The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi I. Musa, delivered the opening address, stressing the crucial role of lecturers and teachers. He stated that solutions to contemporary challenges lie in the hands of educators who not only teach their students but also identify societal challenges and conduct research to address these issues. He concluded his speech by congratulating the organisers of the conference and the management team for their efforts in making the event possible.
The Chairman of the organising committee and Chairman Kaduna State Local Government Service Board, Prof. Aminu Ladan Sharehu, welcomed the dignitaries present and expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for his support and interest in innovation. He praised him for introducing the collegiate system to the university and thanked the staff and students for their efforts in making the event a reality, expressing his hope that the conference would become a recurring one. The Provost, College of Communication, Social and Management Sciences, Prof. Gimba Victor Kyari, also remarked on the significance of the conference, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Nigeria. He encouraged continuous engagement and knowledge sharing among academic disciplines to foster holistic solutions.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Student Affairs, Hon. Hassan Rilwan, who represented the Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency, Sen. Uba Sani expressed his gratitude to the university for this brilliant initiative. He stated that there is no better time than now to tackle the challenges crippling the country, highlighting the state government's efforts in bridging the gap in solving these issues. He mentioned the employment of vigilantes to curb insecurity, the upcoming launch of a lithium plant with over 8,000 job openings, and skills acquisition training, all aimed at alleviating poverty and unemployment in the state.
A paper was presented by the former Vice-Chancellor of Kaduna State University, Prof. Muhammad Tanko on "Fuel Subsidy Removal in Nigeria: Implications and the Way Forward." The presentation addressed the emergence of fuel subsidies in Nigeria, their social, political, and economic implications, and ways to revive the country's economy. A question-and-answer session followed immediately after the presentation.
The event was also graced by several dignitaries, including the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alh. Sadiq Mamman Lagos who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mahmud Lawal, the Emir of Zazzau, His Highness, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, represented by Wazirin Zazzau, Alh. Shittu Dikko, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Yusha'u I. Ango, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Strategy, Innovation and Service Delivery, Prof. Helen A. Andow, the Registrar, Barr. Samira Balarabe, the Bursar, Hajiya Hauwau Dalhat, SA to the VC on E-learning, Dr. Fatima Kabir, the Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Dr. Rahilatu Muhammad, Head of Department for Public Administration, Dr. Ahmed Usman, Professors, Academics, staff and students of KASU, participants among others.
Signed
Adamu Nuhu Bargo
Public Relations Officer,
Kaduna State University.
