Headlines
Kano owes foreign students N800m scholarship – Official
Nasiru Yusuf
The Kano State Scholarship Board on Thursday says it owes about N800 million debts for Kano indigenes studying abroad.
Kano Focus reports that the Executive Secretary of the board, Abubakar Zakari, disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Kano.
Mr Zakari however blamed the Rabiu Kwankwaso administration for amassing the debts.
“The present government of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje inherited about N8 billion debts for scholarships from the previous administration.
COVID-19: BUK distributes seeds to 22 Communities
“We were able to settle part of the debt when we came, but presently we owe about N800 million debts for Kano indigenes studying abroad.
“The government has continued to sponsor over 3,000 students in foreign countries left by the previous administration,” Mr Zakari said.
The Executive secretary said the government had spent over N8 billion on scholarships for Kano indigenes studying at home and abroad in the last five years.
He explained that at the moment, 162 students from Kano are studying in Sudan, France and other countries.
“Before the issue of COVID-19, we visited the students in Sudan and France, we were making arrangements to go to the other countries, but the pandemic stopped us.
“During this challenging period occasioned by the pandemic, we were able to send some funds to those students in France.
“But we are facing challenges to send to those students in Sudan, because the government there has restrictions on cash transfer.
“Therefore, we are doing everything possible to see that we send money to them so that they will not be stranded,” he said.
According to Zakari, the state government is also collaborating with France for postgraduate training for lecturers.
The executive secretary added that the Board plans to sponsor 1,000 students on skills acquisition training in China to enable them establish businesses on their return.
Mr Zakari further revealed that the board is making arrangements to commence e-payment for the allowance of Kano students studying in Nigeria.
“I wish to inform you that when schools resume, we are making plans to increase the allowances of those local students, which has been the same for the past 15 years.
“Since I assumed office, we have encouraged our local students to apply for the scholarships, and we have provided scratch cards for home students.”
He urged interested students to ensure that they use their personal accounts, as they would not accept third party accounts.
“We are also making arrangements to ensure that all institutions in the state give their host communities priority in terms of admission.
“Such is part of the institution’s corporate social responsibility to their host communities,” he said.
Headlines
BUK probes student over alleged Facebook fraud
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.
Headlines
Gov. Yusuf relieves Kano Head of Service of appointment
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.
Headlines
ACF Kano chair, meets former Brazilian president Temer at agribusiness exhibition
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.
