….Pledges To Establish Campus
By Mohammed Suleiman, Dutse
An Indian private University, Integral University Lucknow, has pledged to partner jigawa state government in areas of educational development, especially on research and advanced technology.
The Vice Chancellor, Dr. Nadeem Akhtar stated this shortly after meeting with Governor Namadi at Govt House, Dutse.
The Integral University Lucknow was the first “minority university” enacted as an Islamic-faith-based institute in India and had been recognised as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (SIRO) by the Indian Ministry of Science and Technology.
The team, led by Nadeem Akhtar told the governor the visit was to forge partnership with the state government, under the leadership of Governor Umar Namadi, notably in areas of research and qualitative education.
According to him, the university was known for its expertise in engineering, architectural, medical, pharmaceutical and culinary sciences and that degree programmes were run in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs).
Responding, Governor Namadi appreciated the team’s presence, assuring them of his readiness to collaborate with them in the development of education and appreciated the pro-chancellor’s offer to put up a campus taking into consideration the advantageous topography, location and peace in Jigawa State.
He said: “Currently, we have over 160 students who were studying in Sudan. But because of the volatile situation there, we cannot take them back.
“We took them there in the first place so that they would maintain their Islamic faith, because of the similarity of religion and culture between us and Sudan.
“Parents would be happy to send their children to you as an Islamic university, even though India is very far from here.
“But putting up a campus here will definitely entice people from our neighbouring states like Kano, Yobe, Bauchi, Katsina to patronise you.
“You are most welcome. I am very happy for you for such a courageous attempt of establishing an Islamic university in a country like India. May Allah guide you!”
The governor also reiterated his administration’s resolve to revert Jigawa to its status as an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) hub, which his 12-point electoral campaign agenda entails.
“It is in our 12-point agenda to provide middle-level manpower training for the youths. We have teeming youths, and it is our priority to empower them with skills. In the state right now, we have 7 skills acquisition centres which we intend to fully utilise to fulfil our promises to the people.”
He thanked the team for choosing Jigawa as a state with potential for educational collaboration and urged them to liaise with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology for the actualisation of the developmental objective.
Present at the occasion, were the Deputy Governor, Engr. Aminu Usman; Head of the State Civil Service, Alhaji Hussaini Ali Kila; Commissioner of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Isah Yusuf Chamo;
