Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has revealed that he used his personal funds to construct parts of the staff quarters at Northwest University, Kano, during his time as Commissioner of Works under the administration of Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.
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Governor Yusuf made the revelation on Saturday during the second combined convocation ceremony of the university, describing the moment as symbolic of the sacrifices that birthed and sustained the institution.
“Because of my zeal to make sure Northwest University comes into existence, I used my personal money to build some parts of the university when I was Commissioner of Works,” he stated.
The governor expressed disappointment over how the institution was abandoned after his tenure, noting that construction efforts were halted by the succeeding government.
He said his administration inherited a university that had no academic activity, poorly paid staff, and declining student performance. According to him, the state government now pays N423 million monthly in staff salaries, amounting to over N4.4 billion annually.
Governor Yusuf also disclosed that several abandoned construction projects within the university have been revived, with contractors now back on site to complete the work.
As part of fulfilling a campaign promise, the governor announced the restoration of the university’s original name, Northwest University after it was renamed by the previous administration.
“We formed the committee to establish this university during Kwankwaso’s administration, and we chose the name Northwest University. Sadly, the previous administration changed it. But today, we have fulfilled our promise,” he said.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to education, Yusuf revealed that Kano has allocated 31.1% of its 2025 budget to the sector, surpassing the 25% benchmark set by UNESCO.
He also announced the restoration of foreign and local scholarships for Kano indigenes, adding that his administration had paid over N700 million in outstanding foreign tuition fees.
The convocation ceremony also saw Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso honoured with a Doctor of Education (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his role in establishing the university.
Governor Yusuf described the occasion as a historic and emotional moment.
“This convocation is not just about certificates,” he said. “It is about the revival of a legacy. It is about sacrifice, vision, and the future of our youth.”
