The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has urged universities to take the lead in national policy formulation, particularly in artificial intelligence, to strengthen governance and development.
Sanusi made the call on Tuesday at the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria (CoPSUN) in Kano.
The conference, themed “Unlocking the Potentials of Artificial Intelligence: University Governance, Internationalisation and Rankings,” focused on innovation and global competitiveness in higher education.
He said universities were central to democratic accountability, warning that weak academic voices could undermine civil society and slow national progress.
Sanusi called on institutions to collaborate on a national AI framework, cautioning against fragmented efforts in preparing Nigeria for global technological shifts.
“This country needs a strategy, a policy framework, and readiness for the century we are in,” he said.
He stressed the importance of academic freedom and stronger engagement between universities, government and policymakers in shaping sustainable national development.
Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in tertiary education, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Suleiman Wali Sani.
He said education remained central to Kano’s development agenda, with sustained upgrades across state-owned institutions.
Kabir-Yusuf cited improvements at Kano University of Science and Technology and Northwest University, Kano, including rehabilitated facilities and expanded digital learning infrastructure.
He added that digital transformation was advancing through e-learning platforms, smart classrooms and improved internet connectivity for a knowledge-driven economy.
The governor said universities must evolve into innovation hubs capable of driving economic transformation and enhancing global competitiveness.
Earlier, CoPSUN Chairman, Prof. Ayodeji Omole, said the conference provided a platform for policy dialogue, coordination and reforms in the university system.
Omole noted challenges facing state universities, including inadequate funding, infrastructure deficits and rising demand for quality education.
He called for stronger collaboration, innovative solutions and integration of AI to improve governance, administration and academic delivery.
The conference attracted pro-chancellors, vice-chancellors, policymakers and stakeholders to discuss strengthening university governance and global relevance.
NAN
