By Aminu Dalhatu
The Federal University Gusau FUGUS has called for sustained research and evidence-based approaches to addressing insecurity, illegal mining and other socio-economic challenges confronting Zamfara State.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Tukur Adam, made the call during the First Hybrid National Conference organised by the Centre for Leadership and Democratic Research, Federal University Gusau.
The themed organised by the Centre for Leadership and Democratic Research, Federal University Gusau the Conference was “Zamfara State @30 (1996–2026): Governance, Security and Sustainable Development Pathway,”
Professor Adamu represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Professor Lawal Sa’adu noted that, governance, security and development are closely interconnected, adding that, sustainable development requires effective institutions, accountable governance and an environment where citizens can live and pursue their livelihoods peacefully.
The Vice-Chancellor identified insecurity, banditry, illegal mining, destruction of agricultural and rural livelihoods, as well as other socio-economic difficulties are among the major challenges confronting the state.
He said the challenges require not only immediate interventions but also sustained research and evidence-based strategies to address their underlying causes.
Professor Tukur Adamu explained that, as a university located in the heart of Zamfara State, the Federal University Gusau has a special responsibility to contribute knowledge and ideas capable of supporting government policies and development initiatives.
He therefore urged participants at the conference to engage in constructive discussions and develop practical recommendations in areas including security, governance, agriculture, education, youth development, healthcare, infrastructure and environmental sustainability.
Professor Tukur Adamu urged stakeholders to make the 30th anniversary of Zamfara State more than a celebration, but an opportunity for reflection, learning and renewed commitment to building a peaceful, inclusive and sustainable state.
In a paper presentation, the key note speaker for the Conference and the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic of Talata Mafara University, Professor Shehu Sidi Ibrahim identified insecurity as the major challenge hindering sustainable development in Zamfara State.
Professor Ibrahim noted that despite the progress recorded in infrastructure and institutional development, insecurity had continued to undermine the gains made in various sectors.
He however, said Zamfara had every reason to celebrate its 30th anniversary, citing the establishment of universities, a polytechnic, a college of education and an airport as some of the developments recorded since the state was created in 1996.
On the issue of out-of-school children, Professor Ibrahim described education as an investment in human capital, warning that, when education suffers, virtually every other sector is affected.
According to him, effective governance can contribute to creating a secure environment, while a secure environment provides the foundation for sustainable development.
Professor Shehu Sidi Ibrahim therefore called for collective responsibility among government, communities and other stakeholders in addressing the state’s security and development challenges.
Ealier, The Director, Centre for Leadership and Democratic Research, Federal University Gusau, Dr. Abdurrahman Adamu, also called for stronger leadership and practical solutions to accelerate the development of Zamfara State as it marks 30 years of creation.
Dr. Adamu said the programme was initiated to bring scholars and other stakeholders together to examine the state’s development journey and generate workable ideas for its advancement.
According to him, the Centre for Leadership and Democratic Research focuses on issues of leadership, development and democracy, making Zamfara’s 30th anniversary an opportunity to contribute to the state’s progress.
He said, “We feel Zamfara State is the state that is housing us as a university and as individuals working in the state, and it is important that a state is marking 30 years of its existence as an institution.”
Dr. Adamu explained that the programme was designed to enable scholars to put ideas together and develop practical guidelines that could help Zamfara move peacefully and successfully into its fourth decade.
The Conference had brought together Professionals in the academic field, students and other stakeholders.
Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
