From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has commended Bayero University, Kano (BUK), for demonstrating peace and academic excellence over the years, urging the institution to prioritize Technical Education.
According to Ganduje, “BUK is one of the most peaceful universities in Nigeria.”
He also promised to strengthen harmony between the university and the host community, while calling for the review of curriculum to prioritize technical education.
Ganduje commended the peace and tranquility existing in BUK and described the atmosphere as being one of the most peaceful in the country.
He made the commendation while receiving the Presidential Visitation Panel for BUK, that paid him a courtesy visit at his office, led by the Chairman of the Panel, Prof. Femi Otubanjo.
He recognized the Panel as a very important aspect in university administration, adding that, “without any fear of contradiction Prof and members of your entourage, Bayero University, Kano, is one of the most peaceful universities in the country. There is no doubt about this.
“Sometime, I was attending a programme when I saw Four former Vice Chancellors attending the programme, with the current Vice Chancellor. I was highly delighted to witness that. There, I saw peace and tranquility working in BUK.”
According to Ganduje, “they have very good process of succession, unlike in other places where you see that, peace eludes past and existing administrations in the universities.
“But in BUK the situation is different, both former and existing leadership are in constant touch and appreciative relationship.”
Governor Ganduje, however, called for revisiting of university curriculum to give priority to technical education, explaining that, “the number of unemployed graduates is always increasing. Our emphasis should please shift to technical education.
“Education is not only about gaining employment, but rather to increase the level of one’s power of reasoning.”
He, however, advocated for the inclusion of technical education and also promised to intervene and make sure that, the existing cordial relationship between university and host communities was stronger.
“With regards the issue of allocating land to those villagers around the university, I will definitely look into that with the view to finding amicable solution. Even for the sake of improving security around the university something concrete and effective will be done,” he added.
He, however, urged the Panel to look synergize with other stakeholders of the University to ensure that industrial actions do not take place in Nigerian universities as it obtainable in Citadels of Higher Learning in developed countries.
In his brief remarks, Prof. Otubanjo, disclosed that, they were at the Governor’s office to pay him a courtesy call, as one of the critical stakeholders.
“Your Excellency we are seeking your contribution to kindly intervene as some villagers surrounding the university, are up for the encroachment of university land.
“We please urge that they should be relocated to other lands on new Ring Road or any other area you deem fit Sir. So also in the area of the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy. Sir this is where you come in very well,” he said.
