Business mogul and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata on Saturday, 5th February, 2022 was the chief launcher of Hausa-English Bilingual Dictionary authored by Paul Newman and Roxana Ma Newman which was published by Bayero University, Kano (BUK). The event took place at the Convocation Arena, BUK New Campus.

While purchasing a copy at N5 million, Alhaji Dantata commended the University for expanding the frontier of knowledge to reflect the current trends in science and technology, calling on the students to take advantage of the dynamism in translation of contemporary terms.

Alhaji Dantat, who was represented by his son, Alhaji Muhammad A. Dantata, called on the University to continue with its commanding role in publishing books that address current realities such as artificial intelligence and science and technology.

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Bayero urged government at all levels, ministries, agencies, non-governmental organizations, students and teachers to own the book because of its strategic importance to the teaching of Hausa Language.

The book reviewer, Professor Junaidu, who is the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research Development Council (NERDC), said the book was the first of its kind in terms of translation of Hausa to English and English to Hausa. He said the target audiences are scholars, teachers, learners, business people, journalists, students and many other stakeholders. He said the book was designed in high quality format.

Reciting a speech of the authors, the former Vice Chancellor of Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano and current Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, BUK, Professor Mustapha Ahmad Isa, commended all those who contributed towards making the book a success.

The authors, who had worked in Bayero University, Kano when it was Abdullahi Bayero College, said the memories of their stay in Kano would continue to linger forever.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas said it was a memorable day in Bayero University, Kano as Paul and Roxana Newman endowed their scholarly work to BUK which was published by the University’s Press. He noted that it was the first of its kind as BUK Press presented one of its spectacular achievements to the public.

The Vice Chancellor explained that the book would continue to elevate the BUK’s position into scholarly global map and strengthen its visionary statement to be a world-class university in Africa, renowned for its excellence in teaching and research, and the quality of its product.

Over N20 million was realized at the book launch.