Nigeria’s Deputy President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has commended the progress recorded by the Federal University of Science and Technology (FUST), Kabo, Kano State, ahead of the institution’s maiden academic session.
He described the development, including the reported approval of 20 academic programmes, as a major milestone in the institution’s establishment.
Senator Barau gave the commendation on Thursday in Abuja, when the Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the Governing Council of the university, Chief (Mrs) Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, led members of the council on a courtesy visit to his office at the National Assembly.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Deputy President of the Senate’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir.
According to the statement, Mrs. Laoye-Tomori, a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, said the university had secured approval for 20 academic programmes, including medical programmes, and was preparing to commence academic activities.
Mudashir stated that Laoye-Tomori attributed the rapid development of the institution to Senator Barau, who represents Kano North Senatorial District and sponsored the bills for its establishment, first as Federal Polytechnic, Kabo, and later its conversion to a university.
She recalled that the journey began in 2016 when Senator Barau sponsored the bill for the establishment of the polytechnic before facilitating its upgrade to a university in 2025, following presidential assent.
“Senator Barau started this journey in 2016 when he sponsored the bill for the establishment of a Federal Polytechnic in Kabo. He had a clear vision for the future of Nigerian youths, particularly those in Northern Nigeria,” she said.
“Today, we have 20 outstanding courses accredited, including medical programmes. On behalf of the Governing Council, management, staff and students, we sincerely appreciate his tremendous contributions to the development of this institution,” she added.
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In his response, Senator Barau congratulated the Governing Council, management and staff of the university on the progress recorded within a short period, urging them to sustain the momentum by upholding the highest standards of academic excellence.
The Deputy Senate President also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assenting to the bill that converted the polytechnic into a full-fledged university.
“I am delighted with the remarkable progress recorded by the Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, within such a short period,” Senator Barau said.
“I remain committed to supporting the institution in every way possible because our greatest asset as a nation is our human resources, particularly the youth. We must ensure they have access to quality education and the necessary skills to drive national development,” he stated.
