Headlines
KUST postpones increment of tuition, hostel charges as ASUU condemns hike
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil (KUST) has postponed the implementation of its new tuition and accommodation charges, following an outcry by the varsity’s branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
KANO FOCUS reports that the deferment of the fees hike came just a day after the increment was announced.
On Wednesday, the KUST had announced that returning Kano state students would pay N30,800 for registration instead of N21,500 while fresh students were to pay N33,500 as against the N23,200 they used to pay.
Also, the university said non-native and foreign students are to pay N44,800 and N96,000 as tuition fees respectively.
As for students’ accommodation, the university had raised the charges from 5,090 to N10,090.00 per session, according to a statement by Sa’idu Abdullahi Nayaya, the varsity’s deputy registrar, information and public relations.
But in another statement on Thursday, Mr Nayaya said the implementation of the new charges would take effect from 2020/2021 academic session instead of 2019/2020.
Mr Nayaya, stated that the decision was reached at the 94th meeting of the University Senate, held on Thursday, following an intervention by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, “who pledged to support the University with the shortfall for 2019/2020 Academic Session.”
Meanwhile the KUST Vice Chancellor, Professor Shehu Alhaji Musa, announced 8 March 2020 as the resumption date for the new academic session.
Professor Musa urged both new and returning students to face their studies with “all seriousness”.
Tuition, hostel fees hike “highly insensitive”–ASUU
However, ASUU- KUST chapter condemned the increase in students’ registration and accommodation fees, describing the action as “insensitive.”
In a statement, the branch chairperson of the union, Comrade Muhammad Sani Gaya said the hike is “highly insensitive looking at the difficult economic situation in the country.”
Mr Gaya added that the fees increment undermines the Kano state policy on free and compulsory education.
“For the avoidance of doubt the Union categorically reiterates its earlier resolution at its Congress held on Thursday, 16th January, 2020 and its press release of Thursday, 30th January, 2020 of total rejection of this dangerous venture due to the unreliability of the data used by the management to arrive at the reviewed charges,” he said.
‘Hidden charges’
The ASUU-KUST chairperson further added that the services rendered from the funds generated from the registration fees paid by the students were unjustifiable.
Mr Gaya also alleged that “stakeholders and the general public may also wish to note that the university authority wittingly concealed the actual amount to be paid by the students (there are hidden charges).”
“The actual amount to be paid as indicated in the Wednesday, 26th February, 2020 press release signed by one Sa’idu Abdullahi Nayaya does not in any way correspond with what was approved to be paid.
“For instance, a fresh Geography student (an indigene of Kano State) is to pay N33, 700 (university charges), N5,000 field course, N10,090 (hostel charges), N2,000 (field course local charges), N200 (SGS charges), N500 (entrepreneurship charges) totaling N51,490.
“Couple with the lack of accountability, this is coming at a time of extravagant and bogus expenditure by the university management.
“Since the re-introduction of registration fees by the university in 2015/2016 session there was never a year when audited report was presented before the council in violation of Section 31 of the university law,” the ASUU-KUST said.
Headlines
Kwankwaso mourns former Radio Kano, ARTV boss Adamu Getso
Ibrahim Khalil
Former Kano State Governor and national leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed sadness over the death of former Managing Director of Radio Kano and Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso, in a condolence message posted on his Facebook account on Sunday, described the late Getso as a seasoned broadcaster and accomplished media professional whose contributions to public communication and media development left a lasting impact on Kano State.
The former governor recalled that Getso served with distinction as Managing Director of ARTV and later as Managing Director of Radio Kano during his two tenures as governor of the state.
According to Kwankwaso, the deceased played a significant role in advancing public information dissemination and strengthening the media sector in Kano.
“His immense contributions to public communication, media development, and the overall progress of Kano State will be remembered for generations,” he stated.
Kwankwaso extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the people of Getso community in Gwarzo Local Government Area, the government and people of Kano State, and members of the media profession.
He prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late media administrator, grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah, and give his family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
Adamu Getso, a respected broadcaster and administrator, served in key leadership positions within Kano State-owned media organisations and was widely acknowledged for his contributions to the growth of broadcasting in the state. His death has continued to attract tributes from political leaders, journalists, and members of the public.
Headlines
Governor Yusuf Mourns Former CTV 67 Managing Director, Adamu Getso
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Managing Director of CTV 67 Television, now known as the Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), between 2000 and 2003, Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso, who passed away on Saturday after a brief illness.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor’s condolence message was conveyed in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
Governor Yusuf described the late Getso as a distinguished broadcaster, seasoned administrator, and dedicated public servant who devoted his life to the advancement of journalism, public enlightenment, and the promotion of societal values through the media.
According to the governor, the deceased was widely respected for his honesty, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public service, qualities that earned him admiration from colleagues, government officials, and members of the public.
The governor recalled that after his appointment as Managing Director of CTV 67 Television, Getso served as the Managing Director of Radio Kano, between 2011 and 2015.
During his tenure, the late media administrator made significant contributions to the growth and development of television broadcasting in Kano State, Governor Yusuf noted.
He further stated that Getso later served as Managing Director of Radio Kano from 2011 to 2015, where he provided exemplary leadership and implemented reforms that strengthened the station’s position as one of the leading public broadcasting organisations in Northern Nigeria.
On behalf of the government and people of Kano State, Governor Yusuf extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the management and staff of Radio Kano and ARTV, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the wider media community.
The governor prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and asked Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, reward his good deeds with Aljannatul Firdaus, and grant his family, friends, former colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
KANO FOCUS reports that the death of Adamu Getso has been described by many as a significant loss to the media industry in Kano State and Nigeria at large, given his decades of service and contributions to the development of broadcasting.
Headlines
NNPC donates MRI machine to Dala orthopaedic hospital
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The NNPC Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of NNPC Limited, has donated a state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, Kano State, in a move aimed at improving access to advanced diagnostic healthcare services.
KANO FOCUS reports that the MRI system was commissioned and officially handed over during a ceremony held at the hospital premises in Kano on Thursday.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Limited, Andy Odeh, the intervention is part of the company’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality medical services across Nigeria.
The statement noted that the facility would significantly enhance the diagnosis and treatment of orthopaedic, neurological, trauma-related, musculoskeletal, and gynaecological conditions.
Before the donation, patients requiring advanced MRI diagnostic services often faced challenges, including long-distance travel, lengthy waiting periods, and delays in treatment due to limited availability and high costs.
Speaking at the event, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, represented by the Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, said the donation aligns with the company’s broader objective of contributing to national healthcare development.
“At NNPC Limited, we are intentional about ensuring that our social investments are impactful, sustainable, and beneficial to the communities we serve. Through the NNPC Foundation, we will continue to implement interventions that create measurable social value across Nigeria,” she said.
Arukwe described the intervention as timely, noting that it would help address challenges associated with inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited medical equipment, and the growing demand for specialised medical services.
Also speaking, the Executive Vice President, Business Services of NNPC Limited, Mrs. Sophia Mbakwe, represented by the Executive Director, Programme Management at the NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Rose Okonkwo, said the company remained committed to improving the lives of Nigerians beyond its core oil and gas operations.
She said the donation reflected NNPC Limited’s determination to deliver sustainable and impactful interventions, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations.
“By this intervention, NNPC Limited aims to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve the quality of life of the people of Kano State, the North-West region, and all Nigerians who depend on the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, for specialised medical care,” she stated.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, commended the NNPC Foundation for the donation, describing it as a major milestone in improving healthcare services through early and accurate diagnosis.
He noted that access to advanced diagnostic equipment would contribute significantly to better patient outcomes and improved healthcare delivery in the state and beyond.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, Dr. Isa Nurudeen, expressed appreciation to NNPC Limited for the intervention.
He said the MRI machine would have a transformative impact on the hospital’s operations and significantly improve the quality of specialised healthcare services offered to patients.
The event was attended by officials of NNPC Limited, management and staff of the hospital, government representatives, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
