Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, Secretary to the Gombe State Government, has explained how he was able to complete his time as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri despite Boko Haram operations in the North-East.
Prior to his appointment as SSG, Njodi was the VC of UNIMAID, and he stated that he decided to guarantee that the campus remained operational without fear of terrorist threats.
According to him, he has the option of shutting down UNIMAID or keeping it operational.
The former don who was appointed VC in the hit of the insurgency on June 3, 2014, made this disclosure during his acceptance speech on the title of Mayegun (Ambassador of Peace), conferred on him by Oodua Youth Parliament.
Njodi said, “I stood my ground and looked at Boko Haram to the face and said we will not close the University of Maiduguri. Do your worst.”
“We got recognised by the federal government, where I was awarded National Productivity honours because of this. Things may be looking different but stand your ground.”
While lauding the efforts of Nigerian Youths in promoting peace and unity in the country, the SSG said the elders had been the ones exhibiting bitterness and hatred.
“While the elders are showing bitterness you (Nigerian youths) have brought water to douse the tension. I’m happy, If I should die today, I will die with a smile on my face because the youth, you are doing what is needed. After 51 years of fighting a worthless, needless war, we should have forgotten, buried that hatchet. Sadly, some people want to bring back bad memory,” Njodi said.
Also, Speaker, Oodua Youth Parliament Abdulmajeed Oyeniyi, hinted that the youth group singled out the SSG, due to his leadership whilst on camp and at the moment.