President Bola Tinubu has called on Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to swiftly address the lingering land dispute between Bayero University, Kano (BUK) and surrounding communities. YEPS News gathered that Tinubu made this appeal on Saturday while speaking at the university’s 39th convocation ceremony, where he was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaibu Ahmed.
The president emphasized the need for a lasting resolution, urging the governor to issue the university’s title deed to secure its land and prevent future conflicts.
FG’s Commitment to Infrastructure and Education
Tinubu acknowledged the university’s infrastructure challenges, particularly the absence of a perimeter fence at its new campus. He assured that the Federal Government had allocated funds for the project, with construction already underway.
“The Federal Government has already provided funding, and work is ongoing,” he stated, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to upgrading university facilities across the country.
Highlighting broader efforts in education, Tinubu noted that the government was investing in research and infrastructure through the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Public Universities Intervention. He also encouraged universities to seek private sector partnerships to enhance development.
Building a Knowledge-Driven Society
The president stressed the need for Nigerian universities to integrate research into teaching and learning, reinforcing the administration’s focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as key drivers of national growth.
Referencing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) launched in July 2024, he noted that it provides financial assistance for higher education, vocational training, and skills acquisition, ensuring that more students have access to quality education.
He further commended Bayero University’s academic achievements, highlighting its ranking as the sixth-best university in Nigeria and first in international outlook in the 2025 Times Higher Education Global Ranking.
Addressing Economic Challenges in Universities
Acknowledging concerns over rising electricity tariffs affecting Nigerian universities, Tinubu assured that the government was working towards stabilizing energy costs to prevent disruptions in academic activities.
He congratulated 3,400 postgraduate students and praised the 8,769 undergraduates who had received their first degrees earlier in the week. Additionally, he extended his congratulations to the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, on his appointment as Chancellor of Bayero University, expressing confidence in his leadership.
Vice-Chancellor Commends Tinubu’s Educational Policies
BUK’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sagir Abbas, lauded Tinubu for the establishment of NELFund, which provides interest-free loans to indigent students, easing financial burdens on families.
He also praised the president for removing federal universities from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), restoring autonomy in staff recruitment and payroll management.
“This move eliminates salary payment delays and enhances administrative efficiency, while also facilitating international collaborations and recruitment,” Abbas stated.
However, he expressed concern over the high cost of electricity, noting that it consumes one-third of the university’s income and poses significant financial challenges.