By Ado Salisu
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has reaffirmed his administration commitment to close gaps in educational provision, not only as a matter of policy but as a moral imperative to empower the youth and build a prosperous future for Kano state.
He stated this at the opening ceremony of the colloquium and conference organized by Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University KHAIRUN in honour of Professor Haruna Musa fsi, the 12th Vice Chancellor of Bayero University Kano BUK held at KHAIRUN premises.
Governor Yusuf who was represented by the state head of service, Hajia Bilkisu Shehu Maimota described the colloquium as well deserved considering his track record academically and administratively in the education sector.
” l extend my profound appreciation to the management and governing council of Khalifa Isiyaka Rabi’u University (KHAIRUN) for this kind invitation and for organizing this colloquium and conference to honour a truly distinguished academic and administrator.
”it is the firm belief of this government that a robust and accessible education system is the cornerstone of socio-economic development. This is why the government is dedicated to maintaining a sustained partnership and collaboration with all stakeholders, including our private institutions like KHAIRUN among others,” he explained.
He applauded the management of KHAIRUN for its commitment to providing quality education and for its recent achievement in upgrading 32 state-of-the-art laboratories to equip students with practical skills, adding that these are the kind of synergy between government vision and institutional drive that will fuel the necessary human capital development for sustainable progress.
” However, honouring a man whose life has been dedicated to the advancement of higher education and national development. Professor Haruna Musa, fsi, whose contributions to academia and transformative leadership as the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, are truly commendable.”
“As this colloquium proceeds, I urge all participants to engage in robust and meaningful discourse on issues of significance to education, leadership, and societal development, as reflected in the book being presented today by Dr. Naja’atu Baia Rabi’u. Let us continue to work together in the spirit of partnership, as articulated by the present administration, to build a state and a nation that we can all be proud of,” he said.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor of KHAIRUN, Professor Abdulrashid Garba said the colloquium with the theme ” Transformative Science and Technology Education for sustainable Development” is organized in honor of m Professor Musa and is specifically designed to commemorate his first year in office as the 12th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University.
Professor Garba also spoke on the contributions of Professor Musa not to BUK in particular but also to Kano, Katsina and Jigawa but also in the entire region and the Nigeria at large.
”As a matter of tradition, every major occasion taking place in a University is, essentially, an academic occasion. It is for this reason that the colloquium is preceded by a conference at which experts, scholars, researchers and students have the opportunity to present the outcome of their research, deliberate on transformative science and technology education, and examine its contributions to sustainable development,” he explained.
”Today’s opening ceremony will feature, among other activities, the conferment of honours and awards on Bayero University, Kano and its Vice Chancellor as well as the presentation of a book. It is particularly noteworthy that the idea for this book was conceived at BUK and brought to fruition here at KHAIRUN -a clear demonstration of a daughter institution following in the footstep if her mother and mentor.”
”The colloquium seeks to address emerging theoretical and practical advances in, and transformations of, sustainable development, with particular reference to science and technology education. Transformative science and technology education is regarded as a catalyst for personal, societal and environmental transformation.
Universities have a critical role to play in this regards by producing informed and responsible citizens and generating research and policy solutions to contemporary challenges,” he said.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University Kano BUK, Prof Haruna Musa expressed gratitude to KHAIRUN for the gesture, adding ” l accept it not as a personal tribute, but on behalf of the staff, students and alumni of Bayero University Kano and indeed on behalf of every colleague across our University system who continues to teach , research and supervise under conditions that would discourage lesser men and women.
Prof Musa charged the conference participants to come out with fruitful deliberations and communique in order to actualise the set objectives.
In his keynote address, Chief Anibe Achimugu of the National Cotton Association of Nigeria, described technology education as a key role in boosting socio economic growth of country.
Highlights of the event include presentation of papers by Professor Abdallah Uba Adamu and Alhaji Abba Danguguwa.
In his vote of thanks, the chairman, organizing committee, Alhaji Nazir Muhammad who double as KHAIRUN’S Chief Liberian thanked all those who have contributed in one way or the other towards a colourful opening ceremony, calling for more support during conference proper.
Dignitaries who graced occasion includes former and current vice Chancellors from public and private universities within and outside Kano.
