Emir Sanusi Advocates Girl-Child Schooling to Break Poverty Cycle

Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, has asserted that empowering the girl-child through education stands as the singular most impactful approach to dismantling cycles of poverty across generations and resolving numerous societal and economic hurdles facing Nigeria. This declaration was made by Sanusi during his keynote speech delivered at the inaugural convocation ceremony of Miva Open University, which took place on Saturday at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in Lagos. The graduating Class of 2026 comprised a total of 1,212 students, with 970 receiving postgraduate degrees and 242 earning undergraduate qualifications. A significant highlight of the occasion was the investiture of Dr Tunji Olowolafe, who was officially named the institution's pioneering Pro-Chancellor.

Addressing the audience, the Kano monarch explained that ensuring girls remain enrolled in educational institutions would drastically lower rates of maternal and neonatal mortality, combat malnutrition, and decrease the population of children not attending school. He stated, “If there is one single silver bullet that goes through many of the developmental issues that we face, it is educating the girl-child. You keep a young woman in school long enough, you deal with problems of maternal death, neonatal death, malnutrition, out-of-school children and intergenerational poverty.”

The erstwhile Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria further elaborated that educating the girl-child represents a highly effective method for advancing family planning initiatives and appropriate child spacing. “Education is the most effective contraception you can give a woman. You educate her, she knows how to find out about contraceptives; you don’t have to start teaching her,” he said.

Sanusi underscored education as an inherent right for all, not merely a privilege for a select group. He contended that nations which restrict their citizens' access to quality learning invariably hinder their own progress and development. “Education is not a privilege. It is not a reward for those fortunate enough to be born in the right city, to the right family or with the right resources. Education is a right. And when systems are built that deny it, they do not merely fail individuals, they fail nations,” he said. He commended Miva Open University for its role in broadening access to tertiary education via technological means, noting that digital learning pathways have opened doors for individuals who might otherwise have been unable to pursue a university degree. He explained that online educational platforms empower students to learn regardless of their geographical location or individual life situations. The Emir refuted assertions suggesting that online education is of lesser quality compared to traditional schooling, emphasizing that academic excellence is determined by stringent standards, not by the presence of physical classroom structures. “Quality is not a function of geography. Rigour is not a function of architecture. Excellence does not require that you sit in a particular building in a particular city. What it requires is a learning environment that is honest, demanding and designed around the success of the student,” he said.

In his address to the graduating cohort, the monarch implored them to transition into roles as problem-solvers and entrepreneurs, rather than passively awaiting job openings. “The job market is difficult, but the people who create their own opportunities, who build rather than apply and who solve rather than complain, are the people who ultimately define what the system becomes,” he said. He further advised the graduates to commit to continuous learning, upholding integrity, and demonstrating courage, highlighting that education is an invaluable asset that cannot be expropriated. “Everything else can be taken from you, but no one can take away your education, your integrity, your courage and your principles,” Sanusi added.

Dignitaries present at the event included Sim Shagaya, Chancellor of Miva Open University; Dr Tunji Olowolafe, the Pro-Chancellor; Prof Tayo Arulogun, the Vice-Chancellor; Lovelyn Okonkwo, the Registrar; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose representative was Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Secretary to the State Government; Dr Maruf Alausa, the Minister of Education; and Prof Abdullahi Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, represented by Ayoteju Ogun. The Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Adelola, and Mr Tolani Sule, Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, were also among the attendees.

In his address, the Minister of Education remarked that Miva University is pioneering the future of learning by extending educational boundaries beyond traditional classrooms. “As Artificial Intelligence and digital technology transform economies, universities must evolve. Miva represents the future of education in the next 100 years. Education and learning must evolve. We are in an era of the democratisation of education.” Highlighting the Federal Government's dedication to the education sector, Alausa encouraged the graduating students to become members of a generation that constructs and fosters opportunities for national advancement.

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his comments, stressed that achieving a university degree marks not an endpoint, but rather the commencement of significant responsibilities. He implored the graduands, even with their newly acquired certificates, to embrace entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, creativity, and unwavering integrity. “Beyond academic qualifications, adaptability and critical thinking are crucial, especially in today’s world of Artificial Intelligence and technological innovation. This is not the end but the beginning of a much larger responsibility. Don’t seek opportunities; create them. Let integrity be your anchor.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Olowolafe cautioned against viewing Open and Distance Learning (ODL) as a lesser substitute for traditional educational models. He asserted that the broadened access to education facilitated by ODL does not imply a compromise in academic quality. “ODL is usually viewed as a lesser option. If well executed, it may do even more for education. Democratising education does not mean lowering standards. It means designing systems to meet learners where they are.” Speaking to the newly graduated students, he assured them, “You did not receive a diluted education.” He further encouraged them to commit to continuous learning even after obtaining their degrees. “Do not mistake your degree for the end of your education. The real test is whether you keep learning. As the maiden graduating class, carry yourselves responsibly and serve as role models for future Miva students,” Olowolafe said.

Regarding the university's future initiatives, Chancellor Sim Shagaya announced Miva's plans to establish advanced robotics and drone laboratories, with initial locations set for Abuja and Lagos. He also revealed that the institution has introduced a new bachelor’s degree program focused on Artificial Intelligence. “We can’t just be consumers of technology. AI is rewriting societies. We want to power the next generation. Our students will write algorithms to solve Nigeria’s challenges. We also plan to establish cutting-edge robotics and drone laboratories, as well as physical centres in every local government area of the country.”

Vice-Chancellor Prof Tayo Arulogun articulated the university's ambitious vision to rank among the top 10 universities in Nigeria and within the top 50 worldwide. He explained that the institution's strong focus on postgraduate studies is intended to drive groundbreaking and transformative research. “We are positioning ourselves to be among the finest universities globally. We are reinventing horizons in a bid to empower one million Africans by 2030. We will scale up our infrastructure to become one of the top 10 universities in Nigeria and among the top 50 universities globally.” He further mentioned that a Career Advancement Centre has been established by the university to assist graduates in their job search. Statistics provided by him indicated that 50 percent of the university’s graduating students are employed, 25 percent operate as self-employed individuals, and seven percent engage in freelance work.

Miva Open University obtained its operational license from the National Universities Commission in May 2023, subsequently admitting its inaugural cohort of students in October of the same year.