Barau asks universities to Turn research into wealth

Deputy of the President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, has urged universities and other tertiary institutions in the country to prioritise research and its commercialisation as done by higher institutions in developed nations. Senator Barau made the call when he received the management of the North West University, Kano led by the Vice […]

Deputy of the President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, has urged universities and other tertiary institutions in the country to prioritise research and its commercialisation as done by higher institutions in developed nations.

Senator Barau made the call when he received the management of the North West University, Kano led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Amina Salihi Bayero, at the National Assembly, Abuja.

He urged the management of the country’s higher institutions to diversify their revenue sources through the commercialisation of research.

Senator Barau, who chaired the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND in the 8th Senate, said, “Do not leave innovations in laboratories or bookshelves. Patent them and create value from them.

“Top global institutions like Harvard, MIT and Cornell leverage research, collaborate with industries, and generate revenue through innovation. I encourage you to adopt this model.”

He noted that sustaining and developing higher education is a venture that requires collective effort and not a single entity.

“Maintaining and developing a university is not something that can be assured by just a single entity or person. It needs the assistance, intervention and cooperation of all,” he said, adding that even institutions established and funded by the Federal Government routinely seek external support.

Highlighting the importance of human capital, the Deputy President of the Senate said education must remain a top priority.

“Human capital is the key driver of development globally. It is no longer about resources like petroleum or solid minerals. The number one factor of production in any nation is human capital,” he said.

Praising the Vice-Chancellor’s proactive approach and the university’s rapid growth since its establishment in 2012, he announced the donation of a coaster bus to the institution.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Amina Salihi Bayero, who assumed office in December 2025, said the visit was to explore ways of collaboration between the university and the office of the Deputy President of the Senate.

She commended the contributions of the Deputy President of the Senate to the country’s education sector through numerous interventions including scholarships and grants, and the provision of critical infrastructure to higher institutions.

She said the university which started with a faculty at inception now has ten faculties and a student population of 30,000.