Former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has reiterated that Muhammadu Sanusi II remains the recognised emir of Kano.

Speaking on Saturday during the fourth convocation ceremony of Skyline University of Nigeria (SUN) in Kano, Kwankwaso stated that any other claimant installed from outside the state lacks legitimacy in the eyes of the people and the government of Kano.

Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), commended the university’s management for sustaining its commitment to quality education and congratulated the graduating class, noting that more than 60 percent of the graduates were female.

He urged young men to take their studies seriously, warning that failure to do so could see women taking the lead in key areas of national development.

On the ongoing emirship dispute in Kano, Kwankwaso said:

“ Muhammadu Sanusi II is the only emir in Kano who has been recognised by the people and the government of Kano State.”

Turning to security issues, the former governor raised alarm over attacks by armed groups operating from Katsina and targeting border communities such as Tsanyawa, Shanono, Gwarzo, and Karaye.

He called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to contain the threat.

“If government cannot protect lives and properties within the borders of a country, then that government must sit down and think again,” he said, noting that the security challenge, which began in Zamfara, has spread across Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, and now threatens Kano and Jigawa.

Kwankwaso recalled committing significant resources to security during his tenure and urged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intensify efforts to secure all Nigerians.

Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, who also serves as Chancellor of the university, charged the graduating students to uphold integrity, innovation, and service. He emphasised that the true value of education lies not in certificates but in the positive impact graduates make in society.

“Knowledge without action is like a lamp without oil—bright in theory but powerless in the dark,” he said.

Sanusi praised the university’s progress and expressed delight at the high number of female graduates, saying he hopes it leads to increased participation of women in governance and other sectors.

24 students bag first class

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ajith Kumar V.V., announced that 24 of the 180 graduating students earned First Class degrees.

He added that:“A total of 180 Bachelor’s degrees and 43 Higher Degrees have been conferred at this year’s graduation ceremony, having been found worthy in character and learning. Twenty-four made First Class, 79 graduated with Second Class Upper Division, and 77 with Second Class Lower Division.”

Kumar noted that the convocation marked a milestone for SUN, as it was the first time the institution was awarding postgraduate degrees.

He also confirmed that all academic programmes offered by the university have recently been accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). (Weekend Trust)