Northwest University, Kano, has announced that it will confer a posthumous honorary doctorate degree on late Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, the renowned businessman and philanthropist who died recently at the age of 94.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Muktar Atiku Kurawa, made the announcement while briefing journalists on preparations for the university’s combined convocation ceremony, scheduled for Friday, July 25, and Saturday, July 26, 2025.
Dantata is being honoured in recognition of his lifetime contributions to business, philanthropy, and national development.
In addition to the posthumous honour, the university will also confer honorary degrees on four other prominent Kano indigenes: Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, founder of the university and former Kano governor; Hajiya Maryam Sunusi Dantata, a philanthropist; Alhaji Aliyu Sa’idu Bebeji, owner of Aliko Oil; and Alhaji Adamu Yahya (A.Y Maikifi).
“These distinguished individuals have significantly supported the university’s vision and development. We secured Senate approval to honour them accordingly,” Professor Kurawa said.
The convocation will cover five academic sessions—2018/2019 to 2023/2024—and will include the university’s first set of postgraduate students since launching its postgraduate programs in 2021.
The event will also feature the formal installation of the university’s new chancellor, retired Supreme Court Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I.
A pre-convocation lecture will be delivered on Friday, July 25, at the university’s City Campus by Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), with the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, serving as chairperson.
Professor Kurawa further revealed that the university has expanded from five to nine faculties, with a tenth—Faculty of Communication and Media Studies—under review by the NUC. Plans are also underway to establish a Faculty of Allied Health Sciences offering programs such as Nursing, Radiography, Physiotherapy, and Medical Laboratory Science.
The Vice Chancellor confirmed the institution’s name was officially reverted to Northwest University, Kano, from Yusuf Maitama Sule University, following a bill signed into law by the state governor in December 2024.
Professor Kurawa described Northwest University as “first among equals,” highlighting its steady growth and competitive standing nationwide.
The total number of graduating students will be released in the days ahead, he added.
