The Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the appointment of His Royal Highness, Justice (Rtd) Sidi Muhammad Bage, the Emir of Lafia, as the new Chancellor of Northwest University, Kano.
This was announced in a statement signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Friday.
The appointment, described by stakeholders as visionary, underscores the Yusuf administration’s commitment to fostering collaboration between Nigeria’s traditional institutions and its academic centers of excellence.
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Born on June 22, 1956, in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Emir Sidi Bage is a retired Supreme Court Justice with a distinguished legal career. He earned his diploma and LLB from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981.
He began his judicial career as a Magistrate in 1982 and rose through the ranks to become a High Court Judge in 1992. In 2007, he was appointed to the Court of Appeal, and later elevated to the Supreme Court of Nigeria in January 2017. Following the demise of Emir Isa Mustapha Agwai I, he ascended the throne as the 17th Emir of Lafia in March 2019.
Emir Bage is widely respected as a promoter of peace, justice, and social harmony. His appointment as Chancellor reflects Northwest University’s tradition of drawing on the wisdom and integrity of Nigeria’s most accomplished leaders to serve in ceremonial and advisory capacities.
Governor Yusuf noted that appointing a retired jurist and respected traditional ruler as Chancellor demonstrates the institution’s commitment to values such as excellence, fairness, and national development.
The governor praised Emir Bage’s reputation for equity, leadership, and community engagement, qualities he believes will inspire the university community and contribute to its growth.
The appointment letter was formally presented to the Emir by the Chairman of the University Council, Professor Hafiz Abubakar, who was accompanied by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa.
