Kano Inaugurates Intellectuals Forum to Harness Academic Expertise for Development.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Northern Bureau Chief
October 7, 2026.
The Kano State Government has inaugurated the Kano Intellectuals Forum, a new initiative aimed at mobilising the expertise, research capacity and professional knowledge of academics to support development and address the state’s socioeconomic challenges.
The Forum was inaugurated at the Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies (AKCILS) by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, PhD, who urged academics and intellectuals to contribute practical, evidence-based ideas to governance and development.
- Advertisement -
Waiya said tertiary institutions should play a role beyond teaching and awarding certificates, stressing that universities and other higher institutions possess valuable research and technical expertise capable of providing solutions to societal challenges.
He explained that the Forum would create a structured link between government and the academic community through research-based policy advice, technical support and recommendations in areas including education, economic development, social welfare, innovation and human capital development.
According to him, the initiative is intended to support the objectives of the Kano First Agenda by encouraging scholars to develop practical and implementable solutions that can contribute to sustainable development.
The Commissioner also said the Forum would help communicate government policies, programmes and investments in the education sector to tertiary institutions and promote greater understanding of ongoing reforms.
Earlier, the Provost of Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education, Dr. Kabiru Gwarzo, said the Forum was designed to ensure inclusive representation from tertiary institutions across Kano State. He disclosed that each institution would nominate four representatives drawn from academic staff, non-academic staff, students and women.
The Acting Provost of AKCILS, Dr. Ali Tamasi, noted that Kano’s tertiary institutions have a pool of professionals with extensive experience in research and consultancy within and outside Nigeria.
He said the Forum would provide a structured platform for such expertise to be deployed towards solving local development challenges, while strengthening collaboration between government, scholars and professional communities.
The inauguration marks a significant step towards strengthening the connection between knowledge and public policy, with the Forum expected to contribute research-driven ideas to education, socioeconomic development, policy formulation and improved public welfare across Kano State.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper October 7th, 2026
