Nigeria Needs To Be Ready For This Century – Says Emir Of Kano, Sanusi

The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called on Nigeria to urgently develop a clear national strategy and policy framework to harness emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, for sustainable development.

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Sanusi made the call at the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria held in Kano.

Speaking on the theme, “Unlocking the Potentials of Artificial Intelligence: University Governance, Internationalisation and Rankings,” the monarch stressed the need for proactive planning.

“This country needs a strategy. This country needs a policy framework. This country needs to be ready for the century that we are in,” he said.

Sanusi urged Nigerian universities to take the lead in developing a national roadmap for artificial intelligence, noting that their role should extend beyond teaching and research.

He emphasised that academic institutions must actively shape policies capable of driving national growth and technological advancement.

The former Central Bank governor warned that Nigeria risks being left behind as other countries move ahead with structured AI initiatives.

He cited Ghana as an example of a country already implementing comprehensive strategies focused on youth training, data development and economic transformation.

Sanusi further highlighted the importance of universities as pillars of civil society, stressing their role in sustaining democratic values and intellectual discourse.

“Without intellectuals, without academic freedom, the checks and balances required for a vibrant civil society will disappear,” he said.

He also commended state governments for recognis ing the role of pro-chancellors in strengthening governance and policy direction in universities.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria, Ayodeji Omole, said the conference underscored the need for sustained collaboration among stakeholders.

He noted that with over 60 state-owned universities nationwide, regular engagement was essential for policy alignment, institutional coordination and improved governance.

Omole added that universities must respond to evolving global trends, including rapid technological advancements and changing economic demands.

He stressed the need for innovation and strategic planning to ensure relevance and competitiveness in the global academic landscape.

In his remarks, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by his Chief of Staff, Suleiman Wali Sani, said education remained a top priority for his administration.

He listed ongoing investments in infrastructure, digital learning, research and staff development across state-owned institutions, aimed at making them globally competitive.

The governor noted that the conference provided a platform for stakeholders to generate practical solutions to challenges facing universities, particularly in governance, funding, innovation and academic standards.

Participants expressed optimism that the deliberations would contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s higher education system and positioning it for future opportunities in the digital age.