By Usman Abdullahi Koli
Before I dwell much, let me first describe Dr. Suleiman Lame as a true son of the soil.”
Dr. Lame was born in Toro LGA of Bauchi State, more than five decades ago.
Dr. Sulaiman Lame attended Lame Primary School in Toro LGA from 1973-1978 where he obtained the 1st School leaving certificate. He was admitted into Government Secondary School, Darazo from 1978-1983. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Economics at Bayero University, Kano from 1985-1988.
He proceeded to University of Jos from 1992-1995, where he obtained masters degree in Economics (Msc Development Economics). Dr. Lame then enrolled for a PhD in Technology Management with University of Tunn Hussein Malaysia.
Let me take a memory tour into the achievements recorded by Dr. Lame as the Rector, ATAP in order to justify why I described him as “A TRUE SON OF THE SOIL”
Back in 2015 during the administration of the then Bauchi state governor, Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar when crises rocked the prestigious polytechnic, which necessitated the removal of the then Rector, Dr. Bala Adamu Azare and the appointment Dr. Suleiman Lame as the acting rector by the state government. Dr. Lame was later confirmed as the substantive rector of the polytechnic, due to his commitment to the realization of the mission and vision of establishing the institution.
During his tenure, Dr. Lame was able to secure approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for the polytechnic to run eight degree programs in Technical & Vocational courses in affiliation with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, beginning from the 2016/2017 academic session.
Some of the projects carried out in the polytechnic when Dr. Lame was its rector include:
Construction of 2.5km road networks on campus.
Construction of culverts and drainages, which reached advanced stage.
Construction of a well-equipped new school clinic/sick bay.
Construction of class rooms/renovation of some departments
Sport outdoors for students.
Construction of befitting hostels for male and female students, among other infrastructural developments.
Dr. Lame had also in collaboration with the state Ministry of Power and Energy opened discussion with a private company, ADDENBROOKE SOLUTIONS LIMITED for the establishment of a solar power firm to generate 50 megawatts of electricity in the polytechnic.
The above mentioned achievements have no doubt helped in providing a conducive atmosphere of teaching and learning for both staff and students of the polytechnic.
On academic pathway, Dr. Lame, has been able to record the following successes:
Affiliation with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and Federal University, Kashere on various courses.
Accreditation of 34 ND & HND courses by the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) and provision of equipment and digital materials for the improvement of teaching and learning.
Equipping the institutions library with books for research among students and lecturers.
Upgrading of Mass Communication Complex, Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) & Computer Based Test Centres, among others.
Securing of license from the NBC for ATAP campus radio.
In order to address the need for qualified staff in the newly Degree and HND programs, the Rector sought the transfer of seventy-seven (77) staff from Ministries, Departments and Agencies to the polytechnic which the state Government granted Executive approval for the transfer of the staff.
He had also secured the accreditation of seventeen (17) NCE Technical Education programs from the National Commission of Education (NCCE).
To widen the horizon of academic Staff of the Polytechnic, Dr. Lame has facilitated a partnership between the polytechnic and University of Tunn Hussein Malaysia in the areas of training, research and other academic programs.
This comes after a successful post graduate training of academic staff of the Polytechnic by the Malaysian University.
Proposal for the collaboration is being awaited following the inspection of facilities of the polytechnic by the management of the university.
I can authoritatively say that in ATAP now, almost 97% of the courses being run in the institution are fully accredited.
As they say, a teacher is a father, but I had never believed that until I met this teacher, (Dr. Sulaiman Lame) He ensured students welfare, he used to go round classes and hostels to supervise the condition of the students and environment. He never hate students. He didn’t condone harassment of students.
Dr. Suleiman Lame is indeed a father.
In terms of relationship, Dr. Lame interacted peacefully with all his staff throughout his stay in office as a rector.
The whole Bauchi state has lost a seasoned academic and administrator.
On the other hand, Gombe state is lucky to have this rare gem. Dr. Lames giant efforts will not be forgotten by the good people of Bauchi state and other neighboring communities.
It was after his successful tenure at the Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic Bauchi, that Dr. Sulaiman Lame was called to serve as the pioneer Rector of the newly established Federal polytechnic in Kaltungo, Gombe state.
Without any iota of doubt, Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo, Gombe state will of course, record unprecedented achievements under the leadership of Dr. Sulaiman Lame.
I therefore urge all staff and students of the Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo to feel free and relate cordially with the rector for the speedy development of the baby institution.
To my mentor, father, lecturer and boss, I wish you success in your new place of assignment, Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo.
Usman Abdullahi Koli, writes from Mass Communication Department, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechic, Bauchi.
mernoukoli@gmail.com
