By KHADIJAH ALIYU
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Bayero University, Kano, Professor Ahmad Muhammad Tsauni, has called for a fundamental shift in the way Nigerian universities are managed, saying mindset change, institutional resilience and collective responsibility are critical to achieving sustainable higher education.
Professor Tsauni made the call while delivering the revived Bayero University Public Lecture titled, “Development Dynamics and the Sustainability of Nigerian Universities.”
He said Nigerian universities could no longer rely predominantly on government funding, urging institutions to embrace innovative financing, diversified revenue sources, strategic partnerships and stronger institutional systems.
The don proposed a six-pillar framework for university sustainability, comprising financial resilience, academic excellence, staff development, good governance, digital transformation and strategic partnerships.
Professor Tsauni stressed that sustainable universities must be capable of adapting to changing global realities while maintaining academic standards, accountability and institutional credibility.
The lecture marked the return of Bayero University’s Public Lecture Series after several years of inactivity.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Haruna Musa, said the revival of the lecture series would provide a platform for generating ideas and developing sustainable pathways for the University’s growth.
Professor Musa highlighted some achievements recorded during his first year in office, including the University’s continued recognition as Nigeria’s leading university in international outlook for the third consecutive year.
He also said BUK remained the best university in Northern Nigeria and among the top three universities nationally.
Chairman of the occasion and former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, described the lecture as timely, noting that universities must develop sustainable strategies to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging global environment.
Former BUK Vice-Chancellor, Professor Muhammad Yahuza Bello, attributed the University’s success in attracting external grants to its culture of accountability and transparency.
Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
