The Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Prof. Haruna Musa, has called for research-driven solutions to insecurity, climate change and socio-economic inequality across Africa.
Musa made the call on Tuesday while declaring open the fifth International Conference and Doctoral Colloquium in Kano.
The conference was organised by the university’s Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference runs from Tuesday to Thursday.
Its theme is: ‘Sustainable Governance and the Green Economy: Strategies for Addressing Insecurity and Promoting Inclusive Development in Africa’.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Ahmed Muhammed, Musa advocated interdisciplinary collaboration and a stronger research culture.
He said Africa faced interconnected challenges, including insecurity, climate change, environmental degradation, weak governance, poverty and socio-economic inequality.
“Addressing these complex challenges requires accountable institutions, effective leadership and development strategies that balance economic growth with environmental sustainability and social inclusion,” he said.
Musa said the transition to a green economy offered opportunities in renewable energy, green finance and climate-resilient infrastructure.
He added that sustainable resource management also presented opportunities for economic transformation.
He, however, said harnessing these opportunities required sound policies, strategic investments and collaboration among governments, industries and academia.
The vice-chancellor stressed that tackling insecurity required more than military interventions, urging stakeholders to address its underlying socio-economic causes.
“We must confront the underlying causes, including poverty and social injustice,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to ensure youths, women, rural communities and vulnerable groups participated in and benefited from economic progress.
Musa identified insecurity, climate change and socio-economic inequality as challenges requiring innovative approaches and research-based interventions.
He urged the faculty to preserve the academic legacy of its founding scholars while embracing research and innovation.
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Muhammad Aminu-Isa, advocated development policies that guaranteed inclusive access to economic opportunities.
He stressed the need to ensure women, youths, rural communities and vulnerable groups benefited from development initiatives.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr Mansur Muktar, urged participants to translate conference recommendations into practical development initiatives.
Muktar, Chairman of the Bank of Industry, said Nigeria and Africa possessed abundant human and natural resources to address their challenges.
He said effective leadership and appropriate governance structures were essential to harnessing the resources for development.
He also urged Nigerians, particularly students, whom he described as future leaders, not to lose hope despite prevailing challenges.
NAN reports that the conference attracted scholars, policymakers and industry experts, with more than 139 research papers accepted for presentation.
The papers will be presented through technical sessions and doctoral discussions. (NAN)
