Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa has praised Bayero University, Kano, (BUK) as a “world‑class” institution and urged Universities to turn academic research into commercial value as part of a broader drive to strengthen the nation’s higher‑education system.
Speaking during an official visit to the campus recently, Alausa said the University’s steady climb in national rankings reflected “good leadership” and careful administration.
A post by the University’s official Facebook page said the Minister singled out the University’s “beautiful and well‑maintained” grounds and what he called a peaceful, orderly transition of leadership as evidence of institutional maturity.
“I am not surprised that Bayero University is consistently among the top Universities in the country because this is rooted in good leadership in the university,” he told officials.
The Minister said he regarded Bayero as “a model” for others.
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Alausa used the visit to outline policy priorities noting that the federal government is developing a Research and Development Fund Agency to mobilize resources for innovation, and indicated Bayero would be among institutions expected to benefit.
He however warned that government grants alone would not be enough.
“The earlier Universities patent their research work and commercialise their innovations to go beyond government funding, the better,” he said, urging Universities to develop endowment funds, pursue patents, and cultivate industry partnerships to generate revenue.
BUK Vice Chancellor Haruna Musa lauded Minister Alausa’s leadership and credited recent improvements in staff welfare to the ministry’s interventions, saying those changes have helped reduce industrial unrest and allow Universities to refocus on teaching and research.
Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Minister of State for Education, delivered a vote of thanks and described Alausa as a mentor and steadying presence since her appointment.
During the visit, Alausa toured the University’s Centre for Dryland Agriculture, praising its farmland, laboratories and seed‑replication facilities.
Centre Director Sunusi Gaya Muhammad briefed the Minister on efforts to develop planting materials and technologies aimed at boosting productivity and resilience in Nigeria’s drylands.
Alausa’s tour further signifies the government’s twin messages, which is to celebrate institutions that show strong governance and physical development, and to drive Universities to convert research into economic impact—through patents, grants and private partnerships—to reduce reliance on state funding.
