Dr. Fatima Suleiman: From ‘Duba-Gari’ roots to pioneering excellence in Environmental Health at FUHSA
In this interview by Neptune Prime’s Sakinat Musa, Dr. Fatima Suleiman, a pioneer in Environmental Health at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA), delves into her history, inspirations, departmental objectives, and efforts to enhance the student experience.
Dr. Fatima shares her journey from ‘duba-gari’ roots, highlighting her dedication to environmental sustainability and fostering a supportive campus environment.
The conversation also touches upon obstacles, collaborative opportunities, and significant projects aimed at improving student welfare and success at FUHSA.
Neptune Prime: What is your name ma and position at Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA)?
My name is Dr. Fatima Suleiman Mohammed. I joined the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare in 2022 as an Associate Professor in Environmental Health Sciences.
NP: Could you share with us what motivated you to accept the role of Pioneer Dean of Student Affairs at FUHSA?
FUHSA is one of the young specialised Universities in the country.
I am thrilled to be among the Pioneer staff of FUHSA. I was appointed the Dean of student affairs in July 2023. With the establishment of an additional 8 departments in FUHSA, I was considered to head the EHS department. I accepted the positions as assigned to me in order to contribute my quota in the development of FUHSA.
Being a new institution, we are striving hard to develop it, as we await additional staffing. I am also serving on many Senate standing committees which the University management use as instrument for managing the Institution.
NP: As the H.O.D of Environmental Health Sciences, what are your main goals for the department in the coming years?
EHS is one of the 8 additional departments that took off this session. My aim is to enlighten and showcase the community on the influence of studying environmental health sciences. Our goals is to motivate more students in joining us and train more Environmental health professionals that would contribute to environmental sustainability.
NP: What innovative initiatives do you plan to implement to enhance the student experience at FUHSA?
Generally speaking, we at FUHSA are trying to change the narrative-by adopting the new NUC CCMAS, we have tilted the University teaching and learning programs to have more of innovations and entrepreneural skills.
The management is working tirelessly to see that the students are comfortable with the provision of solar lightings, planting of trees and flowers, as well as provision of state of the arts teaching/laboratory facilities.
NP: How do you envision fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment for students under your leadership?
Accommodation has been our major issue, but the management is in pursuit of and has already invited private investors to compliment in securing more accommodations to carter for the excitingly increasing number of students in FUHSA.
NP: What unique challenges do you foresee in your dual roles, and how do you plan to address them effectively?
Well, I can tell you that, I have more than dual roles. But by the special grace of God I’m fairing well. I have a very efficient team in the student affairs division that are always ready to work 24/7. We are expecting more staff on board, where we can get more capable hands. I can tell you that staff of FUHSA are all willing-horses, so many of my colleagues do have multiple roles being executed with enthusiasm.
NP: What drew you to Environmental Health Sciences, and how do you hope to inspire students pursuing this field?
🤓…!! Environmental Health is like my heritage. I grew up in the midst of the “duba-gari” grandparents. They were so enchanting..I also developed the habit of keeping neat & tidy..
After my 1st degree in Biochemistry, I did a masters in Health management planning, as Environmental health was not so popular in Nigerian Universities during the ’90s, but still not satisfied. So I went to Cranfield University, UK, where I found it. I studied under the Director of the Institute of Environment and Health in the Faculty of Medicine and Biosciences.
Now, I am part of the team that have been working with the Registrar and Chief executive of Environmental Health Council of Nigeria to have an innovative and vibrant Nigerian Institute of Environmental Health.
NP: What collaborative opportunities do you anticipate between the Department of Environmental Health Sciences and Student Affairs to benefit the student body?
Student Affairs takes care of all the students. The student affairs division of FUHSA, with the support of the management and entire staff are committed to ensuring the welfare of the students. Having to know the students as Dean, gives me insight about their interests, strengths and capabilities. I se that to counsel them, advice and support them as needed.
NP: Can you share any key projects or programs you have in mind to promote student well-being and success at FUHSA?
All hands are on deck at FUHSA!! We aimed to make FUHSA a centre of excellence for innovation, resesrch and development in health sciences. The CCMAS has given room for 30 percent addition to the course curricular, so new innovative ideas have been designed and added. The students are 2 levels for now, but we have designed self-reliant and sustainable development programs based on their various disciplines.
