Northwest University Kano Celebrates Five Sets of Graduands at Grand Second Combined Convocation Amidst Fanfare

Northwest University Kano (formerly Yusuf Maitama Sule University), on Friday, 25th through Saturday, 26th July 2025, hosted its Second Combined Convocation Ceremony—an event marked by deep intellectual reflections, royal presence, philanthropic pledges, and the conferment of honorary degrees, all woven into a two-day celebration of academic achievement and institutional growth.

The occasion commenced on Friday morning, July 25, 2025, with a pre-convocation lecture delivered at the university’s City Campus. The lecture, titled “Re-Thinking Education in the Face of Insecurity: A Roadmap for Reviving Learning and Development in Northern Nigeria,” was delivered by Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and former Vice Chancellor of Bayero University Kano. The thought-provoking presentation examined the crises of insecurity that have debilitated educational advancement in Northern Nigeria and proposed sustainable, actionable reforms in governance, curriculum relevance, and community integration as a way forward.

Chairing the pre-convocation lecture was Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, who applauded the university's commitment to hosting such a timely and strategic dialogue. She assured stakeholders of the federal government’s steady resolve to restore quality and stability to the educational sector, especially in Northern Nigeria. The event drew wide participation from academia and government circles, including the Deputy Governor of Kano State, H.E Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, PhD; the Chancellor of Northwest University Kano, Hon. Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I (Rtd) Emir of Lafian Bare Bari; the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Professor Hafiz Abubakar; and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa, among others.

Later in the evening of the same day, the university hosted the prestigious Chancellor’s Dinner and Awards Night at the Afficient Event Centre in Kano. The event, which was presided over by the Deputy Governor of Kano State, was a glamorous gathering that brought together traditional rulers, visiting vice-chancellors, academic leaders, government officials, and members of the university community. In addition to celebrating academic accomplishments, the night provided a platform to recognise and honour sixteen (16) deserving staff members of the university who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to duty. Each honoree will be presented with a special award in recognition of their contributions to the university’s growth, stability, and excellence.

The climax of the convocation took place on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Main Campus of the university, where thousands of graduates, parents, friends of the university, and invited guests gathered for the formal convocation ceremony. One of the most significant moments of the day was the investiture of the university’s Chancellor, Hon. Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I (Rtd), performed by the Governor of Kano State, H.E Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf. In his address, the Governor reiterated his administration’s steady commitment to education, famously declaring that “education is the first, second, and third priority of this government.” His pronouncement was met with resounding applause, as it reflected a clear policy direction toward strengthening tertiary education in the state.

Immediately after his investiture, the new Chancellor, Hon. Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I (Rtd), expressed his profound appreciation to the Governor of Kano State, the University Governing Council, the University Management, and the entire university community for the honour bestowed upon him. In an emotionally resonant speech, the Chancellor described his appointment as a sacred trust and a call to service in advancing education, justice, and community development. He promised to use his office and network of influence to support the growth of Northwest University Kano and contribute meaningfully to its vision of becoming a centre of excellence in teaching, research, and service. He specifically praised H.E (Senator) Dr Rabu Musa Kwankwaso and the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa, for steering the institution with distinction and pledged to work closely with the management to elevate the university to greater national and international heights.

The ceremony also witnessed the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on five distinguished personalities in recognition of their exceptional contributions to education, community development, philanthropy, and national service. The honorees were H.E(Senator ) Engineer Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso FSNE, the Founder of Northwest University Kano and former Governor of Kano State who was conferred with Honorary Doctor of Education (Honoris Causa); the late Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata (posthumously) Honorary Doctor of Humanities (Honoris Causa); Hajiya Mariya Sunusi Dantata Honorary Doctor of Humanities (Honoris Causa); Alhaji Aliyu Sa’idu Bebeji Honorary Doctor of Entrepreneurship (Honoris Causa); and Alhaji Yahaya Maikifi Honorary Doctor of Entrepreneurship (Honoris Causa). These recipients were praised not only for their influence and generosity but also for their enduring legacies in the promotion of education and humanitarian causes.

Further adding value to the event were high-level philanthropic commitments made by friends of the university aimed at expanding infrastructure and enhancing student welfare. As announced by H.E (Senator) Engineer Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Alhaji Auwalu Abdullahi Rano pledged to construct a new student hostel within the university. Alhaji Aliyu Sa’idu Bebeji announced his resolve to complete the long-abandoned Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) hostel project to ease accommodation challenges on campus. In a similar spirit, Alhaji Yahaya Maikifi committed to building a modern, fully-equipped clinic to improve healthcare delivery for staff and students alike.

The convocation ceremony was further elevated by the presence of a distinguished royal delegation led by the Chancellor. He was accompanied by eight Emirs from Nasarawa State, including that of Nasarawa, as well as the Senator representing Nasarawa West, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly and the former Inspector General of Police, Muhammad Abubakar Adamu. Their attendance added glamour, traditional symbolism, and national representation to the event.

The Registrar of the University, Adm. Isyaku Adamu, meticulously coordinated the academic procession and presentation of graduates. His efficient handling of the ceremonial procedures ensured that the degree conferment was smooth and dignified. The Convocation Committee, under the leadership of its Chairman, Professor Abubakar S. Garba, was commended for its outstanding planning and flawless execution of what is now described by many as one of the best-organized convocations ceremonies.

In addition to awarding degrees to graduates, the convocation also celebrated academic distinction as outstanding graduands from various faculties and departments were honoured for their exceptional performance. The ceremony covered five graduating undergraduate sets and two postgraduate cohorts, making it one of the most inclusive convocations in the university’s history.

With participants drawn from across the country—including vice-chancellors, heads of tertiary institutions, government dignitaries, development partners, students, parents, and media professionals—the event not only marked a celebration of academic excellence but also served as a powerful platform for dialogue on pressing educational issues, national unity, and institutional development.

As Northwest University Kano concludes this historic Second Combined Convocation Ceremony, it does so with renewed optimism, strong partnerships, and a clear vision for the future. The administration under Professor Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa continues to reposition the university as a hub of knowledge, development, and service to the community, the state, and the nation at large.