Kano governor appoints Emir of Lafia as Chancellor of Northwest college

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has officially appointed the Emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness, Justice (Rtd) Sidi Muhammad Bage, as the new Chancellor of Northwest University, Kano.

The announcement was made public through a statement issued by the governor’s media chief, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Sunday.

According to the statement, the appointment signifies the governor’s ongoing efforts to reinforce the relationship between Nigeria’s cultural heritage and academic institutions, while promoting leadership grounded in integrity and public service.

Born on June 22, 1956, in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Justice Bage’s educational foundation was laid at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned both a diploma and an LLB in law. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981, launching a legal journey that would span decades.

He began as a magistrate in 1982 and steadily rose through the judicial ranks, becoming a High Court judge by 1992. His legal acumen earned him elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2007, before he reached the pinnacle of Nigeria’s judiciary as a Supreme Court Justice in 2017.

Following the passing of the late Emir Isa Mustapha Agwai I, Bage ascended the Lafia throne in March 2019, becoming the 17th Emir. Since then, he has built a reputation as a voice of reason and an advocate for peace and social unity.

Part of the statement reads: “By entrusting Emir Bage with the chancellorship, Northwest University, Kano, continues its tradition of drawing from Nigeria’s most accomplished and principled leaders to serve in ceremonial and advisory capacities.”

Governor Yusuf, speaking on the appointment, described it as a strategic move intended to bring distinguished leadership into the university system.
“Appointing a former Supreme Court Justice and respected monarch is a deliberate decision that reflects our commitment to academic excellence, moral integrity, and national cohesion,” he said.

He also highlighted Emir Bage’s longstanding record of fairness, wisdom, and civic leadership—traits the governor believes will positively influence both students and faculty members.

The appointment letter was personally delivered to the Emir in Lafia by the Chairman of the University Council, Professor Hafiz Abubakar, accompanied by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa.