Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has assured that the people of Kano and the northern region will stand firmly behind President Bola Tinubu in 2027, describing him as a leader who has shown genuine love and support for the North.
He gave the assurance on Monday, October 6, during his annual undergraduate scholarship programme held at the Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano.
The event attracted top dignitaries including the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, Kano APC Chairman, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abdullahi Kadage, and ASUU Chairman, Ado Abdullahi.
The speakers commended Tinubu’s commitment to education and development in Kano and the region.
Barau, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the President for approving the upgrade of the former Federal College of Education to a full-fledged university after nearly a decade of lobbying.
“I would like to thank Mr President, the president of our country, the president that we are all proud of, the president who loves Kano, who loves Northern Nigeria, and who loves Nigeria.
“He graciously approved our long-standing request to upgrade this institution to a university, and for that, we remain deeply grateful,” he said.
According to him, the President’s decision reflected his deep concern for the future of young Nigerians and his belief in the power of education to drive national growth.
Barau continued, “We have never asked or canvassed for anything from Mr President, and he said no. Why shouldn’t we love Mr President? We have to reciprocate, and we are waiting for the time to do that, come 2027.”
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He further noted that education remains the foundation of national progress, adding that human capital, rather than natural resources, remains the world’s most valuable asset.
The lawmaker also praised President Tinubu for renaming the institution after the late Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, describing the move as an honour to one of Kano’s greatest sons.
“It was painful when the present administration in Kano annulled the decision by the former administration of Dr Ganduje to name a state-owned institution after Alhaji Maitama Sule.
“When I presented a request to President Tinubu to name this institution after our elder statesman, he immediately approved it. This is how he continues to demonstrate love and respect for Kano and our heroes,” he added
He described Tinubu as the “grandfather” of the institution and himself as its “father,” pledging continuous support for the university’s development.
As part of his commitment to education, Barau announced scholarships for 1,000 students from Kano North Senatorial District and promised to extend the gesture across the state.
“I urge all students to remain focused on their studies. Education is the bedrock of every society. If I, as a grandfather and a PhD student, can continue to pursue learning, then there is no reason for any young person to relent,” he said.
Kano APC Chairman, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, also applauded the President for the institution’s conversion and renaming, while Minister Yusuf Ata commended his interventions in the state and the wider North.
Vice Chancellor, Professor Abdullahi Kadage, hailed Senator Barau for his “visionary leadership and unwavering support,” noting that the university’s creation followed a bill he sponsored at the National Assembly.