The Governing Council of the Federal University Dutse (FUD) has announced the appointment of Professor Ahmed Muhammed Gumel as the fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
The appointment was approved during an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council held on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Professor Gumel is expected to assume office on February 10, 2026.
Announcing the decision, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Shuaibu Oba Abdulraheem (OFR, NPOM), described the selection process as rigorous and meticulous. He revealed that 21 applicants were shortlisted and interviewed, with Professor Gumel emerging as the top candidate to lead the university.
Professor Abdulraheem congratulated the Vice-Chancellor-designate and prayed for divine guidance in the discharge of his new duties.
In his acceptance remarks, Professor Gumel expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah, the Joint Selection Team, the Governing Council, and the incumbent Vice-Chancellor for the confidence reposed in him.
He pledged to build upon the outstanding achievements of the current administration and work collaboratively to advance the university’s mission.
Until his new appointment, Professor Gumel served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Central Administration) of the university. Since joining FUD in 2015, he has held various strategic administrative positions, including Head of the Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Departmental Postgraduate Coordinator, and Dean of Student Affairs.
An alumnus of the University of Malaya, Malaysia, Gumel holds a Master’s degree in Biotechnology (2009) and a Ph.D. in Industrial Biotechnology (2013), specializing in Biocatalysis and Bioprocess Technology. His doctoral thesis earned him a distinction, and he completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the same institution in 2014.
Beyond his scientific background, he holds a Professional Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration (MPPA), an Advanced Diploma in Education, and certifications in data processing.
Professor Gumel is a registered Biotechnologist and an award-winning international researcher with patents to his credit. He serves as a research consultant to Alpha Sights in the United Kingdom and sits on the boards of several international peer-reviewed journals.
He is a member of numerous professional bodies, including the Nigeria Society for Biotechnology, the European Federation of Biotechnology, the Asian Federation of Biotechnology, and the Society for Biological Engineering, USA.
The new Vice-Chancellor has received over 34 awards for his services to the university community and has represented the institution at conferences in the USA, China, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, and Oman.