Senator Barau applauds Tinubu for renaming Kano University after Maitama Sule

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the renaming of the Federal University of Education, Kano, after the late elder statesman and diplomat, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Sule.

President Tinubu announced the renaming of the institution on Monday, following a bill sponsored by Senator Barau to honor the legacy of the late Danmasanin Kano.

Recall that the President stated that immortalizing Danmasanin Kano’s legacy will inspire younger generations to uphold the values of integrity, patriotism, character, and nationalism that he exemplified throughout his lifetime.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau expressed deep appreciation to the president for granting the request of the people of Kano State.

“I wish to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for approving the request of the generality of the people of Kano State through me by renaming the Federal University of Education, Kano, to Maitama Sule University of Education, Kano,” he said.

Senator Barau emphasized that the decision to immortalize Maitama Sule was necessary, given his immense contributions to Nigeria’s socio-political development.

“Maitama Sule, the Danmasanin Kano, was a diplomat, politician, and elder statesman who dedicated his life to the progress of this nation. His integrity, patriotism, and leadership serve as an inspiration to future generations,” he stated.

The renaming of the university comes after controversy surrounding a previous decision by the Kano State Government to reverse the naming of the state-owned Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano (formerly Northwest University), back to its original name.

“In response to the reversal of the renaming of Northwest University Kano after our late elder statesman, I sponsored a bill to rename the Federal University of Education, Kano, in his honor,” Senator Barau explained.

The late Maitama Sule served in various capacities, including as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Chairman of the UN Special Committee Against Apartheid.

He also held key political positions such as Chief Whip of the Federal House of Representatives (1954–1959) and Minister of Mines and Power.