerian universities to evaluate their mental well-being.
During his farewell address to the University Senate at the Senate Building, Gubi Campus, Abdulazeez emphasized the importance of subjecting lecturers to drug tests, in addition to students, as a means to cleanse the system.
He firmly believes that implementing drug tests will enhance orderliness and academic proficiency within the university system, aligning with the institutions’ founding objectives.
“If students are required to undergo drug tests for mental health assessment, it is only fitting for lecturers to undergo the same procedure,” he remarked.
“This approach is essential to curb any form of misconduct in the university environment,” he added.
Reflecting on his tenure of five years as VC, Abdulazeez credited the collective efforts of all stakeholders for the significant strides made in enhancing infrastructural development, academic content, and community engagement at ATBU.
He extended his appreciation to the Federal Government for its unwavering support through the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).
Furthermore, he disclosed that Prof. Sani Usman Kunya has been appointed by the University Senate as the Acting Vice-Chancellor, pending the election of a substantive VC.
In his inaugural speech, Prof. Sani Usman Kunya pledged his dedication to maintaining academic standards and fostering innovation within ATBU.
He assured an open-door policy to encourage feedback and collaboration from peers and stakeholders, aiming to propel the university forward.