VICE CHANCELLOR ENGAGES JUNIOR STAFF IN FIRST OFFICIAL STAKEHOLDER MEETING, WA, AUGUST 6, 2025
The Vice Chancellor of Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University, Ing. Prof. Hamidatu Saaka Darimani, has held her first official engagement with the university’s Junior Staff, marking a significant step in her stakeholder consultation process since assuming office.
The meeting, held at the university campus, was attended by the Registrar, Mr. Vitus Songotuah, and was aimed at fostering open dialogue between management and the junior staff who form the backbone of day-to-day university operations.
In her address, Ing. Prof. Darimani expressed heartfelt appreciation to the staff for their support and the warm welcome extended to her as she begins her tenure. She acknowledged the vital role junior staff play in ensuring the smooth functioning and long-term development of the university.
“I am committed to a leadership style that is inclusive, transparent, and responsive,” she said. “Together, we can build a university environment that works for everyone.”
The Vice Chancellor outlined some of her key priorities, including:
- Improving working conditions across departments
- Creating more opportunities for capacity building and skills development
- Strengthening communication between staff and management
- Promoting unity and teamwork in service of institutional growth
- She further called on all staff to unite behind a shared vision, emphasising that collective effort would be critical in realising the university’s goals.
Junior staff took the opportunity to congratulate Ing. Prof. Darimani on her historic appointment as the first female Vice Chancellor of the university and a proud “daughter of the land”. Many expressed confidence in her leadership, citing her understanding of the university’s unique challenges.
The interactive session allowed staff to raise several pressing concerns, including:
- Inadequate numbers of labourers and security personnel
- Poor drainage systems, particularly in washrooms
- Delays in responding to requests for logistics
- The need for an additional pumping machine at the Administration Block
- Implementation of staff advice and suggestions
- Non-payment of overtime allowances and lack of access to rent advance
- Unregulated commercial activities in lecture halls, the Library, and Administration Block
- Low staff welfare contributions
- Need for orientation of students on proper use of washroom facilities
In response, university management acknowledged the concerns and assured staff that their feedback had been well received. While noting the financial constraints currently facing the institution, the Vice Chancellor assured staff that interim measures would be explored, and each concern would be referred to the appropriate units for follow-up.
“While we may not resolve everything at once, we will take practical steps toward lasting solutions. Your voice matters, and your concerns are valid,” she assured.
The meeting concluded on a positive and hopeful note, with a renewed sense of trust, unity, and cooperation. Staff and management alike pledged to maintain open channels of communication and work together to improve the welfare and working conditions of all university personnel.
The engagement was coordinated by the Directorate of Public Affairs