The Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Professor Haruna Musa, has inaugurated the Board of Directors of L’Excellence Nigeria Limited, a newly established company by the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA).

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held on Tuesday, 26th August, 2025, in his office, Professor Musa commended the CDA for carefully selecting seasoned technocrats and professionals of high repute to serve on the Board. He described the appointments as a reflection of the University’s enduring values of excellence, inclusivity, and service delivery.

He further applauded the Centre’s commitment to gender balance, with special recognition for Hajiya Karima Babangida, whose remarkable contributions and dedication have brought honor to the CDA.

In his remarks, the Director of CDA, Professor Sanusi Gaya Muhammad, explained that the inauguration signaled a new chapter in consolidating the Centre’s achievements. He recalled that the proposal to establish the company was approved by the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, who laid the foundation for CDA’s institutional framework.

Professor Gaya introduced the members of the new Board, chaired by Alhaji Rufai Ahmed Yola, a veteran administrator and financial expert with over 40 years of experience in both public and private sectors. Other members include former Deputy Governor of Kano State, Professor Hafiz Abubakar; former Director at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Hajiya Karima Babangida; Alhaji Ilu Dambazau; CDA Director, Professor Sanusi Gaya Muhammad; immediate past CDA Director, Professor Jibrin Mohammed Jibrin; and CDA Deputy Director of Outreach and Partnership, Dr. Adnan Aminu Adnan.

In his acceptance speech, Alhaji Yola expressed deep appreciation to BUK for the confidence reposed in him, describing the appointment as both a privilege and a homecoming, being an alumnus of the University. He emphasized that the initiative underscores BUK’s openness to private sector collaboration and promised that the venture would create opportunities for students’ welfare, strengthen crop management, advance food processing, and chart a bold vision for the future.

“This appointment is very much like a homecoming for me as an alumnus of Bayero University. I have always carried the values and lessons learnt within the walls of BUK with pride, and this role gives me yet another chance to give back to my alma mater,” Yola said.

Also speaking, the immediate past CDA Director, Professor Jibrin Mohammed Jibrin, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and noted that CDA had already made strides with water production, while plans were underway to launch yogurt production. He stressed the importance of accountability and sustainability, commending the foresight of the former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abbas, who approved the establishment of the company.

Professor Jibrin further acknowledged the contributions of CDA staff including Professor Murtala Muhammad Badamasi, Professor Amina Mustapha, and Dr. Adnan Aminu Adnan for their roles in advancing CDA’s vision. He equally lauded Hajiya Karima Babangida for her instrumental support in securing contracts from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Following the inauguration, the newly constituted Board held its inaugural meeting at the Centre for Dryland Agriculture.