BUK hosts 23rd annual symposium in honour of Mallam Aminu Kano

The Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies, Bayero University, Kano (BUK), on Thursday hosted the 23rd Annual Symposium in commemoration of the 42nd anniversary of the death of Mallam Aminu Kano.

The event, held at the historic Mambayya House, brought together academics, political figures, and civil society leaders to reflect on the life and legacy of the late nationalist, teacher, and revolutionary.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Bayero University, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Services, Professor Haruna Musa, emphasised the importance of the annual event in preserving the ideals for which Mallam Aminu Kano stood.

“The symposium is organised to honour the life and times of Mallam Aminu Kano,” he said. “As part of our university’s continuous effort to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic culture, we invite notable individuals every year to deliver lectures at Mambayya House on topics of national significance.”

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He added that the series of lectures are intended to offer intellectual engagement rooted in historical context. “These lectures aim to generate ideas and philosophical reflections. Over the years, many distinguished personalities have made presentations here, contributing to our democratic discourse.”

Professor Abbas commended the organising committee and the leadership of the Mambayya House for their dedication in keeping the legacy of Mallam Aminu Kano alive.

“Mallam Aminu Kano’s life is worthy of celebration,” he continued. “This symposium offers a platform to discuss his contributions and reflect on the values he championed throughout his life.”

Delivering a keynote address, Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago presented a paper titled “The Politics of Tax Reforms in Nigeria: Expectations and Realities.” He said the choice of the topic was symbolic, linking it to Mallam Aminu Kano’s historic stand against colonial taxation policies.

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“One may wonder why this topic is relevant to Mallam Aminu Kano’s legacy,” Professor Dandago noted. “He was among the first to challenge the unjust colonial taxation system. That act of resistance was foundational to his broader struggle for social justice, which makes tax reform a fitting theme.”

Professor Dandago highlighted that while about 10% of the proposed tax reform bill remains controversial, the broader contents of the bill are widely accepted. “People have expressed disappointment over certain elements of the bill,” he said, “and there is a strong need to review it before it is signed into law.”

He further criticised the bill for lacking tangible democratic dividends and called for the inclusion of mechanisms that ensure fairness and accountability in its implementation.

“There’s also a need to commend the National Assembly for the amendments they have made so far,” he added. “Such efforts should be appreciated as part of the democratic process.”

Speaking on behalf of the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, described Mallam Aminu Kano as a towering African revolutionary and a relentless political activist whose life continues to inspire generations.

“This topic aligns perfectly with the legacy of Mallam Aminu Kano,” he said. “He was the first to resist colonial taxation policies, a move that defined his commitment to justice and equality. His life is indeed worth celebrating.”

The Deputy Governor stressed the importance of public understanding and engagement on the tax reform bill, which he said contains provisions that remain unclear to many Nigerians.

“Kano State is the only state in Nigeria that sent a delegation to Abuja to engage members of the House of Representatives and Senators on the tax bill,” he disclosed. “We must appreciate the efforts of the committee and scholars who contributed to this engagement.”

Abdussalam further noted that the proposed tax reform falls short of addressing the needs of the Nigerian masses. “The reform, as it stands, offers very little to ordinary Nigerians,” he said.

He concluded by describing Mallam Aminu Kano as a true nationalist whose principles should guide contemporary policy discussions.

SolaceBase reports that the Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies has consistently organised the memorial symposium every 17th of April to honour the enduring contributions of Mallam Aminu Kano to Nigeria’s democratic development.