ECWA GENERAL SECRETARY,REV AYUBA, ASHESHE, VISITS BINGHAM UNIVERSITY.

The General Secretary of ECWA, , Rev. Ayuba Asheshe, who assumed duties in June 2023 was recently in the university campus in Karu on a familiarisation visit.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. William Barnabas Qurix OFR,  who received the General Secretary, shared insights into the institution's remarkable journey, emphasizing that Bingham University began its journey with a medical college, distinguishing itself as one of the few universities in Nigeria to commence operations with such a program. Since its inception, the university has flourished, expanding from five faculties to an impressive twelve, spanning two campuses.

Prof. Qurix revealed the daunting financial challenges the university faced when he assumed office in 2018, burdened by a staggering debt of over Seven Billion Naira (N7,000,000,000), which included contractor liabilities, bank loans, unpaid salaries, and mounting pension obligations. However, with careful management, strategic planning, and the intervention of God and supportive members, the university managed to avoid the withdrawal of its operating license by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The transformative turning point came through a radical decision – seeking a loan swap with EPML, which ultimately enabled the institution to clear outstanding salaries, reduce contractor debts, and make consistent loan repayments.

 Prof Qurix added that the University’s Council recently approved the increase of staff salaries to cushion the effect of the current state of the economy.

Prof Qurix stated that the University's proactive measures extended to program diversification, introducing innovative courses like the Master in Election Management and PGD Crowd Control, unavailable elsewhere in Nigeria. The increase in the number of programmes currently being offered in the university has significantly boosted enrollment, with student numbers surging from 2,500 in 2018 to over 7,000 presently.

Prof Qurix stated that the university's growing reputation has led to valuable partnerships with international organizations, including the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Wolverhampton University, Sumy State University, Jonah Inheritance, the Swedish Embassy, and others which has boosted our international standing.

In 2020, the university's medical college achieved a significant milestone by being registered in the General Medical Directory of the United Kingdom, with its doctors making remarkable contributions globally.

Despite resource constraints, Prof Qurix stated that both campuses  has witnessed substantial infrastructural development, with the completion of abandoned projects and the launch of new projects. These developments have instilled hope that Bingham University is on a positive trajectory, provided that this momentum is sustained.

In response, Rev. Asheshe expressed gratitude for the briefing and lauded the university's management for their dedication. The ECWA Education Director, Rev. Prof .Stephen O. Baba, who accompanied the GS, also commended the Vice-Chancellor for his contributions to the university's advancement and spiritual growth.

The visit included a comprehensive tour of the campus, encompassing the Entrepreneurship Centre, TY Danjuma Centre, the newly constructed faculty building for Health Sciences, the  ultra-modern hostel, and the Senate Building currently under construction.

During a gathering at the University Chapel, Rev. Asheshe conveyed his appreciation to the university's management, staff, and students for their commitment to the institution's development. He acknowledged the favourable transformation the university has witnessed under the Leadership of Prof. Qurix over the last five years and encouraged everyone to continue their dedicated efforts.
He emphasized the need for unity and hard work, viewing challenges as stepping stones to greatness, and underlining the importance of seizing the moment to contribute positively to the university and society at large.

Rev. Asheshe's delegation included the Director of ECWA Education, Rev. Prof Stephen Oluwarotimi  Baba; PRO of ECWA, Rev. Romanus Ebenwokodi amongst others.