By Rabi’u Sunusi
The Kano Intellectuals Forum has been inaugurated with a charge on academics and professionals to deploy their knowledge, research and expertise towards finding practical solutions to the socioeconomic challenges confronting the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya gave the charge while inaugurating the Forum at the Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies, stressing that the responsibility of tertiary institutions goes beyond producing graduates and awarding certificates.
Waiya said academic institutions have a critical role to play in generating knowledge, conducting evidence-based research and providing practical solutions to challenges affecting society, urging members of the Forum to offer research-based advice, policy recommendations and technical support.
He said the Forum would provide a platform for stronger engagement between the academic community and government in areas such as education, economic development, social welfare, innovation, human capital development and research, while urging members to produce practical and implementable recommendations.
The Commissioner also called on the Forum to contribute to the dissemination of information on development achievements and investments in tertiary institutions, particularly to enable members of the academic community and the public appreciate interventions in the sector.
Earlier, the Provost of Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education, Dr. Kabiru Gwarzo, said the Forum was designed to ensure broad and inclusive representation of tertiary institutions, with four representatives from each institution drawn from academic and non-academic staff, students and women.
In his remarks, the Acting Provost of Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies, Dr. Ali Tamasi, said Kano’s tertiary institutions were endowed with highly knowledgeable professionals whose expertise could be better utilised to address local challenges and support socioeconomic development.
Dr. Tamasi expressed optimism that the Forum would strengthen collaboration among intellectuals and relevant stakeholders, promote greater use of academic research and professional expertise and contribute meaningful ideas to policies and programmes aimed at improving the wellbeing of the people.
