Headlines
NGO accuses Ganduje of using anti-graft agency to witch hunt Emir Sanusi
Nasiru Yusuf
The Centre for Awareness on Justice and Accountability (CAJA) has accused governor Abdullahi Ganduje of hiding behind Kano state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission to witch hunt the deposed Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II.
CAJA made the accusation in a statement signed by its Justice and accountability officer, Maryam Ahmad Abubakar and sent to Kano Focus on Wednesday.
“The recent press statement by the governor through his press secretary, directing the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, to resume investigation of the Emir, has vindicated the belief of the people that it is the governor that has been influencing the function of the commission, which by its Act, should be independent from any interference.”
“At a moment like this, we expect the governor to put genuine efforts in addressing the spread of the COVID-19, cushioning the effect of the current hardship to the vulnerable indigenes, and restoring the economic activities of the state that have been suffering even before the lockdown regime, not just nagging on an issue that continues to bring disunity not only among the people of the state, but even among some governors in the country.
“His unguarded utterances on the Kano elders since the beginning of this issue and his refusal to meet with the Northern Elders Forum, have no doubt, proved that the governor is more interested in witch-hunting the emir rather than amicable resolution of the issue.
“For the commission, yes, we may agree and disagree with its modus operandi, but that is purely on principle,” the statement said.
CAJA also advised the anti-corruption commission to strengthen its work by building on its landmark achievements, including the recent price stability and its doggedness in guaranteeing justice to the weaker ones in the society.
According to CAJA if the commission succumbs to external influence, to work on the governor’s directives, such achievements can easily be washed away.
To this end CAJA called on governor Ganduje and all Nigerian governors, “to always respect the independence of the government’s independent bodies by allowing them to work according to the Acts of such bodies and without any external interference from the governors or anybody acting on their behalf.”
It could be recalled that, Mr Ganduje has on Monday said the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission would go on with the process of probing the former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, because the effort to stop the probe was quashed by a competent court of law.
Mr Ganduje said “Our state Anti-Corruption Agency will continue probing the former Emir over the issues he has with them.”
Former Kano State Governor and Senator, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has voiced his disappointment and concern regarding the Federal Government’s approach to distributing rice palliatives in Kano State.
During a recent week-long visit to Kano, Senator Kwankwaso observed that while governors in 35 other states received the palliatives directly, Kano’s allocation was controversially handed over to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), sidestepping the state government entirely.
Senator Kwankwaso condemned this move as a blatant violation of constitutional principles, accusing the government of taking partisanship to an unacceptable level.
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend the distribution process and address the issue.
In addition, Senator Kwankwaso expressed concern over the frequent reshuffling of State Directors of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kano, noting that three different directors had been posted and reposted within just two weeks, potentially jeopardizing the state’s security.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has inaugurated a postgraduate foreign scholarship program under his foundation, aimed at providing advanced educational opportunities for students from Kano.
The scholarship will enable beneficiaries to pursue postgraduate studies in cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity and Forensic Science, and Robotics Technology in India, China, and Thailand.
During a ceremony in Kano on Monday, where admission letters were distributed to the first batch of 70 recipients, Jibrin emphasized that the selected students would embark on two-year postgraduate programs in these technologically advanced fields.
Jibrin highlighted the rigorous and transparent selection process overseen by a dedicated committee, which prioritized academic excellence.
Only candidates with first-class or second-class upper degrees were considered, ensuring that the most qualified students were chosen.
He stressed that the process was impartial, noting that he had no personal connections with any of the beneficiaries.
Importantly, the scholarship is not limited to students from Kano North, Jibrin’s senatorial district, but is inclusive of all 44 local government areas in Kano State.
“Our goal is to invest in the future of our youth through education,” Jibrin stated.
“We carefully selected these areas of study because they are at the forefront of modern technology.
“This initiative is designed to equip our students with the skills needed for the overall development of our nation.”
Jibrin encouraged the beneficiaries to be diligent in their studies and to represent Nigeria positively in their host countries.
He also expressed that students who find opportunities abroad after their studies are welcome to stay and gain further experience before returning to Nigeria.
Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, lauded Jibrin for his commitment to advancing education and providing such opportunities for Kano’s youth.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
In a significant academic milestone, the Senate of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has approved the promotion of 90 senior academics to the ranks of Professors and Associate Professors.
KANO FOCUS reports that the decision was made during the Senate’s 416th meeting, held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.
The promotion list includes 45 academics who have attained the rank of Professor, further bolstering BUK’s academic reputation across various disciplines.
Among those promoted to Professor are Dr. Umar Sani Fagge, now Professor of Arabic Language; Dr. Ibrahim Muazzam Saminu Maibushira, Professor of Islamic Thought and Civilization; and Dr. Tijjani Muhammad Naniya, who has been elevated to Professor of Social and Political History.
In the sciences, Dr. Mukhtar Ridwanu Bunza has been promoted to Professor of Forest Ecology and Silviculture, while Dr. Kasim Muhammad has become Professor of Environmental Engineering. Other notable promotions include Dr. Murtala M. Badamasi as Professor of Geography and Dr. Salisu Maiwada Abubakar as Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry.
The list also highlights the promotion of five female academics to full Professorships, underscoring BUK’s commitment to gender diversity in academia. Among them are Dr. Ummulkhair A. Dantata, now Professor of Hausa Language; Dr. Latifa Musa Pedro, Professor of Health Economics; and Dr. Hauwa Musa Abdullahi, who has become Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
In addition to these promotions, 45 academics have been elevated to the rank of Associate Professor.
This includes Dr. Lawal Muhammad Bello in Electrical Engineering, Dr. Warshu Tijjani Rabi’u in Islamic Studies & Shari’ah, and Sunusi Iguda in Mass Communication.
This wave of promotions reflects BUK’s dedication to academic excellence and its ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of education and research within the institution.
The university continues to position itself as a leading center of learning and scholarship in Nigeria and beyond.
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Barau Jibrin Launches Postgraduate Foreign Scholarship Scheme for Kano Students
Kano State Politics Set for a Major Shift as Kwankwaso and Ganduje’s Influence Wanes: What’s Next for the Power Dynamics in 2027?
Fagge, Mai Bushira, Naniya now professors as BUK Promotes 90 Senior Academics
Tinubu appoints Prof Abdullahi Pakistan chairman of Hajj Commission
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Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, bags PhD
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