Prof. Jega Takes Charge as Pro-Chancellor & Council Chairman of UDUS

Former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega has been appointed as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. Professor Jega who had since assumed duty was recently appointed along with several other Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities across the country.
A onetime Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano and a former President of the formidable Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Jega also held several positions within and outside the University system. Born in 1957, Professor Jega attended Sabon Gari Town Primary School Jega from 1963 to 1969. He attended Government Secondary School Birnin Kebbi where he obtained WASC and GCE O`Level in 1974. From there, Jega proceeded to the then Bayero University College, Kano for Advanced Level Certicate Studies as prelude to his undergraduate studies.

In 1978, he graduated with Bachelor of Science Degree (Hon) in Political Science from Bayero University, Kano. After National youth Service Corps in 1979, Jega took up appointment as Graduate Assistant at BUK; and thereafter, proceeded to Northwestern University Evanston, Illinois USA where he obtained Masters degree (1981 and Doctorate (1984) in Political Science – specializing in Political Economy. With commitment, dedication and industry, Jega rose through the ranks to become a professor of political science. He was saddled with numerous responsibilities which culminated into his appointment as Deputy Vice Chancellor in Prof. Attahiru Jega, OFR 1995 and, eventually Vice Chancellor of the University in 2004. Prior to his appointment as Vice Chancellor, Jega became a household name since during his tenure as National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) because of his doggedness for the survival of university system in Nigeria. His activism and negotiation skills as a union leader led to agreement with government that all companies in the country should pay education tax; which later resulted into the establishment of Education Tax Fund (ETF), and now TETFund through a decree in 1993.

Positions held by the new Pro-Chancellor are Visiting Research Fellow, University of Stockholm, Sweden, Director of Research, Nigerian Political Science Association, Visiting Research Fellow, St. Peter`s College, University of Oxford, Chairman, Governing Board of the National Youth Service Corps, Member, Governing Board, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru and Chairman, I ndependent National Electoral Commission (INEC) among others.