Bayero University, Kano (BUK) marked a historic milestone on Saturday, February 15, 2025, as it conferred honorary Doctorate Degrees (Honoris Causa) on two distinguished Nigerians—Colonel Sani Bello, former Kano State Military Administrator, and Alhaji Auwalu Abdullahi Rano, CEO of A.A Rano Group of Companies. The prestigious recognition was in appreciation of their exceptional contributions to education and socio-economic development in Kano State and Nigeria at large.
The ceremony, held during the grand finale of BUK’s 39th Convocation, also witnessed the conferment of Emeritus Professorships upon three esteemed academics: Professor Garba Dahuwa Azare, Professor Julius Afolabi Falola, and Professor Musa Borodo. The University acknowledged their invaluable contributions, emphasizing that BUK’s history would be incomplete without their names.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad Sa’id, extended heartfelt congratulations to the honourees and graduands. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in human capital development, stressing that education remains a cornerstone for national progress.
The President emphasized that the future of the country lies in its ability to develop skilled individuals who can drive socio-economic transformation. He assured that his administration would continue to provide all necessary support to strengthen the education sector and ensure that Nigerian universities remain globally competitive.
BUK’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, lauded the awardees, describing them as towering figures whose legacies continue to shape the country. He highlighted the academic excellence of the graduating class, revealing that the University celebrated the graduation of 3,400 students with postgraduate degrees and diplomas. Among them, 295 obtained their degrees from the Dangote Business School, while 2,295 earned Master's degrees (MBA, MSc, MA). Additionally, 535 students were awarded Postgraduate Diplomas, and 275 students successfully earned their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. Notably, 176 students attained First Class Honours, a testament to their hard work and dedication.
In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, inspired the graduands, reminding them that they are now ambassadors of one of Nigeria’s top 10 universities, which recently secured the 43rd position in Africa in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. He urged them to let this achievement drive them towards excellence and service to humanity.