I used my personal resources to build parts of Northwest University, says Gov Yusuf
Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State says he used his personal resources to construct some structures at the state owned Northwest University, Kano, when he served as the state’s Commissioner for Works during the administration of former Gov. Rabi’u Kwankwaso.
He said this while speaking at the Second Combined Convocation Ceremony of the Northwest University on Tuesday in Kano.
“Because of my zeal to make sure Northwest University comes into existence, I used my personal money to build some parts of the university when I was Commissioner for Works,” he said.
“I didn’t want the construction to stop, but unfortunately, when we left office, the following administration failed to continue with the vision,” he said.
The governor said that the facilities at the institution had decayed before his administration’s coming in 2023,saying that there was no academic activity at the university at the time adding that staff salaries had dropped drastically, and even students’ academic performance was at its lowest.
He stated that the government pay ₦423 million monthly as staff salaries—amounting to over ₦4.4 billion annually.
He added that previously abandoned building projects across the campus had been resuscitated with contractors back on site and all stalled works expected to be completed soon.
Yusuf also fulfilled a major campaign promise by restoring the original name of the university.
“We formed the committee to establish this university during Kwankwaso’s administration, and we chose the name Northwest University.
“Sadly, the previous administration changed it. But today, we have fulfilled our promise. From now on, graduates will proudly bear the name Northwest University alumni,” he said.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to education, the governor stated that the State Government had allocated 31.1% of its 2025 budget to education—exceeding the UNESCO benchmark of 25%.
He announced the restoration of both foreign and local scholarship schemes for Kano indigent, saying that the government had cleared over ₦700 million in outstanding foreign tuition debts.
Yusuf described the convocation as a historic and emotional, celebrating the resilience of the institution and the recognition of Sen. Rabi’u Kwankwaso, who was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Education (Honoris Causa) for his foundational role in establishing the university.
“This convocation is not just about certificates.
“It is about the revival of a legacy. It is about sacrifice, vision, and the future of our youth. I am proud to be part of this journey — as a builder, a servant, and now as governor,” Yusuf said.
Northwest University, once abandoned and forgotten, is rising again—on the strength of personal sacrifice, political will, and a renewed commitment to building a brighter future for Kano State.
