By Usman Usman Garba
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, describing it as the most powerful instrument for social progress, economic transformation, and sustainable development.
He made this known while declaring open the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria (COPSUN), held in Kano, Tuesday.
The conference was themed: “Unlocking the Potentials of Artificial Intelligence: University Governance, Internationalization and Rankings.”
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Sulaiman Wali Sani, the governor explained that his administration has placed education at the centre of public policy, with sustained investments in institutional development, infrastructure, human capital, and innovation.
He highlighted ongoing improvements in the state’s two universities—Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, and Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano, particularly in infrastructure and other critical sectors.
Governor Yusuf emphasized that Kano remains committed to supporting policies and initiatives that promote academic excellence, expand access to education, encourage research, drive innovation, and produce graduates capable of competing globally.
He further urged participants to utilize the conference not only as a forum for discussion but also as a platform for generating bold ideas, actionable reforms, and renewed partnerships that will shape the future of state-owned universities in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, called on Nigeria to urgently develop a comprehensive national strategy and policy framework to harness emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), for sustainable national development.
He warned that Nigeria must position itself strategically to remain relevant in the rapidly evolving global technological landscape, noting that the absence of a clear roadmap could leave the country behind in the digital age.
Sanusi further stressed that Nigerian universities must move beyond their traditional roles of teaching and research to become active drivers of national policy formulation, especially in developing an AI framework capable of transforming the economy and preparing future generations.
He observed that countries such as Ghana have already begun implementing robust AI strategies focused on youth development, data systems, and economic growth, cautioning that Nigeria cannot afford further delays.
Earlier, the Chairman of COPSUN, Ayodeji Omole, said the conference underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in addressing the challenges confronting state-owned universities, including governance, policy alignment, and institutional efficiency.
He noted that with over 60 such institutions across the country, continuous engagement is critical to ensuring policy coherence, institutional coordination, and improved governance.
Omole added that universities must adapt to evolving global realities, including technological advancements and shifting economic demands, through innovation and strategic planning.
