Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), delivered the 39th Convocation Lecture at Bayero University, Kano (BUK) on Friday, 14th February, 2025.

Notably, Mr. Halilu, at a relatively young age, became the youngest convocation lecturer in the history of Bayero University, underscoring his exceptional leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s science and engineering landscape.

Chaired by Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, the lecture was attended by distinguished personalities, including Alh. Suleiman Halilu, the father of the convocation lecturer, as well as former vice-chancellors, registrars, traditional rulers, and members of the academic community from BUK and other tertiary institutions.

Titled “Innovation and Entrepreneurship: A Pathway to National Development,” Mr. Halilu’s lecture emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to harness its youthful population and leverage technology-driven entrepreneurship to drive economic growth and global competitiveness.

Highlighting Nigeria’s demographic challenges and opportunities, Mr. Halilu noted that the country’s projected population of 264.1 million by 2030 presents a critical challenge: how to turn its demographic strength into an economic advantage. He stressed that Nigeria must produce a generation of skilled leaders equipped to navigate the fourth industrial revolution.

The NASENI boss also underscored the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving economic prosperity, citing global data showing that high-income nations boast significantly higher entrepreneurial density than developing economies.

To address Nigeria’s development challenges, Mr. Halilu recommended that the government recalibrate its policies to support innovation and entrepreneurship, citing global success stories such as Estonia’s e-Residency program. He also emphasized the need for universities to align with global trends, adopt multidisciplinary curricula, and enhance partnerships between academia, industry, and government.

In his remarks, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, described the lecture as timely, aligning with the Federal Government’s intensified efforts to tackle poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits. He emphasized that while Nigeria is endowed with abundant talent and resources, the real challenge lies in effectively harnessing them.

Bayero University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, highlighted the significance of the lecture, emphasizing NASENI’s pivotal role in addressing Nigeria’s scientific and technological challenges.

The lecture concluded with Mr. Halilu offering five lessons to the graduands, emphasizing self-determination, continuous learning, and the power of networking. He urged them to be adaptable, entrepreneurial, and solution-driven, and to never underestimate the value of their skills and knowledge.

As the youngest convocation lecturer in BUK’s history, Mr. Halilu’s address will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to drive Nigeria’s development and global competitiveness.

The recent statement credited to the National Chairman of the APC Patriotic Volunteers, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, announcing the group’s intention to form a shadow government in Kano State, has sparked controversy and condemnation from the Kano State Government. The move has been described as a desperate and politically motivated scheme with serious social and legal implications for the entire state and Nigeria’s democratic system.

In a strongly worded statement, the Kano State Government reminded the APC elements within the state that forming a government within a government is entirely illegal and unconstitutional in Nigeria. “A shadow government, as practiced in the United Kingdom, exists within a parliamentary system where opposition parties appoint ‘shadow ministers’ to scrutinize the ruling government. However, Nigeria operates a presidential system, which neither recognizes nor supports such a structure outside the institutional framework of the law,” the statement read.

The government emphasized that democracy does not permit anyone to lose their sense of judgment simply because they have lost relevance within their party’s political structure. The right to freedom of expression does not grant anyone the liberty to make reckless statements or take actions that undermine constitutional governance and the sovereignty of an elected government.

“Contemplating the formation of a shadow government is further proof of the APC’s continued plot to destabilize Kano State and create chaos. Such actions will not be tolerated by the Kano State Government. The government stands ready to take decisive action against any individual or group involved in acts capable of disturbing the relative peace in the state, regardless of their social status or perceived political influence, in accordance with the laws of Kano State and Nigeria,” the statement added.

The APC, as a party in Kano State, has reportedly lost its political relevance and influence. This latest move by some elements within the party is seen as a desperate attempt to remain relevant after its overwhelming rejection at the polls. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration was duly elected by the people of Kano State and has, within a short period, recorded remarkable achievements in developmental projects and policies aimed at improving the lives of the people.

Under the visionary leadership of Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf, the NNPP-led government in Kano State remains focused on key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure development, youth and women empowerment, and poverty eradication. The administration has allocated the highest budgetary resources in the country to education, ensuring significant improvements in learning infrastructure and access to quality education. In healthcare, substantial investments have been made in medical services and hospital infrastructure to improve public health outcomes.

Infrastructure development has also been prioritized, with numerous projects aimed at transforming Kano State into a modern economic hub. The administration is committed to youth and women empowerment through various programs designed to provide economic opportunities and improve livelihoods. Efforts in poverty eradication have been intensified, ensuring that the most vulnerable citizens receive necessary support.

Institutional reforms in governance have been a major focus of the administration, with policies such as non-interference in the fight against corruption and an open procurement process that aligns with best practices in accountability, transparency, and openness. The administration has taken steps to restore the integrity of the civil service and improve the welfare of government workers. Additionally, the periodic payment of gratuities and pensions for retirees, who were previously neglected by the APC government, remains a top priority.

The people of Kano State have embraced a government committed to good governance and sustainable development. No amount of political maneuvering or sinister plots can distract Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Kano State. The APC has been reduced to nothing more than a relic of history in the state.

Consequently, the government warns that reckless and unconstitutional declarations will not change the reality that the APC has been rejected in Kano State. Instead of making self-deceiving threats, the APC Patriotic Volunteers should respect the democratic will of the people and allow Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration to continue delivering on its mandate.

Signed,

Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya
Hon. Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs
16/02/2025

President Bola Tinubu congratulates Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai on his 65th birthday.

Mallam El-Rufai is an administrator, scholar, and politician. He is a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and highly regarded for his resourcefulness and brilliance.

He served as governor of Kaduna State for eight years, and prior to elective office, he had served as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 2003 to 2007.

President Tinubu celebrates Mallam El-Rufai on this occasion and commends his endeavours for democracy; his meritorious service to the nation, and mentorship of the younger generation.

The President acknowledges Mallam El-Rufai’s role in the dialogues leading up to the formation of the APC and his contributions to the success of the party in the three consecutive elections of 2015, 2019, and 2023.

In a statement by Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President on Information and strategy said President Tinubu wishes El-Rufai good health and strength for continuous service to the nation.