Headlines
KUST Wudil, ASUU resolve crisis after agreement on major demands
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil (KUST) says it has reached an agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) after fulfilling four of five demands presented by the union.
This was contained in a statement sent to KANO FOCUS, signed by the Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations unit of the university, Sa’idu Abdullahi Nayaya, on Friday.
Mr Na’yaya said the university has settled staff entitlements including 50% balance of the N198million Postgraduate Grant and 2017/2018 SIWES Supervision Allowance and Family Air ticket allowance.
He added that the Excess Workload Allowances for 2014/2015, 2015/2016, as well as 2016/2017 submitted by the union in May 2019 and August 2019, respectively have been approved by the State Executive Council and the release of the funds is in process.
The KUST spokesperson explained that the institution had implemented the “hazard allowance” with effect from January and February 2020.
Meanwhile, the varsity management has reiterated the state government’s determination to improve its support and funding for the continued growth of the university.
Background to the crisis
It may be recalled that members of ASUU at the KUST had threatened to embark on an all-out strike by March 2020 unless the varsity’s authorities address various issues including alleged poor funding, financial misappropriation and attempt to raise students’ registration fees.
In a joint statement, the ASUU-KUST branch Chairman, Comrade Muhammad Sani Gaya and Secretary Comrade Murtala Muhammad said the poor funding of the university is adversely affecting the running of the university resulting to inadequate offices and laboratories.
The ASUU-KUST had also accused the university’s leadership of misapplying over N200 million to purchase exotic cars while failing to renovate a female hostel block that was destroyed by fire in February 2019.
The lecturers also alleged plans by the KUST authorities to increase registration fees for undergraduate students “despite lack of accountability in the funds generated in previous students’ registration as externally audited financial reports were not presented before the university council within the last few years in violation of the university law and services rendered”.
The ASUU further alleged that “persistent under-funding of the university by the Kano state government”.
“The union noted that for a long time the state virtually left the provision of needed infrastructure of the university to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TeTFund),” the statement said.
However, in its reaction, the KUST management dismissed the allegations, insisting that the university is being funded by the Kano state government.
“The University management will like to categorically state that Kano state government as proprietor of the university has been making releases of funds of N774 Million for accreditation, the prompt payment of salaries and wages of staff of N2.6 Billion annually as well, undertook other developmental projects.
“The University Management has also purchased laboratory equipment worth millions of naira for use during practical’s and makes periodic releases of funds to departments, directorates and other units of the university,” read the statement, signed by Abdullahi Nayaya, deputy registrar, information and public relations of the varsity.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Kano State Commissioner of Finance and renowned academic, Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Governor Yusuf described the late Prof. Dandago as a dedicated public servant and accomplished scholar whose contributions to education and governance left lasting footprints in Kano State.
He noted that the former finance commissioner served the state with integrity and commitment and was widely respected for his professionalism, humility and passion for knowledge.
According to the governor, Kano State has lost a valuable son whose experience and wisdom greatly enriched both public service and the academic community.
Governor Yusuf extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the academic community and the people of Kano State over what he described as an irreparable loss.
He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the shortcomings of the late Prof. Dandago, grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and gives his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The National President of the Government Arabic Teachers College Gwale Old Students Association (GATCOSA), Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago, is dead.
KANO FOCUS reports that Prof. Dandago, a renowned Professor of Accountancy at Bayero University Kano, died on Wednesday evening. His passing has thrown the academic community and associates into mourning.
In a message shared on GATCOSA’s WhatsApp platform, a Director at the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education, Alhaji Nura Dandago, announced that the funeral prayer for the late professor would be held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. at his residence in Rijiyar Zaki Quarters, Kano.
Until his death, Prof. Dandago served as the National President of GATCOSA and was widely respected for his contributions to education and public service. He previously served as Commissioner for Finance in Kano State during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Just last Saturday, the late academic presented a paper on economic challenges in Northern Nigeria at a Ramadan Lecture organised by the Islamic Forum of Nigeria, where he spoke passionately about strategies for economic reform and regional development.
Colleagues and admirers described Prof. Dandago as a dedicated scholar and public servant who was deeply committed to building a prosperous and self-reliant nation. His death marks the end of a distinguished career in academia and public service.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The basketball team of Bayero University Kano (BUK) has emerged champions of the Northwest 3×3 Basketball Championship hosted by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the victorious team presented the championship trophy to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Haruna Musa, following their impressive performance at the tournament, which featured six universities from across Northern Nigeria.
BUK went unbeaten throughout the competition, winning all six matches and sealing the title with a thrilling 20–18 victory over the host institution, ABU Zaria, in the final.
In the group stage, BUK recorded a 10–0 win against Northwest University, Kano, and defeated the Air Force Institute of Technology 33–20. The team also edged the Federal University of Education, Kano, 11–9, before securing another dominant 10–0 victory over the Federal University of Transportation, Daura. They capped their remarkable run with the narrow 20–18 triumph in the final.
The victory marks BUK’s second championship title in the history of the competition, reinforcing the university’s growing reputation in collegiate sports.
Receiving the team, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the athletes for bringing pride to the institution and urged them to sustain and surpass their current achievements. He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to strengthening sports development in the university and pledged continued institutional and individual support for the players’ sporting careers.
The presentation ceremony concluded with the formal handover of the trophy and cash rewards to the athletes in recognition of their discipline, teamwork and excellence.
Gov. Yusuf mourns former Kano finance commissioner, Prof. Dandago
Abba Care: A Lifeline of Compassion in Kano State
GATCOSA President, Prof. Kabiru Isa Dandago is dead
BUK clinches Northwest 3×3 basketball title at ABU Zaria
Kano rolls out emergency medical services, deploys 20 Ambulances
Lami Maccido, first person to appear on screens of NTA Kano, CTV 67, dies at 72
Kano begins Ramadan food distribution as Gov. Yusuf constitutes feeding committee
Kano Police announce movement restrictions ahead of assembly by-elections
K-SAFE appeals to Kano Executive Council to pass revised education bill
