Headlines
Covid-19: How private school teachers are suffering in Kano
Aminu Abdullahi
Private school teachers in Kano are suffering from loss of income due to six months of schools closure caused by Covid-19 restrictions.
Kano Focus reports that unlike their public schools counterparts, private school teachers do not receive salaries during school vacations.
A private primary school headmaster at Kwarin Barka area of Kano metropolis, Hussain Abdulhamid said the school closure means he cannot afford to feed his family.
“I approached the school proprietor for assistance but he said he cannot help me because he is not generating income from the school.
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“I have to resort to clearing gutters in my area to get some token amount for the upkeep of my family.” He said.
Mr Abdulhamid lamented that school proprietors employ teachers with the offer of monthly salaries but end up paying only during term time.
Another private school teacher at Rijiyar Zaki area of Kano metropolis, Asma’u Farouk Sa’ad corroborated the statement.
“Proprietors collect a huge amount of money from parents but the salary is too low and they do not pay us during holidays.” She said.
Ms Sa’ad said she gives private lessons to pupils during the Covid-19 shutdown to sustain herself.
Why schools don’t pay teachers
Reacting to the issue, deputy president National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Maryam Magaji said the association is aware of the challenges being faced by teachers due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ms Magaji however said private schools cannot pay teachers during holidays.
“The school fees are not enough for us to pay salary during breaks and also manage school activities.
“Also, some parents do not pay school fees at the right time making it difficult to pay our staff even during the term.
“But we are going to have a meeting with proprietors on the ways of assisting the vulnerable at least with half of their salary”, she said.
Government cannot compel payment
The Kano state Private and Voluntary Schools Management Board has the responsibility of regulating private schools.
However Executive Secretary of the Board, Musa Abba Dankawu said the agency has no right to compel proprietors to pay their staff when schools are on vacation.
“We only give guidelines of establishment but we can’t tell a proprietor how to manage his school.
“Every school has terms and conditions and so each pays its teachers according to its income. Mr Dankawu.
The executive secretary however urged any private school teacher that has a problem with his school to report to the Board.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
