Convocation: El-Rufai Installs Emir Sanusi Chancellor KASU, Says ‘Kano’s Loss Is Our Gain’

… Defends rationale for hike in tuition fees


By Frederick Peters, KADUNA

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA- The Governor of Kaduna state and Visitor to Kaduna state university, Mallam Nasir Ahmed El- rufai, has formally installed the immediate past Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi ll, as the Chancellor of the University.

The Governor said the appointed and installation of the 14th Emir of Kano was indeed a loss for Kano state, but a gain for Kaduna state.

Rufai also defended the state government’s decision on the increase in tuition fees of the only state owned university and other tertiary institutions owned by the state, maintaining that it is no longer feasible to offer free tertiary education.

He disclosed this at the 4th Combined Convocation Ceremony of Kaduna State University, KASU, on Saturday, where students and distinguished Nigerians were conferred with first Degrees, post graduate Diplomas, Masters, Doctorate Degrees and awards of Honorary Doctorate Degrees among other things.

Speaking, the Governor said ” as the Visitor of this university, I have the immeasurable honour today to be part of its 4th combined convocation ceremony and as well the Installation of my brother and my friend, His Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi ll, the 14th Emir of Kano, as the Chancellor of this university

” Your Highness as i said, when we appointed you, Kano’s Loss is our Gain “, adding  ” and you have already started showing the difference , I wish to express our gratitude on behalf of the government and people of Kaduna state to you, your Highness for accepting our invitation to serve as Chancellor of Kaduna State University”.

While offering his congratulatory message to the graduating students, he said ” I wish you all success ; using the knowledge you have acquired to navigate the world to achieve productive livelihood and make contributions to society’

According to him, the contentious issue of hike in tuition fees of the state university, which  ” met considerable resistance by Students and parents, who used to pay less than 30,000, per session ” was no longer feasible considering obvious realities.

Saying, ” quality tertiary education requires significant investment and this can no longer be solely or mainly provided by the government alone, we need to admit that government funding cannot come consistently at that level that helped our own generation universities establish their global standing, “adding that we need an innovative means of financing our tertiary institutions.

Responding to the Governor’s address, the New Chancellor of the university and and Former Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi, said ” it is indeed a great honour for me to accept my appointment as Chancellor of this great University and i am proud to be associated with the state that has shown an unwavering commitment to education.

“Your Excellency, you have always said that any society that turns its back on education, it has turned its back on progress, and your commitment to education since you became Governor is evidence that Kaduna is ready to reclaim its lost glory”. He then assured the University and Governor of contributing his best for the growth and development of the university and state.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Muhammad Tanko, expressed his immense appreciation to the State Government for the full support the University has been receiving while congratulating His Highness, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, CON, the 14th Emir of Kano for his successful installation and the graduands for their achievements


” Your Excellency Sir, I like to inform you that we have keyed into your vision of providing more than edged courses that will produce graduates that will be skilled and therefore self-employed. We achieved it by introducing courses like Biotechnology, Geophysics and Cyber Security. We have also championed the development of Benchmark for the National Universities Commission (NUC) in the area of Logistics and Supply Chain Management. So far, we have secured various trainings for our staff that will enhance their capacity” he stated


According to him,” The University, as of now has Twelve Faculties, Two Colleges, Two Schools, 61 Postgraduate Programmes, Thirty-Five Undergraduate Programmes, Four Research Centres, Two Institutes and a number of other Academic Support Units.  “we have 70 Full-Time Professors and more than 200 Ph.D holders. Presently, the University offers Ph.Ds in almost all the departments in the University, and Master of Philosophy for the students who do not have the requirements for admission into the Ph.D programmes. ” he added
On his part, a Lecturer with the CRS Department of the university and one of the 2017- 2018, Masters Degree graduates, Rev. Fr. James Danjuma Tella,, said he’s ” glad to be among those the university is graduating today,; it feels nice to celebrate a day like this”

According to him, it is a double celebration to have graduated and lecturing here too,” so it’s like we are not only celebrating others, but celebrating myself”. He further said, ” the importance of education in the life of human beings is something that cannot be compromised and overemphasized

” so it’s my earnest advice to those willing to come to the university, not to be discouraged by the recent issue of school fees ; it is said, where there’s a will, there’s always a way”.While empathising with them, however noted that nothing good comes easy” adding that to wear a crown comes with a prize and the prize is” to study very hard” to earn a degree ” that is presentable in the present world that is going towards digitalization ” he reiterated

In the same vein, a Masters Degree graduate of Development communication and a seasoned Broadcaster, Mrs Jacqueline Adebija, said, it feels great and a sense of relief, that she’s finally, done with this one ( Masters) and now looks unto the next.

While describing the educational standard of the university as “on the rise”, however added that with the new policies that we have ” it might be little difficult for every one to access education here, but at least you can be sure that when you, your child, or ward come to get an education in the university, you can be be sure, it would be of world class quality ” she stressed

On her part, graduate of history , Fauziyye Shehu, while expressing gratitude, said ” I am very happy and overwhelmed. I thanked Almighty Allah for showing me this day” Adding that her advise to those foot dragging in the attainment of education, ” they should try and go to school, because education is very important in this life of today ” she averred