By Haruna O. Abdullahi
Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, the Honorable Minister of Steel Development, delivered a compelling and passionate address at the Nigerian Universities Commission in Abuja today. The occasion was the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation Conference on Education in Northern Nigeria, a gathering of esteemed minds aimed at addressing the critical issues facing the region’s education sector.
In his remarks, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu expressed gratitude to the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation for sponsoring this vital research initiative and facilitating the conference. He highlighted the enduring legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the former premier of the Northern Region, as a visionary leader and statesman, particularly emphasizing his profound contributions to education in Northern Nigeria.
The Minister commended Sir Ahmadu Bello’s visionary efforts to modernize Islamic education and integrate it with a robust secular education system. Under his leadership, a network of schools, colleges, and universities was established, offering hope and equality to all children in Northern Nigeria.
Recognizing the contemporary challenges facing the region’s education system, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu stressed the need to enhance access to quality education while addressing issues such as inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and gender disparities. He viewed these challenges as opportunities for positive change.
The Minister outlined key areas of focus, including infrastructure improvement, gender equity, and the significance of public-private partnerships in education. He emphasized the necessity of unity among policymakers, academics, administrators, and stakeholders to create a brighter future for Northern Nigeria’s youth.
Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu called for a renewed commitment to education in Northern Nigeria, invoking the memory of Sir Ahmadu Bello. He urged attendees to collaborate and ensure that every child in the region has the opportunity to receive a quality education, ultimately securing a prosperous future.
The Minister’s impassioned speech received enthusiastic applause from conference attendees, signifying a shared commitment to advancing education in Northern Nigeria. The event promises to be a catalyst for positive change in the region’s educational landscape.
Also in attendance at the event were; His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, Sultan of Sokoto, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe, Minister of Budget and Economy Planning, HE Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, Minister of Education, Prof Mamman Tahir, Minister of State Steel Development, HE. Ahmadu Uba Maigari and other past Ministers, and past governors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, including Dr Muazu Babaginda Aliyu who doubled as the chairman of the event among other prominent Nigerians.
Abdullahi O. Haruna
SA Media & Communications to HMSD