Headlines
COVID-19: Kano shuts down private hospitals, diagnostic centres
Nasiru Yusuf
Kano State Private Health Institutions Management Agency (PHIMA) has shutdown private hospitals and private diagnostic centres to curtail the spread of COVID-19.
The Executive Secretary of the agency Usman Tijjani revealed this to KANO FOCUS in an exclusive interview on Sunday.
The closure of the private hospitals and diagnostic centres comes amidst concern over high mortality rate being experienced in Kano suspected to be linked to the COVID-19–a deadly respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus.
Mr Tijjani explained that the closure followed a state government directive on total lockdown.
“The essence of lockdown is to prevent community transmission of COVID-19. The hospitals are among the essential service providers exempted of the lockdown, if they can provide personal protective equipments to staff.
“Hospitals are among the places of public gathering that can trigger the spread of COVID-19,” he said.
The executive secretary however, clarified that hospitals that can provide personal protective equipment to their staff are exempted from total closure, but their operations would remain skeletal.
Equally exempted from the order, according to Mr Tijjani, are pharmacies and patent medicine shops as practiced in United States and United Kingdom where patients with stable condition can go and buy drugs.
“Even those who can provide personal protective equipment to their staffs, must scale down operation, as hospitals are among the places that attract crowd, and there is high probability of transmission in crowded environment.
” The hospitals should attend to emergency cases and those that required prompt medical attention, if they have face masks, hand gloves, sanitisers. Hospitals that cannot provide such personal protective equipment are directed to shutdown,” he directed.
Mr Tijjani threatened that any hospital found treating COVID-19 cases or allow their staff to get infected would be closed and will only re-open after fumigation.
The official also advised private hospitals in Kano to adopt “telemedicine” system, which enables patients to receive treatment information by phone as practiced in United States and United Kingdom.
He also advised hospitals and pharmacies to be on alert and exhibit a very high index of suspicion to identify people with coronavirus symptoms and refers them to COVID-19 rapid response team for further treatment.
Kano state had recorded more than a dozen high profile deaths on Saturday and Sunday, including five professors, a former Grand Khadi, a former state chairman of State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB), a former commissioner of education, a former editor of triumph newspapers among others.
However, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje had dismissed the report of mass deaths in the state as “fake news” despite public outcry over the unusual occurrence.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has commenced a preliminary investigation into allegations linking a person reportedly identified as one of its students to acts of online impersonation and financial misconduct circulating on social media.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar, the university said it had taken note of the claims being discussed in public commentary and across various online platforms.
The statement noted that BUK maintains strict standards of conduct, discipline, and character for all students throughout the duration of their studies, adding that any behaviour capable of bringing the name and reputation of the institution into disrepute is treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to the university, the alleged actions of an individual student should not be seen as a reflection of the values or character of Bayero University Kano as an institution.
“In view of the allegations, the University has commenced a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. The appropriate University authorities are reviewing the issue in line with the institution’s established rules and disciplinary procedures governing students’ conduct,” the statement said.
The management also commended the public-spirited efforts of Professor Farooq Kperogi and other individuals who provide financial assistance to students in need, particularly by supporting registration fees and other educational expenses.
The university noted that such acts of generosity continue to play an important role in expanding access to education and supporting deserving students.
BUK assured members of the public that if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the university’s regulations and relevant laws.
The institution also urged the public to allow the investigative process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or the spread of unverified information.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the governor said.
The governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.
The statement further directed the outgoing Head of Service to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Board Chairman of Belraados Limited and Kano State Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Dr. Goni Faruk Umar, on Saturday met with the former President of Brazil, Mr. Michel Temer, during the opening dinner of the 26th Expodireto Cotrijal in Brazil.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dr. Umar was seen exchanging a handshake with the former Brazilian leader at the event held in Não-Me-Toque, a city in the southern part of Brazil hosting the annual international agribusiness exhibition.
The Expodireto Cotrijal is one of the largest agricultural trade fairs in Latin America, attracting policymakers, agribusiness investors, researchers and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss innovations and opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Participants at the event are expected to explore partnerships and share ideas aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening international cooperation in agribusiness.
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