In a strong demonstration of Bayero University Kano’s expanding regional partnerships, a high-powered delegation led by Professor Muhammad Auwal Hussaini, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture and representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Haruna Musa, participated in the ‘Wearing of the Gown’ ceremony at Dan Dicko Dankoulodo University, Maradi (UDDM), Niger Republic. The event, held on Monday, September 8, 2025, was supervised by the Conseil Africain et Malgache pour l’Enseignement Supérieur (CAMES) and marked the induction of 29 academics into higher academic ranks.
The BUK delegation also included Professor Sanusi Gaya Mohammed, Director of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA). Their presence highlighted BUK’s active role in strengthening academic collaboration within the West African sub-region.
Delivering the Vice-Chancellor’s message, Prof. Hussaini congratulated UDDM’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Elhadji Mahamadou Gounga, and commended the institution for its steady progress. He applauded the induction of six professors and 23 associate professors, describing it as a major milestone that reflects the vitality of Niger’s academic community. He reaffirmed BUK’s commitment to working with UDDM in research, faculty development, and student exchange programs aimed at mutual growth.
Professor Sanusi Gaya used the occasion to further deepen ties through the CDA, particularly in addressing pressing challenges common to Nigeria and Niger’s dryland regions. He pointed out that CDA has previously trained 25 academic staff from UDDM’s Faculty of Agronomy and Environmental Sciences in Statistical Computing using the R Package. Similarly, technologists and students from UDDM’s Department of Fisheries received practical training in fish spawning and breeding, enabling them to transfer this knowledge to local farmers. These interventions have improved egg hatching and fingerling production while promoting feed formulation businesses, thereby contributing to food security and employment generation in the region.
The Nigerien Minister of Education, Research, and Innovation, Professor Mamadou Saidou, and UDDM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Gounga, expressed deep gratitude to the BUK delegation, noting that their presence reinforced academic solidarity and strengthened regional bonds.
In a symbolic gesture of partnership, both Prof. Hussaini and Prof. Gaya had the honor of robing some of the newly inducted professors. The ceremony also provided an opportunity for BUK officials to interact with Nigerien graduates who had studied at BUK and other Nigerian universities, as well as with delegations from Federal University Dutsin-Ma and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina.