Baze University has marked its 2026 Founder’s Day with a student-focused programme highlighting the institution’s growth, academic excellence, and commitment to developing future leaders.
The event featured an inter-faculty debate competition and artistic performances by students under the theme “Legacy in Action: Students as Custodians of the Founders’ Vision.”
Speaking at the ceremony, the university’s Founder and Chancellor, Distinguished Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, reflected on the institution’s journey since its establishment in 2011 and reaffirmed the role of education in national development.
He described education as a powerful instrument for societal transformation and urged students to uphold the values of integrity, critical thinking, and innovation.
The Chancellor also encouraged students to pursue excellence with determination and resilience, while charging faculty members to remain committed to quality teaching, mentorship, and impactful research.
Also speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jamila Shuara, said the Founder’s Day celebration provides an opportunity to honour the foresight, courage, and dedication of the university’s founder, whose vision led to the establishment of Baze University in 2011.
According to her, at a time when Nigeria required institutions capable of delivering world-class education, the founder envisioned a university that would combine academic excellence, innovation, integrity, and global relevance. She noted that the institution continues to celebrate the enduring impact of that vision.
Professor Shuara added that the university has recorded significant growth since its inception, expanding from two faculties and about 20 students to nine faculties and a College of Medicine and Health Sciences.
She disclosed that the institution now offers 116 accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and has produced more than 4,500 graduates.
The Vice-Chancellor further noted that the university currently enrols more than 7,000 students and operates a teaching hospital equipped with modern facilities. She added that plans are underway for the take-off of the Baze Aviation School at the institution’s Bwari campus.
Professor Shuara attributed the university’s progress to the dedication of its faculty and staff, the enthusiasm of its students, the loyalty of alumni, and the continued support of stakeholders.
As part of the celebration, students took centre stage in an inter-faculty debate on the motion: “Investment in Education is the Most Sustainable Strategy for Nation Building: Myth or Imperative.”
The team supporting the motion emerged victorious, while Maryam Muktar was named Best Speaker.
The programme also featured spoken-word and poetry performances by students, reinforcing the university’s emphasis on creativity, intellectual engagement, and student leadership.