The political landscape of Kano State, Nigeria, witnessed a surge of support for President Bola Tinubu’s prospective second term bid, fueled by the recent inauguration of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo. This upgrade, formerly the Federal Polytechnic, Kabo, was championed by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, a prominent figure from Kano North, and met with resounding approval from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its supporters in the region. Jibrin, addressing a jubilant crowd during the inauguration ceremony, framed the university’s establishment as a testament to Tinubu’s commitment to the educational advancement and infrastructural development of Kano State and the broader Northwest region. This act, coupled with other development initiatives approved by the President, solidified the perception of Tinubu as a leader invested in the region’s future.
The inauguration ceremony transformed into a platform for expressing unwavering support for Tinubu’s second term ambition. The crowd, comprising hundreds of APC supporters and Jibrin’s constituents, erupted in a standing ovation, signaling their endorsement of Tinubu’s continued leadership beyond 2027. Jibrin emphasized that Tinubu’s demonstrable commitment to Kano North, particularly in the realm of education, had resonated deeply within the community, effectively securing their votes for his re-election bid. He portrayed the President as readily receptive to the region’s developmental needs, highlighting the swift approval of their requests, including the upgrade of the polytechnic to a university and the subsequent establishment of another polytechnic in Kabo.
Jibrin strategically linked Tinubu’s support for educational initiatives to his broader vision for grassroots development. He underscored the importance of investing in education at the foundational level, arguing that it serves as the bedrock of societal progress. By championing the cause of education in Kano North, Tinubu, according to Jibrin, demonstrated a profound understanding of the transformative power of knowledge and a genuine commitment to ensuring that the region participates fully in the nation’s development trajectory. This narrative effectively positioned Tinubu as a leader who not only recognizes the importance of education but actively prioritizes its accessibility, especially in underserved regions like Kano North.
Further solidifying the narrative of Tinubu’s commitment to Kano State, Jibrin recounted the President’s intervention in reversing a controversial decision to revoke the upgrade of Yusuf Maitama Sule University to a federal university of education. This reversal, according to Jibrin, was a direct result of his appeal to Tinubu, underscoring the President’s responsiveness to the concerns and aspirations of the people of Kano. Jibrin presented this incident as further evidence of Tinubu’s dedication to the region’s educational advancement, portraying him as a leader who listens to the voices of his constituents and acts decisively to address their needs. This narrative of responsiveness and action served to strengthen the bond between Tinubu and the people of Kano, further bolstering support for his second term aspirations.
The narrative of Tinubu’s commitment to Kano State extended beyond education to encompass a broader vision of inclusive development. Alhaji Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, the Minister of State for Housing, echoed this sentiment during the inauguration ceremony, emphasizing the President’s focus on prioritizing development across all geopolitical zones. This broader perspective, which positioned Tinubu as a leader invested in the progress of the entire nation, reinforced the perception of his commitment to Kano as part of a larger, inclusive development agenda. The inauguration of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, thus became symbolic of Tinubu’s commitment to not only Kano but also to a broader vision of national development.
The inauguration ceremony, attended by dignitaries from across the state and beyond, was hailed as a significant milestone in the federal government’s support for higher education in Kano State. The event, which transcended its immediate purpose, effectively served as a platform to solidify and amplify support for President Tinubu’s second term bid. By strategically linking the establishment of the university to Tinubu’s commitment to education, grassroots development, and inclusive governance, Jibrin and other speakers effectively constructed a narrative that resonated with the local population. The inauguration, therefore, became a significant political event, showcasing the intersection of educational development and political mobilization in the context of Kano State politics.
