From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Apparently elated over his new appointment as the Dean school of law, America University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, Prof. Mohammed Bello Magaji recalled how he served in similar position in an Islamic University, Uganda some few years ago, saying the East Africa experience will boost his current position.
The President of the AUN, DeWayne P. Frazier, has since informed the university community of Magaji’s appointment, saying he has a passion for the advancement of the American University of Nigeria and an encouraging attitude in seeing the university improve and prosper.
Prof. Magaji has been a key faculty member in the School of Law during his time at AUN and has over three decades experience in the legal field.
The Professor of law told our Correspondent in a chat, “I am elated and grateful to God for giving me another opportunity to serve as Dean of law.The ambition of any legal academic is to head the most important component of legal education that is the deanery. Recall that I was appointed Dean of law of Islamic university in Uganda some years ago during my teaching sojourn in that East African country.
“It only gives me another opportunity to extend the frontiers of legal knowledge and learning but this time in my country under a different educational system as you may be aware here in AUN we are running American style educational system.I am really challenged and delighted to have another opportunity to give my best to legal education in my country”.
According to Frazier, “As we move into this next era, I am pleased to inform the campus community that Professor Bello Magaji will move into the interim role to serve as our Dean of the School of Law. Dr. Magaji has been a key faculty member in the School of Law during his time at AUN and has over three decades experience in the legal field.
“Dr. B.M. Magaji joined the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in June 2021 as an Associate Professor of Law, bringing with him over 34 years of distinguished legal practice as a Barrister and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, alongside a wealth of academic leadership experience. Prior to joining AUN, Dr. Magaji served as Associate Dean, Deputy Dean, and Dean of Law at Kampala International University and the Islamic University in Uganda, roles in which he demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to legal education.
“At AUN, Dr. Magaji has played pivotal roles, including serving as Chair of the Department of Public Law and Director of Academic Planning. His leadership has been instrumental in securing accreditation for programs in the School of Law and the School of Information Technology and Communication (SITC), reflecting his unwavering dedication to academic excellence. In addition, Dr. Magaji actively contributes to various university-level committees, including the Senate and the Open Distance Learning Program Committee, as well as several key committees within the School of Law.
“Dr. Magaji’s scholarly contributions are extensive and impactful. He has published numerous journal articles that underscore his expertise in the field of law. His authorship of ten standard law textbooks, one of which was celebrated by AUN Management, has further enriched legal education. His generosity in donating copies of his books to the AUN library and to parents at the launch event exemplifies his selflessness and commitment to fostering a vibrant academic community. As editor of several law journals, including the AUN Law Journal, Dr. Magaji continues to contribute to the advancement of legal scholarship.
“Dr. Magaji’s commitment to professional development is reflected in his participation in advanced training programs, such as the Certified Supervision Certificate and the Certified Department Chairs courses, organized in collaboration with Academic Impressions and AUN. Dr. Magaji’s remarkable achievements, leadership, and dedication to academic excellence make him an invaluable asset to the American University of Nigeria community and a beacon of inspiration in the field of legal education.
“There are many other items we can also state about Dr. Magaji but above all, he has a passion for the advancement of the American University of Nigeria and a encouraging attitude in seeing the university improve and prosper. Dr. Magaji is well liked by his peers and students and I am confident that we will see seamless transition in leadership because of the professionalism between him and former Dean Yusuf. Please make sure you congratulate Dr. Magaji and Dr. Yusuf on their successes and the journeys before them.
“Over the last several years the university School of Law has operated under the steady hand of Dean Yusuf Mohammed who has served with distinction. Under his leadership the program has seen enrollment growth as well as successful accreditation visit by the Council of Legal Education. As many of you are aware, he was on loan to AUN from the University of Maiduguri and we are thankful to the institution for the time he spent with our university”.