Headlines
Ganduje visits Borno, condoles Zulum over Zabarmari massacre
Nasiru Yusuf
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has paid a condolence visit to Borno state where he commiserated with the government and people of the state over the recent massacre of farmers at Zabarmari town.
Mr Ganduje has visited Government House, Maiduguri on Wednesday where he met with the governor Babagana Zulum and members of the state Executive Council, alongside other top government functionaries.
A statement issued by Mr Ganduje’s spokesman Abba Anwar quoted the governor saying “We are here with this powerful team from Kano state to commiserate and condole with the government and people of Borno state over this tragedy. It is therefore important to note that tragedy on the people of Borno is a tragedy on all of us.”
“With concerted effort of both state and federal governments, this issue of insecurity will be squarely addressed. And we are working towards that by the Grace of the Almighty Allah.”
“When the news of the tragedy reached us, it sent shivers to our nerves. And we found it very hard to believe such heinous act meted out to the innocent farmers of Zabarmari village.”
“We are calling for synergy between our security agencies in an effort to fight all facets of insecurity challenging us,” he advised.
The governor presented an official letter of condolence from the government and people of Kano state to the government and people of Borno state.
He recalled that, there is existing centuries relationship between Kano and Borno, adding that Kano, has always been in the forefront in sympathising with the people of Borno state during trying moment.
“Kano state government is presently taking full charge of some hundreds of Borno orphans who lost their parents and other relatives, during the hey days of insurgency. They are in Kano with us and we are taking good care of their education. They will continue to be with us for them to develop, under our good care,” he stated.
Mr Ganduje recalled that “some Ulamas (Islamic Clerics) and traditional rulers brought some palliatives to the IDPs here in Maiduguri. This tells you how close and brotherly we are with the people of Borno state.”
The governor has also paid similar visit to the Shehu of Borno Abubakar El-Kanemi at his palace, where he commiserates and condoles with the Shehu on behalf of the government and people of Kano state.
Both the governor and the Shehu of Borno expressed their deep appreciation over the condolence visit by the Kano state governor and his entourage. And both prayed for continued sisterly relationship between the two states.
Mr Ganduje was accompanied by the speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abdul’aziz Gafasa, APC stalwart Nasiru Aliko-Koki, and Representative of the Emir of Kano, Ali Ibrahim (Matawallen Kano).
Headlines
Kwankwaso Criticizes Federal Government Over Rice Palliative Distribution in Kano
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.
Headlines
Barau Jibrin Launches Postgraduate Foreign Scholarship Scheme for Kano Students
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.
Headlines
Fagge, Mai Bushira, Naniya now professors as BUK Promotes 90 Senior Academics
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.