Headlines
Kano Schools closure: Students conduct peaceful protest
Nasiru Yusuf
Students of tertiary institutions in Kano state have conducted a peaceful protest against the closure of their schools.
The protest was conducted at Kano state polytechnic, Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education and Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies.
Kano Focus gathered that the students have came to their respective schools on Wednesday for classes, but denied entry by security officials.
This reporter sighted many students at schools’ gate lamenting against government’s decision of closure and singing solidarity songs before it metamorphosis to protest.
A student of Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies Mubarak Muhammad told this reporter that he was shocked when he heard that Kano state government has ordered the closure of schools again.
“COVID-19 lock down had seriously affected my studies. We are about to commence examination.
“Education is not receiving deserved attention in this country. If things continue to happen this way, I will leave my studies,” he said.
Another student met in same college Aisha Sani Abdulkadir said she learned the school’s closure when the security denied her access.
She said although, they were denied access to the school, the authorities have also directed police to send them away an act she described as harassment.
“You see now our years of studies have increased. A two year programme has became three years. Likewise a three year’s will now take student four years,” she said.
She noted that students are in serious dilemma, and staying at home is not helping matters.
On her part Salma Muhammad said the government’s directive has interrupted their ongoing examination.
She said they were expecting to round off their examinations on Friday.
Another student at the college, Abubakar Tahir said he heard that the schools were closed due to abduction of boarding school students at Kankara local government area, Katsina state.
He said the peaceful protest was conducted to express their anger against government’s decision.
He said Katsina students were abducted due to insincerity of Nigeria’s leaders who failed to provide adequate security to schools.
A student of Kano state Polytechnic Abubakar Muhammad said they came to school for normal classes, but security send them away.
“Some our are new students, many others are writing their examinations after long COVID-19 vacation.
“Nobody tell us the reason behind the closure. No one tell us when we should come back. We were just ask to leave school’s premises.
“We have no option than to embark on peaceful protest. We were really hurt. I don’t really know my graduation date. And I want get married,” he said.
Kano Focus reports that governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has extended school closure order to tertiary Institutions in the state.
Mr Ganduje gave the order through the state’s Commissioner of higher education Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure and her counterpart of Health, Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa in a press statement issued in the late hours of Tuesday night.
The Governor who didn’t state any reason for the closure of the schools, said affected institutions are all Public and Private Health Training institutions including Schools of basic/postbasic nursing and midwifery, Schools of Health Technology, school of Hygiene, Sa’adatu Rimi college of Education, Kano state Polytechnic, Audu Bako College of Agriculture and Aminu Kano college of Islamic and legal studies.
Part of the statement reads, “His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR, has approved the closure of all Tertiary Institutions in the State with immediate effect.
“With this approval, all students are advised to vacate the Campuses from tomorrow 16/12/2020. They’re also advised to continue revising their lessons while at home.
“All inconveniences are highly regretted,” the statement however reads.
The Governor had initially through his Commissioner of Education, Muhammad Kiru, ordered the closure of all public and private schools in the state.
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.
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.
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.
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