BANJUL, The Gambia – Professor Nazmat Surajudeen-Bakinde, a Nigerian academic, has been appointed as the new Vice Chancellor of the University of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology (USET) in The Gambia.

Surajudeen-Bakinde, previously the President of Offa Engineers in Nigeria, is widely recognized for her leadership and notable achievements. An Associate Professor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the University of Ilorin since 2018, she has made significant contributions to her field.

Born in Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria, she completed her secondary education at Offa Grammar School in 1990. Surajudeen-Bakinde went on to earn both her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Ilorin in 1998 and 2004, respectively. She later obtained a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Electronics from the University of Liverpool in 2010, under the Commonwealth Academic Staff Scholarship.

In addition to her academic qualifications, Surajudeen-Bakinde holds a Certificate in Advanced Studies in Academic Practice and several professional certifications. She is affiliated with numerous professional bodies, including The Institute of Learning, The Institution of Engineering and Technology, IEEE, and the National Association of Women Academics.

Her contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Award of Excellence from the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students’ Association (NUESA) and a Merit Award from the Offa Students’ Union.

In response to her appointment, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State congratulated Surajudeen-Bakinde, highlighting her positive reputation in academia. He remarked that her appointment as Vice Chancellor serves as a testament to the value of education, hard work, and integrity, and emphasized the importance of ensuring educational opportunities for all, including the girl child.