The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi, chaired as the Royal Father of the Day at the 7th Annual Conference on Nigeria’s Economic Challenges organized by the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano (YUMSUK) held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
The event, themed “Navigating Nigeria’s Economic Uncertainty: Exploring Alternative Pathways to Growth,” brought together experts from across the country to discuss Nigeria’s economic challenges and propose actionable solutions.
In his speech, the Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Highness, Emir of Kano, Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, attributed the current challenges to mismanagement and the lack of strong institutional leadership.
“Nigeria must focus on building resilient institutions and prioritizing competent leadership,” he stated. “There is a critical need for strong institutions led by capable individuals.” Emir Sanusi also stressed that many of the nation’s economic challenges, including inflation and fiscal instability, were predictable and could have been mitigated through better governance. He called for a shift toward data-driven decision-making and policies that prioritize education, infrastructure development, and fiscal responsibility.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa, ably represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Abubakar S. Garba, commended the organizers for selecting a timely theme that the country requires expert recommendations on.
He then highlighted some recent university achievements: “I would like to inform you that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted approval for the University to commence part-time degree programs in eight academic disciplines.”
Similarly, the Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, ably represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata, conveyed the governor’s commitment to revitalizing Kano’s economy. He detailed ongoing efforts, including international collaborations on scholarships and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving the state’s educational infrastructure.
While delivering the welcome address, the Dean, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Dr. Nura A. Yaro, emphasized the importance of the theme in addressing the current realities of Nigeria’s economic landscape. He expressed optimism that the deliberations would lead to meaningful recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders.
The conference was declared open by Alhaji Kassim Musa Bichi, OON, a distinguished economist and Chairman of the occasion. In his opening remarks, Alhaji Bichi commended the organizers for selecting a topic of national importance, adding that such initiatives are crucial for addressing economic instability and fostering sustainable development.
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Ummu Ahmad Jalingo of Bayero University Kano, who spoke on “Global Economic Trends: Implications for Nigeria.” Her presentation provided an in-depth analysis of global economic dynamics and their impact on Nigeria, highlighting strategies for adapting to external economic shocks.
Furthermore, Professor Badawi M. Sani from Bayero University Kano presented the lead paper on “Navigating Nigeria’s Economic Uncertainty: Exploring Pathways to Sustainable Growth.” His presentation explored the need for economic diversification, innovation, and institutional reforms as pathways to stability.
The opening ceremony of the conference concluded on a positive note, with attendees expressing optimism that the ideas shared would contribute to addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges. The event further reinforced Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano’s commitment to driving meaningful dialogue on national development.