Headlines
Top 10 Kano stories of November, 2019
By Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Parents of abducted Kano children deserve arrest–Emir Sanusi
Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II had said that parents of the nine Kano children who were abducted, forcefully converted to Christianity and sold in Anambra state, deserved to be arrested by the police for “criminal negligence.”
Mr Sanusi, who broke his silence on the issue for the first time, had said when the abductions were first reported to him at his palace, he had asked his aides to find out from the Kano Police Command if there was any law on negligence.
The Emir spoke at the 2019 public campaign on drug abuse organized by League for Societal Protection Against Drugs Abuse (LESPADA) held in Kano.
Kano court dissolves 4 emirates created by Ganduje
A Kano High Court dissolved the four first class emirates carved out of the Kano emirate by the Kano state government.
KANO FOCUS recalls that Kano state governor Abdullahi Ganduje had on May 8, assented to a law establishing Bichi, Karaye, Rano, and Gaya emirates.
However, the court presided by Justice Usman Na’Abba had declared the law as null and void.
Mr Na’Abba had ruled that the Kano state House of Assembly did not follow the proper procedures in making the law.
My comments on Kano abducted children were deliberately twisted–Emir Sanusi
Emir of Kano Malam Muhammad Sunusi II has complained that his recent comments on the abduction of native Kano children by Igbo kidnappers, were deliberately misinterpreted by journalists.
Kano Focus reports that Mr Sanusi had November 9, 2019 sparked controversy after he accused parents of abducted children in the state of “criminal negligence”, with many people describing his comments as “insensitive”.
However, reacting to the controversy, Mr Sanusi had said his comments were deliberately misinterpreted by journalists.
He spoke while receiving the Commander-General of the state Hisbah board Sheikh Muhammad Harun Sani Ibni Sina, who had paid him a visit at his palace.
“So, you have to understand. We know journalists and we have already said it that our comments will be deliberately twisted and misinterpreted and that was what happened. Even these latest comments I am making will be misinterpreted,” he had said.
Kano gov’t seizes Emir Sanusi’s N250m land, pays monarch N4.5m compensation
The Kano State Government seized a plot of land worth N250 million belonging to the Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II and approved a peanut N4.5 million as compensation to the monarch.
There is a brewing crisis between Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and the emir, which culminated in whittling the influence of the latter by creation of four additional emirates and first-class emirs in Bichi, Rano, Karaye and Gaya.
A Kano High Court had last week nullified the law that created the emirates and the emirs, triggering fears that the judgement might trigger the simmering crisis.
Ganduje appoints new commissioners
Kano state governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje inaugurated 21 commissioners after six months without a cabinet.
The governor swore-in the commissioners and assigned portfolios to them less than 48 hours after their screening by the Kano State House of Assembly.
Mr Ganduje held his first state executive council meeting just hours after inaugurating the new cabinet members.
Appeal Court upholds Ganduje’s election
The Kaduna division of the Court of Appeal upheld the March 23 election of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the governor of Kano State.
In its ruling, the appellate court dismissed the appeal filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate Abba Kabir Yusuf, challenging Mr Ganduje’s election victory.
Kano Focus recalls that on October 2, 2019 chairman of the Kano Election Tribunal, Justice Halima Shamaki had dismissed the petition filed by the PDP and Mr Yusuf for lack of proof.
Kano Assembly cuts break to consider Education Development Support bill
The Kano state House of Assembly resumed its plenary session to consider a bill for the establishment of an Education Development Support Board.
KANO FOCUS recalls that the Assembly had gone on break on November 07, to resume on December 16.
However, the Assembly Clerk, Abdullahi Alfa said the House will resume to consider the bill.
The bill was approved by the Kano state Executive Council in a meeting held at the Government House, Kano.
Yusuf Maitama Sule varsity to start medicine course next year
Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano (YUMSUK) has revealed that it would commence degree programme in medicine and surgery (MBBS) by 2020.
The Vice Chancellor of the university Professor Mustapha Ahmad Isah disclosed this while defending the university’s budget before the Kano Assembly Committee on Higher Education.
Mr. Isah had said the institution is set to enroll its first set of medical students in the next academic session, Kano Focus reports.
He said the sum of N3 billion was budgeted for the university in order to renovate the site for the purpose of the medical programme.
Swiss foundation honors Kano journalist
The Fetisov Charitable Foundation based in Geneva, Switzerland has shortlisted Kano-born journalist Abdulaziz Abdulaziz for its international journalism award.
KANO FOCUS reports that Abdulaziz Abdulaziz of the Premium Times was shortlisted in the Outstanding Investigative Reporting category for his series of stories that led to the resignation of former minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun.
Mr Abdulaziz had exposed how Ms Adeosun skipped the mandatory one year national service and used a forged exemption certificate to secure public service appointments illegally.
Kano blogger accuses PPRO of human rights violations
A Kano based blogger, Bashir Bashir Galadanci has petitioned the state police command to investigate its public relations officer over alleged abuse of office and violations of fundamental human rights.
Mr Galadanchi had accused Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, of illegal detention, torture, and coercing him into making a false confession.
KANO FOCUS recalls that Mr Galadanci was arrested on September 11 for allegedly divulging police internal information on social media without authorization.
In a videotaped confession that went viral, Mr Galadanci apologized to the police command and alleged that he was sponsored by a former PPRO to tarnish the image of the Kano state police command.
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).
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.
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.
Kano AGILE renovates 1,300 schools, enrolls 30,000 girls in three years
BUK Faculty of Education celebrates 50 years anniversary, launches Alumni Association
Governor Yusuf Champions Education, Resolves Certificate Crisis for Kano Graduates
Governor Yusuf Bags Vanguard’s 2024 Good Governance Award
