By Usman Abdullahi Koli
Academicians in different institutions are the reservoir of knowledge in the face of the earth; they are not only teaching how to read and write but also help parents in reshaping the mindset of their wards with altruistic behaviours, differentiating to them right from wrong and treating them like their own when it comes to punishments. Millions of academicians across the globe have achieved a lots and are into academia just for money but people like Dr. Sulaiman Muhammad Lame that teach to make dreams of many true are few. Some lecturers live fake lifestyles, living flamboyantly and making students develop negative perceptions but the experienced Dr, Sulaiman always advice staffs and students to be cutting coats according to their sizes.
The indefatigable Dr. Lame put the wellbeing of others first before his own that was why during his tenure as rector of the Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic Bauchi on almost weekly basis received awards and soothing words of commendations from both staffs and students. Biographically, Dr. Sulaiman was born in Toro Local Government more than five decades ago, he attended primary school in Toro from 1973 to 1978, he proceeded to Government Secondary School Darazo 1978 down to 1983. After that, he attended Bayero University, Kano where he obtained a Barchelor Degree in Economics from 1985 to 1988. Energetic Sulaiman did not rest because from 1992 to 1995 he enrolled into University of Jos for Masters still in Economics.
Thirst of seeking knowledge to Malam Sulaiman was unquenchable that was why he flew out of our shores to Malaysia for PhD in Technology Management at University of Tunn Hussein, after accomplishing that he came back to continue contributing in academia. During the administration of the then Governor Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar misunderstanding and crisis spanked within the State Polytechnic, the then Rector Dr. Bala Adamu Azare was removed and Dr. Sulaiman Lame came onboard. In short period of time after Dr. Lame was confirmed as the substantive Rector of the institution, strategically he was able to secure the National University Commission’s approval for the polytechnic to start 8 degree programmes in technical and vocational courses in affiliation with ATBU Bauchi.
Amiable Dr. Sulaiman Lame who fit the position given to him was able to construct road networks within the campus, spacious drainages and well-equipped school clinic for the benefit of staffs and students. Too much study without engaging in sports makes it boring, foresighted Dr. Lame for brain ventilation has constructed durable sporting outdoors, befitting hostels for male and female students to sleep in comfort when night envelops. New class for teaching and learning were built, old dilapidated classes were renovated and equipped with necessary facilities that smoothing the learning process. Moreover, ATAP under Dr. Lame has affiliated with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Federal University Kashere on various courses. The visionary Dr. Lame collaborated with AddenBrook Solutions Ltd for establishing solar power that could generate 50 megawatts of electricity in the institution.
Furthermore, dulcetic effort of Dr. Sulaiman Lame gave birth to campus radio for the mass communication students to be practicalising what they have leaned in class, mass communication complex was upgraded, laboratories filled with relevant items and computer centres across the polytechnic were provided with sophisticated facilities that made ATAP the best when compared with other institutions. State polytechnic under the able leadership of Dr. Lame has accredited 34 National Diploma and Higher National Diploma courses, books and soft copy study materials in the library were provided and easily accessible to lecturers and students. He also secured the accreditation of 17 NCE Technical Education programs from the National Commission of Education and to expand the educational pursuit of staffs, Dr. Sulaiman facilitated partnership between ATAP and University of Tunn Hussein Malaysia.
Some leaders prefer to sit back and send others to supervise their institutions but it is different when it comes to Dr. Sulaiman, he pays unscheduled visit to lecturers during lectures, contractors at construction sites and students in hostels to see by himself how conducive the environment is for them. The ever-smiling face has gave confidence to many students to express their worries, it was during his tenure the polytechnic welcomes installment payment of school fees knowing the fact that some students are sponsors of themselves. Gargantuan projects of Dr. Sulaiman Lame would forever be in the heart of many in Bauchi as the Federal Polytechnic in Kaltungo have taken him away, may God bless his family and grant his the wisdom to built unforgettable legacies there as he has done in Atap. Amen
Usman Abdullahi Koli,
mernoukoli@gmail.com
