Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has been honoured with a Human Capital Development Excellence Award by the Nigerian Association Tyne and Wear in North East England, in recognition of his contributions to education and broader human development in Nigeria.
The award was presented at the association’s annual award night held in Newcastle on Saturday, drawing members of the Nigerian diaspora, community leaders, and professionals from across the United Kingdom.
Organisers said the award acknowledges Kwankwaso’s long-standing record in public service, particularly his investments in education, youth empowerment, and institutional development during his tenure as governor and in other national roles.
Kwankwaso is widely credited with advancing human capital development through policies that expanded access to education, including the establishment of universities and tertiary institutions, as well as scholarship programmes that have produced hundreds of PhD holders and thousands of graduates across various fields.
The award was received on his behalf by Dr Hamisu Muhammad, Global Coordinator of the Kwankwasiyya Diaspora.
In a speech delivered at the event, Kwankwaso expressed appreciation to the organisers for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to national development.
“I thank the organisers for finding me worthy of this honour. I remain committed to giving my best to the development of Nigeria,” he said.
He emphasised the central role of education in nation-building, noting that sustainable progress depends on investing in people.
“The only way to achieve lasting development is through human capital development,” Kwankwaso stated, adding that the presence of beneficiaries of his scholarship initiatives at the event reflects the enduring impact of such investments.
Speaking after receiving the award, Dr Muhammad said his nomination to represent Kwankwaso at the event underscores the former governor’s belief in empowering young people.
“His decision to send me here is a clear example of his commitment to youth development and the confidence he places in the next generation,” Muhammad said.
The event also highlighted the growing recognition of Kwankwaso’s contributions among Nigerians in the diaspora and his continued influence in shaping conversations around education, leadership, and development.
