The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has urged the 19 northern governors to invest more in western education to reduce the level of poverty and insecurity within the region.

Adewole’s position was contained in a statement issued by the institution after he paid a sympathy visit to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, who was recently attacked by suspected terrorists in the city. The monarch is the chancellor of the premier university.

He noted that it was incumbent on all northern governors to ensure that the youths in the region were given western education alongside their Islamic studies.

"Western education plays an important role in the process of refinement of mind. It is much easier to deal with enlightened minds than those who did not savour the flavour of education. It is against this background that I call on all northern governors to design programmes and mechanism that will ensure that many of the northern youths go to school,” Adewole said.

He described the incident as most unfortunate and embarrassing, considering the personality of the royal father and the time-honoured institution that he represents.

On the coming 50th Coronation Anniversary of the Emir, the VC expressed the readiness of the university to play a crucial role in the ceremony, saying the Emir is a respected institution who deserves honour from everybody, given his contribution to the development of UI.

Adewole  expressed  delight at the stable condition of the royal father and wished him long life in good health and further positive contributions to the nation.

The Emir, who described the attack as an act of God, thanked the VC, members of staff and students of the university for their love, concern and hospitality whenever he visits the institution.