Bugaje, transforming Kadpoly


Like the proverbial gold fish which has no hiding place, Professor Idris Mohammed Bugaje needs no introduction in public and academic climes. His sterling qualities and professionalism speak volumes about him. Before he was appointed as the Rector of the famous Kaduna Polytechnic (Kadpoly) in 2017, Professor Bugaje had a stint at the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa between 2000 and 2004. 


During his four years stewardship, Bugaje introduced far-reaching academic and administrative reforms that catapulted the polytechnic to greater heights. His legacies include the launching of the maiden edition of a biannual academic journal called Savannah Science and Technology Journal. The journal is aimed at promoting science and technology and also educate Nigerians on the projects the polytechnic has successfully carried out, especially on research. The polytechnic also witnessed rapid improvement in its infrastructure development. 


At the Nigerian Research Institute of Chemical Technology (NARICT), Zaria in Kaduna state where he served as the director general, Professor Bugaje was instrumental to most of the achievements recorded in the institute. Bugaje brought his wealth of experience to bear in making the institute a force to reckon with. During his sojourn, the institute won the Nigeria Society of Chemical Engineers (NSCC) award on heat integration on methanol plant in 2013. 
Also, in line with its mandate, the institute developed vaccine for tomatoes Ebola. The institute, during his time, held the first homeland security training programme meant to curtail terrorism and radicalism. The training has offered the government an impetus and assisted greatly towards the war against terrorism in the country. In 2015, under his leadership, NARICT entered into partnership with the Raw Material Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to fabricate a fertilizer blending plant using extracts from the moringa oleifara plant. This breakthrough has motivated government to invest more in the research and development of NARICT.
In October, 2017, the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, appointed Professor Idris Mohammed Bugaje as rector of Kaduna Polytechnic. When the news of his appointment filled the air, our happiness knew no bounds. Bugaje is truly a square peg in a square hole. Professor Bugaje assumed office when the polytechnic was bedeviled by numerous challenges raging from the dearth of infrastructure, withdrawal of accreditation by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), low staff morale due to poor welfare, among others. Unperturbed by this undesirable state of affairs, Professor Bugaje hit the ground running and declared a state of emergency. Within the period under review, with active support from the polytechnic’s governing council, Professor Bugaje has recorded unprecedented achievements in the history of Kaduna Polytechnic.

To his credit, Professor Bugaje ensured the reversal of about 85 per cent of programmes that lost accreditation. As of December 2019, 95 per cent of the affected programmes had regained full accreditation status with the remaining five per cent waiting for further review. In the area of infrastructural development, Kaduna polytechnic is wearing a new look. A lot of projects have been executed. 
They include the rehabilitation of road network, drainage and walkways on the main campus which were done through the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Works.  Bugaje has also succeeded in renovating 37 dilapidated blocks of flats and 11 boys’ quarters to address the acute shortage of accommodation in the polytechnic. One of the greatest assets for the survival of any organisation is its human capital. This area has received great attention. Over 115 staff attended training sponsored by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), 70 staff have been sponsored for Masters degrees, while 54 are for doctorate. Bugaje has also recruited 130 staff to fill the vacancies that existed in the polytechnic. 

The introduction of B.Sc/B.Eng degree programmes in seven courses is another achievement by the Bugaje administration. In a bid to improve the revenue drive of the polytechnic, Bugaje ensured the revitalisation of Kadpoly Micro Finance Bank Ltd and Kadpoly Consultants Ltd. In 2019, through the effort of Bugaje, a license was granted for the establishment of a radio station in the polytechnic. 
The Spider FM Radio has continued to inform, enlighten, educate, entertain and foster cordial relationship between the polytechnic and the host community. Space cannot allow me to enumerate all the giant strides of Professor Idris Mohammed Bugaje. However, Bugaje came, saw and conquered. In the history of Kaduna Polytechnic, nobody can match the superb achievements recorded by Professor Bugaje. 

Mustapha writes from Pambegua, Kaduna state via 08169056963.

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