October 21, (THEWILL) – Former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, says the establishment of Northwest University, Kano, and the Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil, were the best achievements of his two-term tenure.
The Kano State University of Science and Technology is now known as Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, while the Northwest University is now called Yusuf Maitama Sule University.
Kwankwaso, who is also the national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), stated this at the commissioning of a teacher training programme, aimed at enhancing the computer skills of 1,000 primary and secondary school teachers in collaboration with the Skyline University of Nigeria in Kano on Monday.
The event was part of celebrations marking his 68th birthday anniversary.
According to him, during his two tenures – 1999 to 2003 and 2011 to 2015, he executed many development projects in agriculture, infrastructure and rural development, among others, but the establishment of the two universities was most dear to him.
“All these projects, including flyovers, roads, rural and agricultural development projects, such as the ones during my first tenure, including my second tenure, if I am asked to put them in order of priority as achievements I would put the two universities as my best”, he said.
The national leader of the Kwankwasiyya political movement commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his commitment to the development of education in the state.
He said Governor Yusuf deserves commendation for upholding the doctrines of the Kwankwasiyya political movement, which is education and human development.
In his remarks, Yusuf commended the initiative to train the 1,000 teachers on computer skills in collaboration with Skyline University.
He said his administration would continue to partner with private universities to train and build the capacity of teachers to achieve excellence in education in the state.
The Governor described Kwankwaso as his leader and mentor and promised to continue to work with the principles of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the programme and the state Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar-Mata, said the initiative came at a time when knowledge, technology, and creativity are the driving force behind any society’s progress.
“It is my profound honour to stand before you at this precious time and on this momentous occasion as we come together to witness and celebrate a number of transformative initiatives, all of which are critical to the advancement of education, human capital, and innovation in Kano State.
“Today, we commission a teacher training programme aimed at enhancing the computer skills of 1,000 primary and secondary school teachers, we launch certificates in hospitality for deserving beneficiaries, and we inaugurate a programme centred on innovation and creativity for 100 young entrepreneurs, both men and women, across our great state.
“This significant undertaking, executed in collaboration with Skyline University, comes at a time when knowledge, technology, and creativity are the driving forces behind any society’s progress. These initiatives will empower our teachers with the digital competencies they need to effectively instruct the next generation, ensuring our students are well-equipped for the demands of the modern world.
“Furthermore, the launch of certificates in hospitality provides a platform for growth in one of the most vibrant and critical sectors of our economy, offering hope and opportunity to our youth, while the innovation and creativity programme seeks to nurture the potential of our young entrepreneurs, fostering a culture of innovation that will propel Kano State to new heights”, he said.
After the event, Kwankwaso proceeded to Rikadawa, Madobi Local Government, his hometown where he inaugurated an Islamic primary school, as part of the birthday celebration.
After inspecting the newly-constructed school, Kwankwaso expressed satisfaction with the project, which according to him, would go a long way in helping the community to acquire more Islamic knowledge.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
