The Chairman of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, and Senator representing Kano South, Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, says establishing the institution in a rural community was a deliberate decision aimed at reducing rural-to-urban migration and expanding access to quality higher education.
Senator Kawu Sumaila stated this at the combined convocation ceremony of the university for the 2023, 2024 and 2025 academic sessions, where 1,104 students graduated.
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He explained that the decision to establish the university in Sumaila Local Government Area was driven by the need to provide young people in rural communities with access to quality education and opportunities without compelling them to migrate to urban centres.
According to him, rural-to-urban migration has continued to put pressure on urban infrastructure, as young people leave their communities in search of higher education and economic opportunities.
He said establishing a university of international standard in the rural area would help reverse the trend by bringing higher education and economic opportunities closer to the people.
Senator Kawu Sumaila added that the institution would empower local youths, stimulate the rural economy and create a sustainable environment where knowledge and opportunities could thrive within the community.
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He acknowledged the contributions of the university’s principal officers, community leaders, elders, institutions and governments towards the development of the institution.
The Chairman said the university began with a mission to expand access to quality and value-based higher education and had grown into an institution focused on academic excellence and character development.
He also expressed appreciation to the former Chairman, His Royal Highness Alhaji Jamiu Abdul Kareem, for his leadership, guidance and contributions to the growth of the university.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf expressed satisfaction with the development of the university, describing its philosophy as being in line with his administration’s educational agenda.
Governor Yusuf said his administration would continue to support the growth of the institution, adding that the state government had already paid for the continuation of studies of 85 medical and engineering students sponsored by the government.
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The Governor recalled that when his administration assumed office, the education sector was in a critical condition, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency on education.
He said three years into his administration, the state was now witnessing positive developments in the sector as a result of the measures introduced by the government.