President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to take decisive action in resolving the ongoing land dispute between Bayero University, Kano (BUK), and neighboring communities. The President emphasized the importance of issuing a legal title deed to the university to solidify its ownership rights and prevent further encroachment on its land.
Speaking at BUK’s 39th convocation ceremony on Saturday—where he was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed—Tinubu acknowledged the longstanding challenges the university has faced regarding land encroachment. He stressed the need for legal protection to safeguard BUK’s property and ensure its continued growth.
“The government is fully aware of the challenge posed by the lack of a perimeter fence around Bayero University, Kano. To address this issue, we have allocated funds to facilitate the construction of a secure boundary around the institution,” Tinubu stated.
He further emphasized the importance of preserving the university’s land for academic and infrastructural development, noting that unauthorized occupation by external parties could hinder the institution’s ability to expand and provide quality education.
Beyond the land dispute, President Tinubu also addressed another pressing issue affecting Nigerian universities—the rising cost of electricity tariffs. He highlighted the need for institutions of higher learning to explore innovative solutions for power generation through research and development.
“We are making significant efforts to stabilize electricity tariffs to ensure that our universities function optimally without excessive financial burdens. However, while we continue to work on long-term solutions, I strongly encourage our universities to leverage research and technology to develop alternative power supply systems,” the President stated.
He urged universities to invest in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, which could serve as sustainable solutions to the electricity crisis affecting educational institutions nationwide.
In addition to land and electricity issues, Tinubu called on university governing councils and senates to be proactive in revitalizing Nigeria’s academic culture. He stressed the need for institutions to adopt modern teaching methodologies and equip graduates with the skills necessary to compete on a global scale.
“Our universities must align their academic programs with global best practices to ensure that graduates possess the knowledge and skills required to thrive in an ever-evolving world. It is crucial to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application,” he added.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s education sector by implementing policies that enhance the quality of learning, research, and innovation within universities.
The President’s remarks have sparked discussions among education stakeholders, with many calling on the Kano State government to take swift action in addressing BUK’s land issue. The outcome of this intervention will be crucial in determining the future expansion and security of one of Nigeria’s leading academic institutions.