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Domestic violence: Kano community prescribes psychiatric test for couples before marriage
Mukhtar Yahaya Usman
Dan Bare community, a suburb of in Kumbotso local government area of Kano state has introduced a mandatory requirement for prospective couples to conduct psychiatric tests before they are allowed to marry.
In an exclusive interview with KANO FOCUS, Ward Head of Dan Bare (D), Saifullahi Abba Labaran said the rule became necessary in order to curb rampant cases of domestic violence that sometimes claim lives among spouses.
Mr Labaran explained that elders in the community had held extensive deliberations before finally agreeing to adopt the mental health test rule, adding that it will bring stability in the society.
Where to conduct the test
The ward head said the elders agreed that any prospective couple that intends to get married in the community would be required to undergo brain tests and other related procedures at Psychiatric Hospital Dawanau–the main mental health facility in Kano state.
‘‘We discussed the matter with the village head and other elders in the area and gave their pull support to impose it and even the village head promised to engage other ward heads,” he said.
Mr Labaran added that once couples are ready for the test, a representative from the office of the ward head would then be asked to accompany them to the hospital to ensure that the test results are genuine.
‘‘After the tests have been carried out, we will ask for three copies of each result. The first is for the groom’s family, the second is for the bride’s family and the third is for the ward head.
‘‘We choose this way because most of the time, you discover that perpetrators of domestic violence that involves killing usually test positive for mental illness. This is why it is necessary to conduct this type of test before marriage,”he said.
Price for disobedience
Asked about the penalties prescribed for those who refuse to abide by the rule, Mr Labaran warned that errant couples would be dealt with by community elders.
‘‘If someone disobeys us we will send him to our elders to deal with him as I’m not only the one who agreed to it but all elders in the community,’’ he said.
He added that Dan Bare community also resolves that suitors from outside the community must also subject themselves to the mental health tests before they can marry a woman in the area.
‘‘If an outsider comes to seek the hands of our daughters in marriage, we will force him to do the test otherwise, the marriage will not happen.
‘‘But if our community members decide to marry elsewhere, then we will not be responsible for whatever happens since it is not within our jurisdiction,” Mr Labaran explained.
Residents react
But residents of Dan Bare have expressed mixed reactions to the development.
Nura Ibrahim Shu’aib, believes that despite being a good initiative, the mental health test rule requires adequate time and awareness before it could succeed.
However, another resident Abdulbasid Tijjani said he found the development unfamiliar, adding that he was unsure if he could agree to conduct a mental health assessment before marriage.
‘‘It’s really something new to us, but after the ward head explained it in detailed to us, then I found it very interesting,” he said.
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.
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