Deploy technology for national development Mađari urges Nigerian varsities
By Uji A Iliyasu, Abuja
The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and former Governor of Katsina State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, has called on Nigerian universities to deliberately deploy technology in order to equip graduates with relevant skills needed to compete in the global arena and drive national development.
Masari made the call during the 17th convocation ceremony of Al-Qalam University, Katsina, where he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration in recognition of his contributions to public service, education, human capital development and leadership.
He emphasized that a strong orientation towards technology has become inevitable for the survival of higher education institutions and the nation at large, given the growing number of graduates produced annually.
“In today’s world, a deliberate tilt towards technology is not optional; it is inevitable. The number of graduates produced by our universities demands a robust paradigm shift that ensures our graduates are adequately equipped with relevant skills to compete in an increasingly dynamic and interconnected global environment,” Masari said.
He further stressed that Nigerian youths must be challenged to embrace modern technology and leverage it to develop innovative solutions in critical sectors such as agriculture, security, service delivery, healthcare, mineral exploration and other key drivers of national development.
Masari also underscored the importance of moral uprightness and institutional resilience as essential pillars for sustainable educational and national growth.
In his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude to the Al-Qalam University community for the honour, while paying tribute to the visionaries behind the establishment of the institution.
Speaking on politics, the former governor urged political leaders to exercise caution and embrace leadership anchored on purpose, patriotism and national development, especially as the country approaches another season of political activities and elections. He warned that recent global events have shown that even advanced democracies can experience political destabilization when competition is unchecked, stressing that patriotism must supersede personal ambition.
Also speaking at the event, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, described education as the most powerful instrument for sustainable development. He disclosed that his administration has invested over N6 billion in scholarship awards for no fewer than 174,451 students in tertiary institutions within and outside Nigeria.
Governor Radda said the investments, alongside improvements in school infrastructure and skills development, are aimed at preparing youths academically, morally and economically for global competitiveness.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Qalam University, Prof. Nasiru Musa Yawuri, announced that the institution graduated 1,109 students across various disciplines, including 18 First Class graduates, 280 Second Class Upper, and 507 Second Class Lower degree holders.