Kaduna Federal varsity targets higher IGR in five-year reform plan

The Federal University of Education (FUE), Zaria, Kaduna State, has launched a five-year strategic plan aimed at expanding its internally generated revenue (IGR), accelerating digital transformation and strengthening research-commercialisation, in a move expected to enhance the institution’s financial sustainability and improve the quality of teacher education.

The 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, unveiled by the Vice-Chancellor, Yahaya Isa Bunkure, outlines a comprehensive reform agenda that prioritises revenue diversification through grants, commercial ventures, donor funding and improved IGR, while also driving investment in smart campus technologies, research, infrastructure and academic excellence.

This is contained in a press statement signed and made available by Sani Lawal Maqarphy, media aide to the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Yahaya Isa Bunkure.

Speaking during the unveiling of the document on Monday at TeCETEL, FUE Zaria, Bunkure described the strategic plan as a roadmap for repositioning the university to meet global standards in teaching, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

According to the Vice Chancellor, the blueprint was developed after extensive consultations with the university management, staff, students and other stakeholders, following a detailed assessment of the institution’s strengths, challenges and opportunities.

He said the document provides clear objectives, implementation strategies, key performance indicators (KPIs) and timelines that will guide the university’s growth over the next five years.

Bunkure noted that the plan incorporates a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to promote transparency, accountability and prudent utilisation of resources, expressing confidence that it would strengthen the university’s ability to respond to emerging trends in higher education.

Yakubu Magaji Azare, chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, said the document is built around nine strategic priorities that will drive institutional development between 2025 and 2029.

He explained that a major focus of the plan is transforming FUE Zaria into a smart university through the deployment of digital infrastructure, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, cloud-based services, smart classrooms, Learning Management Systems (LMS), integrated governance platforms and strengthened cybersecurity.

Azare added that the strategy also seeks to improve academic quality through curriculum review, enhanced accreditation, innovative teaching methods, quality assurance and staff development.

He said the university also intends to boost research and innovation by increasing research funding, strengthening partnerships with industry, upgrading research infrastructure and commercialising research outputs.

The strategic plan further provides for expansion and rehabilitation of physical infrastructure, improved healthcare and student welfare services, enhanced community engagement, stronger institutional governance and environmental sustainability.

Azare noted that measurable annual performance targets have been incorporated into the implementation framework to enable continuous monitoring, periodic evaluation and effective delivery of the university’s objectives.

Commending members of the Strategic Planning Committee, Bunkure described the document as comprehensive and forward-looking, expressing appreciation to the committee chairman, Azare, the Secretary, Fadele Ayotunde Alaba, and other members for their commitment.

He expressed optimism that with the support of staff, students, alumni, government and development partners, the university would successfully implement the plan and strengthen its position among Nigeria’s leading universities of education.

Principal officers and participants at the unveiling also made recommendations aimed at enriching the implementation of the strategic blueprint.