COPSUN Delegates Pay Homage to Emir of Kano Ahead of 8th Biennial Conference

As part of activities marking the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria (COPSUN), delegates on Monday, 27th April 2026, paid a courtesy and homage visit to His Highness, the Emir of Kano, Khalifa, Muhammadu Sanusi II, PhD at his palace in Kano.

The visit formed part of the long-standing protocol of COPSUN, which recognizes the importance of engaging traditional institutions in host states during its conferences.

Leading the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor of Northwest University Kano (NWUK), Professor Amina Salihi Bayero, formally introduced members of the COPSUN delegation to the revered monarch. She expressed appreciation to the Emir for his continued contributions to the progress and development of Kano State.

Professor Amina also reintroduced the significance of the 8th Biennial Conference being hosted in Kano and presented key dignitaries in attendance, including the Chairman of COPSUN and Pro-Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Professor Ayodeji Omole. She further introduced the Pro-Chancellor of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil, Justice Audu Aboki, JSC (rtd.) as well as the Pro-Chancellor of Northwest University Kano, HE Professor Hafiz Abubakar.

In his remarks, the Chairman of COPSUN, Professor Ayodeji Omole, gave a brief historical background of the Committee, noting that it was established in September 2005 to strengthen governance and collaboration among state-owned universities in Nigeria.

He disclosed that he is currently deputized by Professor Maxwell Gidado of Adamawa State University and thanked the people of Kano for warmly hosting the conference.

Describing Kano as the “Mother of the North,” Professor Omole commended the state for its rich history, hospitality, and strategic role in national development.

Responding, His Highness the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, PhD humorously acknowledged the Chairman’s description of Kano as the Mother of the North, drawing admiration from the visiting delegates.

The Emir emphasized the strategic importance of Pro-Chancellors in the university system, noting that their responsibilities are as vital as those of Vice-Chancellors. According to him, the position requires wisdom, strength, foresight, and sound strategy to effectively guide universities toward excellence.

He expressed delight at the caliber of distinguished personalities gathered as Pro-Chancellors under the COPSUN platform.

The monarch further described universities as the backbone of every progressive society and urged higher institutions to prioritize skills acquisition and entrepreneurship over the mere award of certificates. He noted that equipping graduates with practical skills would significantly improve employability and national productivity.

He also encouraged delegates to patronize local businesses and explore Kano during their stay, saying such engagements would positively contribute to the state’s economy and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Pro-Chancellor of Northwest University Kano, Professor Hafiz Abubakar, expressed profound appreciation to the Emir for graciously receiving the delegation despite his busy schedule.

He also thanked members of the National Organizing Committee (NOC) and Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for their dedication toward the successful hosting of the conference.

Professor Hafiz further commended the Vice-Chancellors of ADUSTECH Wudil Prof. Musa Tukur Yakasai and Northwest University Kano Prof. Amina Salihi Bayero for their valuable contributions to the success of the conference preparations.

Special recognition was also given to the Registrars of the two host institutions, Dr. Naheed Ibrahim and Dr. Adm. Isyaku Adamu of Northwest University Kano, for their administrative support and commitment.

Following the palace visit, COPSUN delegates proceeded to the Bristol Palace Hotel, Kano, where they held a General Assembly meeting.

Later in the evening, delegates are expected to reconvene at the same venue for a Cocktail Dinner as part of the pre-conference engagements ahead of the formal opening ceremony of the 8th Biennial Conference.