The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Professor Tukur Adamu, has identified insecurity, banditry, illegal mining and destruction of agriculture among the major challenges confronting the state.
He called for sustained research and evidence-based approaches to addressing insecurity, illegal mining and other socio-economic challenges confronting Zamfara State.
The VC disclosed this on Wednesday during the First Hybrid National Conference themed “Zamfara State @30 (1996–2026): Governance, Security and Sustainable Development Pathway,” organised by the Centre for Leadership and Democratic Research, Federal University Gusau.
Professor Tukur Adamu, represented by the Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Lawal Sa’adu, explained that Federal University, Gusau, has a special responsibility to contribute knowledge and ideas capable of supporting government policies and development initiatives.
“Governance, security and development are closely interconnected, sustainable development requires effective institutions, accountable governance and an environment where citizens can live and pursue their livelihoods peacefully.
“The challenges require not only immediate interventions but also sustained research and evidence-based strategies to address their underlying causes,” he stated.
He commended the Zamfara State Government, keynote speaker, paper presenters, participants and organisers for their contributions to the conference.
Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Talata Mafara University, Professor Shehu Sidi Ibrahim, identified insecurity as the major challenge hindering sustainable development in the state.
“Despite the progress recorded in infrastructure and institutional development, insecurity had continued to undermine the gains made in various sectors.”
Professor Sidi, however, said Zamfara had every reason to celebrate its 30th anniversary, citing the establishment of universities, a polytechnic, a college of education and an airport as some of the developments recorded since its creation.
Earlier, the Director, Centre for Leadership and Democratic Research, Federal University Gusau, Dr Abdurrahman Adamu, called for stronger leadership and practical solutions to accelerate the development of Zamfara State as it marks 30 years of creation.
Dr Adamu said the programme was initiated to bring scholars and other stakeholders together to examine the state’s development journey and generate workable ideas for its advancement.