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Kano Pilgrims Board ignores FOI request on Hadaya

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Nasiru Yusuf

The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has refused to disclose the number of pilgrims who paid for the ritual Hadaya animal sacrifice through the board, a civil society organization says.

Kano Today reports that the organization, Independent Hajj Reporters, which monitors Hajj and Umrah  has submitted a Freedom of Information request to the board.

The organization had also asked about the number of pilgrims who paid the Hadaya fees via Jaiz Bank as directed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Independent Hajj Reporters announced this in a statement signed by the national coordinator Ibrahim Muhammed and publicity secretary Abubakar Mahmoud in Abuja on Friday.

HAJJ: Last batch of Kano pilgrims depart for Saudi Arabia

Kano pilgrims suffering in Makkah

The statement said the letters were also sent to Kaduna, Nasarawa, Zamfara, Niger, FCT, and Yobe State Muslim Pilgrims Board.

 “We sought the following information – the total registered number of 2019 hajj pilgrims; the total number of pilgrims that paid for Hadaya through Jaiz Bank and their names, contact numbers and registration numbers as well as the total number of pilgrims that paid through State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, their names and registration numbers”. The organization stated.

However, only Yobe and Kaduna states officially responded to the request as at the time of issuing the public statement.

The civil society organization said it is working with some anti- corruption agencies to monitor how the process of Hadaya will be conducted during the Hajj this year.

It also promises to make its findings public.

“We have concluded all necessary arrangements to ensure that we monitor how pilgrims conduct their Hadaya this year. We are also aware that some states have collected Hadaya money from pilgrims without issuing them a receipt.” It stated.

“These acts negate open transparency and we have begun to identify previous methods used to scam pilgrims by some dubious agents in collaboration with top state pilgrims’ boards’ officials,” the statement said.

It also recalled that NAHCON has approved Jaiz Bank as the only official Hadaya collector for 2019 hajj.

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Kano AGILE renovates 1,300 schools, enrolls 30,000 girls in three years

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Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim 

 

The Kano State Ministry of Education’s Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, supported by the World Bank, has successfully renovated over 1,300 senior and junior secondary schools in the state in the last three years.  

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the state commissioner for education, Alhaji Ali Haruna Makoda, disclosed this during a visit to the Karaye Emirate on Tuesday.

 

He added that the AGILE program has enrolled more than 30,000 girls through targeted outreach, grants, and its Second Chance education initiative.

 

Makoda further revealed that the state government has finalized plan to construct 130 new schools in rural communities, with over 35,000 girls already benefiting from financial assistance under the scheme.

 

He urged the Karaye Emirate to lend full support to the program and prioritize girls’ education.

 

In his remarks, the Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Muhammad Maharaz, pledged the emirate’s commitment to advancing girls’ education in Kano State.

 

He commended the state government and the commissioner for their dedication to the programme’s success.

 

“It is our collective responsibility to support this initiative,” the Emir stated, calling for measures to ensure beneficiaries complete their education with strong academic outcomes.

 

The commissioner’s delegation consist of the Kano State AGILE Project Coordinator, Malam Mujitapha Aminu and other members of State Programme Implementation Unit (SPIU).

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BUK Faculty of Education celebrates 50 years anniversary, launches Alumni Association

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Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim 

 

Bayero University Kano (BUK) on Monday celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Faculty of Education and inaugurated its Alumni Association at the Convocation Arena of the university’s new campus.  

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the event was graced by government officials, education stakeholders, and alumni all gathered to commemorate the faculty’s contributions to Nigeria’s educational sector.

 

In her keynote address, the State Minister for Education, Mrs. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad announced the Federal Government’s Sector Renewal Initiative designed to transition Nigeria from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy.

 

She highlighted that the aim of the renewal initiative consists of – Reducing the number of out-of-school children; combating learning poverty; nhancing skills development and human capital for the labor market

 

The minister noted that the initiative prioritizes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Digital literacy and education quality assurance.

 

Mrs. Ahmad disclosed that the Federal Government had disbursed ₦35 billion to 261 beneficiaries under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), with BUK among the top beneficiaries.

 

“So far, the scheme has received 420 applications, and we are scaling up investments,” she stated.

 

She further confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved ₦120 billion to boost TVET programs, with plans to train 650 youths in technical, vocational, and digital skills over the next two years.

 

Emeritus Professor Sani Ahmad Sufi, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, praised the faculty for its high-quality graduates.

 

“Our pride lies not just in the number of graduates produced yearly, but in their impact across Nigeria and beyond,” he said.

 

He added that the faculty has produced Nigeria’s largest pool of graduate teachers many of whom hold key positions nationally and internationally.

 

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje applauded the faculty for its significant role in advancing education in Nigeria.

 

The event concluded with awards presented to distinguished alumni and supporters of the faculty in recognition of their contributions to its growth.

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Governor Yusuf Champions Education, Resolves Certificate Crisis for Kano Graduates

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Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has emerged as a beacon of hope for graduates left stranded due to the previous administration’s negligence regarding academic certificates.

His determination to rectify these injustices has culminated in decisive actions to secure the future of Kano’s youth. Ibrahim Adam, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, shared these developments with the media.

On December 9, 2024, Governor Yusuf traveled to Cyprus with a mission to obtain the overdue academic certificates for Kano students affected by the prior administration’s failure to meet its educational financial obligations.

During a critical meeting with the management of Near East University, the governor focused on facilitating the release of certificates for students who graduated between 2015 and 2019, particularly in essential fields like Medicine and Nursing.

This was confirmed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson.

In a significant move, Governor Yusuf has settled the outstanding fees of €1.4 million (approximately ₦2.5 billion) owed to the university for 84 medical and2015 to 2019.

This substantial financial commitment honors the dedication and hard work of these graduates, restoring their hopes for a future that had previously been unjustly delayed.

According to Ibrahim Adam, the certificates are set to be handed over to the Kano State Scholarship Board through the Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, marking a pivotal moment for the affected students.

Governor Yusuf acknowledged the challenges faced by the graduates, declaring, “This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise.”

His vision for a prosperous Kano is centered on prioritizing education, ensuring that talented individuals can make valuable contributions to the state’s advancement.

The governor’s proactive measures not only address the systemic issues in the education sector but also inspire renewed hope among Kano’s youth.

By fulfilling his promises, he emphasizes the crucial role of supporting young people in achieving their aspirations, which is vital to the state’s growth.

As this milestone is celebrated, it is evident that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s relentless pursuit of educational reform signals a transformative era for Kano State.

His administration’s unwavering focus on education stands as a vital investment in the futures of individuals and the overall development of the state.

Under his leadership, Kano State is poised to realize its full potential, with eager graduates ready to make impactful contributions to their communities.

Governor Yusuf’s commitment to empowering the youth serves as an enduring reminder that with dedication and decisive action, a brighter future is attainable for all.

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