From Umar Danladi Ado,Sokoto
An Entrepreneurship and Social investment specialist, Dr. Umar Buba Bindir, has stated that Nigeria has failed in its generational development strategies due to the absence of a realistic industrial framework that institutions can leverage for productivity.
He said there are more gains than losses in embracing science, technology, inventions, and innovations for sustainable development in Nigerian universities.
Dr. Bindir stated this on Thursday night while delivering a paper as Guest Lecturer at the 8th Combined Convocation Ceremonies and Founders’ Day of Sokoto State University.
“I recall we began with OFN, Indigenization, Green Revolution, Vision 2020, Transformation Agenda, Change Mantra, Next Level, and today we are talking of Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
The topic of the lecture was “Science, Technology, Entrepreneurship and Investment for Sustainable Development.”
According to him, prioritizing technology acquisition will ease the quest for a results-oriented industrialization policy across all institutions of learning.
“This will strengthen the drive for creativity and innovation for system change to effectively sustain general development.
It will make our institutions more responsive generators of broad investments that will power the use of universities for high yields and economic boosts,” he said.
Dr. Bindir added that SSU must not be left out in upgrading its operational components such as laboratories and other critical facilities, and in powering research and development systems.
“This will further deepen internal strategic commitment and discourage dependency on allocations or subventions from government by generating avenues for profitable investments within,” he urged.
The event climaxed with award presentations to HRH, the Emir of Dutse in Jigawa State and Chancellor of the University, Alhaji Hameem Nuhu Sanusi; Founder of the University and Senator, Dr. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko; and Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu.
Other recipients were the Pro-Chancellor and Makaman Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Sani, and Dr. Umar Buba Bindir, the social investment specialist and guest lecturer.
HRH Sanusi received the award in recognition of his appointment as Chancellor, Senator Wamakko as Founding Father, while Makaman Sokoto was honoured for integrity and due process.
Dr. Bindir was recognized for his innovative and entrepreneurial drive for the development of the institution and society.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Muhammad Bello Yerima, said the institution is focused on driving entrepreneurship policies that will graduate students as job creators, not job seekers.
He said the university’s trajectory is student-productivity oriented, and it is rapidly expanding the scope of its academic standards for excellence.
Professor Yerima expressed delight and thanked Governor Ahmed Aliyu, the Founder of the institution, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, and other stakeholders for their resourceful support and commitment, which he said had raised the status of the university as an attractive choice for students.
The Chancellor and Emir of Dutse, HRH Hameem Sanusi, described Senator Wamakko as a visionary and selfless leader who played a vital role in the growth process of the institution and influenced his appointment as Chancellor.
While appreciating Governor Ahmed Aliyu for approving his chancellorship, the Emir, who recalled the good relationship between Senator Wamakko and his late father whom he succeeded, said:
“We will do all we can to ensure SSU excels to become one of the best, unique, and standard-driven institutions comparable to any in the country.
We will drive the vision with passion, and I wish to state that I am still indebted to Senator Wamakko,” he declared.
The Founder of the University, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government, Hon. Ibrahim Dadi Adare.
He said the establishment of the university was an initiative to open the education horizon and provide opportunities for the people of the state and Nigerians to acquire knowledge and produce the manpower required for the state and nation.
“Today, SSU can compete in producing quality and reliable graduates with the zeal and capacity for future service.
Happily, the state government is giving immense support to make the institution great and an attractive choice for candidates.
The state government is also doing a lot to boost agriculture, education, health, improve security, and societal development through the provision of basic infrastructure across the state.
We should continue to extend more support to the government for better services to the people of the state,” he stated.