The Bayero University Kano (BUK) has finalized arrangements to bestow honorary doctorate degrees upon the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, and the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, in acknowledgment of their substantial contributions to education and youth development.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate, Ismail Mudashir, the award ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, March 2, 2024. It will take place during the culminating event of the 38th convocation of the university at its New Campus located on Gwarzo Road, Kano.
In correspondence to the Deputy President of the Senate, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, conveyed that both the Senate and the university’s administration have endorsed the conferment of this distinction.
Professor Abbas highlighted Senator Barau’s notable dedication to education and youth development, citing his impactful initiatives such as scholarship provision, healthcare projects, and various agricultural and empowerment programs within and beyond his constituency. The Vice-Chancellor also commended Senator Barau’s legislative achievements, including the sponsorship of 56 bills during the period of 2015 to 2023, and his recognition as the best Northern Senator of the Year 2017 by the Senate Press Corps.
Born in 1959 in Kabo, Kano State, Senator Barau commenced his legislative journey in 1999, representing Tarauni Federal Constituency of Kano Central Senatorial District at the House of Representatives, where he chaired the Committee on Appropriations. After his tenure, he engaged in private practice until his election as a Senator for Kano North Senatorial District in 2015 under the platform of the All-Progressives Congress (APC).
Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Senator Barau has held significant positions, including Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETfund. Recognized for his expertise in accountancy, he was appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Barau’s dedication to public service and his constituents’ trust led to his reelection in 2019 and 2023. In June 2023, he assumed the office of Deputy President of the Senate, where he currently chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
His unwavering commitment to advancing education, agriculture, and the economy has solidified his reputation as a parliamentarian devoted to the welfare of the masses and the progress of the nation.
