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UTME 2021: 60 visually impaired candidates write exams in Kano
Nasiru Yusufo
About sixty visually impaired candidates have on Wednesday write 2021 University and Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, at School of Continuing Education, Bayero University, Kano.
KANO FOCUS reports that the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the university Yahuza Bello told journalists that the candidates were drawn from Jigawa, Katsina, Kano and Kaduna states.
Mr Bello who double as coordinator of the centre said Kano has been hosting candidates from all parts of Northern Nigeria, but this year the management of JAMB has approved decentralization of the centre.
According to him the newly created centres were sited at Bauchi, Yola, Birnin Kebbi and Jos.
Prof. Muhammad Yahuza Bello
Mr Bello announced that JAMB has provided free accomodations, feeding and transport to all candidates and their guide.
The examination body according to Bello has also donated free slate and stylus to all candidates for their personal use after the exams.
“Today in Kano we have about sixty candidates that are writing the examination from four states. Kano state Katsina state, Jigawa state and some from Northern Kaduna are writing their examination here.
“The group here in Kano have been meeting consistently in order to make all the necessary arrangements for the examination including the procurement of equipment that they are going to use. Including the slates, the stylus, typewriter and braille machine. We made them available for them. We are also giving them free slate and stylus,” he said.
He recalled that the examination was introduced by the Registrar of JAMB Ishaq Olayade in 2017 as an alternative to computer based test for visually impaired candidates.
“The registrar of JAMB who was new then, noted that there are a lot of candidates that are disadvantage particularly with the new method of computer based test introduced. The blind candidate cannot read computer screen. There is no way they can read the question paper and answer those questions. He brought this initiative to ensure these candidates have the opportunity to further their studies.
“We introduced this method of reading the questions for them, so that they can answer. Another group we later found that are not such special are the candidates that are in prison. They used to be under JAMB equal opportunity group. But found that if normal arrangement is made, those candidates can take their examination like any other candidates. JAMB have made arrangements for those that are in prison to take their examination together with normal candidates,” Mr Bello said.
The immediate past vice chancellor recalled that Bayero university has waived post UTME to all visually impaired candidates who scored 160 in JAMB examination.
This according to him this initiative has commenced yielding positive results as one visually impaired student from department of Islamic studies had recently graduated with second class upper degree.
A candidate from Katsina state Abdussalam Abubakar told KANO FOCUS that he was provided with free accomodations and feeding.
He said he came along with ten of his classmates from Government College for the blind, Katsina.
Another candidate from Kaduna state Aliyu Muhammad said he has applied to study special education at University of Abuja.
He commended JAMB management for providing all writing equipment required by visually impaired candidates during the examination.
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
The Kano State Ministry of Education’s Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, supported by the World Bank, has successfully renovated over 1,300 senior and junior secondary schools in the state in the last three years.
KANO FOCUS reports that the state commissioner for education, Alhaji Ali Haruna Makoda, disclosed this during a visit to the Karaye Emirate on Tuesday.
He added that the AGILE program has enrolled more than 30,000 girls through targeted outreach, grants, and its Second Chance education initiative.
Makoda further revealed that the state government has finalized plan to construct 130 new schools in rural communities, with over 35,000 girls already benefiting from financial assistance under the scheme.
He urged the Karaye Emirate to lend full support to the program and prioritize girls’ education.
In his remarks, the Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Muhammad Maharaz, pledged the emirate’s commitment to advancing girls’ education in Kano State.
He commended the state government and the commissioner for their dedication to the programme’s success.
“It is our collective responsibility to support this initiative,” the Emir stated, calling for measures to ensure beneficiaries complete their education with strong academic outcomes.
The commissioner’s delegation consist of the Kano State AGILE Project Coordinator, Malam Mujitapha Aminu and other members of State Programme Implementation Unit (SPIU).
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Bayero University Kano (BUK) on Monday celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Faculty of Education and inaugurated its Alumni Association at the Convocation Arena of the university’s new campus.
KANO FOCUS reports that the event was graced by government officials, education stakeholders, and alumni all gathered to commemorate the faculty’s contributions to Nigeria’s educational sector.
In her keynote address, the State Minister for Education, Mrs. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad announced the Federal Government’s Sector Renewal Initiative designed to transition Nigeria from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy.
She highlighted that the aim of the renewal initiative consists of – Reducing the number of out-of-school children; combating learning poverty; nhancing skills development and human capital for the labor market
The minister noted that the initiative prioritizes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Digital literacy and education quality assurance.
Mrs. Ahmad disclosed that the Federal Government had disbursed ₦35 billion to 261 beneficiaries under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), with BUK among the top beneficiaries.
“So far, the scheme has received 420 applications, and we are scaling up investments,” she stated.
She further confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved ₦120 billion to boost TVET programs, with plans to train 650 youths in technical, vocational, and digital skills over the next two years.
Emeritus Professor Sani Ahmad Sufi, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, praised the faculty for its high-quality graduates.
“Our pride lies not just in the number of graduates produced yearly, but in their impact across Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
He added that the faculty has produced Nigeria’s largest pool of graduate teachers many of whom hold key positions nationally and internationally.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje applauded the faculty for its significant role in advancing education in Nigeria.
The event concluded with awards presented to distinguished alumni and supporters of the faculty in recognition of their contributions to its growth.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has emerged as a beacon of hope for graduates left stranded due to the previous administration’s negligence regarding academic certificates.
His determination to rectify these injustices has culminated in decisive actions to secure the future of Kano’s youth. Ibrahim Adam, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, shared these developments with the media.
On December 9, 2024, Governor Yusuf traveled to Cyprus with a mission to obtain the overdue academic certificates for Kano students affected by the prior administration’s failure to meet its educational financial obligations.
During a critical meeting with the management of Near East University, the governor focused on facilitating the release of certificates for students who graduated between 2015 and 2019, particularly in essential fields like Medicine and Nursing.
This was confirmed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson.
In a significant move, Governor Yusuf has settled the outstanding fees of €1.4 million (approximately ₦2.5 billion) owed to the university for 84 medical and2015 to 2019.
This substantial financial commitment honors the dedication and hard work of these graduates, restoring their hopes for a future that had previously been unjustly delayed.
According to Ibrahim Adam, the certificates are set to be handed over to the Kano State Scholarship Board through the Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, marking a pivotal moment for the affected students.
Governor Yusuf acknowledged the challenges faced by the graduates, declaring, “This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise.”
His vision for a prosperous Kano is centered on prioritizing education, ensuring that talented individuals can make valuable contributions to the state’s advancement.
The governor’s proactive measures not only address the systemic issues in the education sector but also inspire renewed hope among Kano’s youth.
By fulfilling his promises, he emphasizes the crucial role of supporting young people in achieving their aspirations, which is vital to the state’s growth.
As this milestone is celebrated, it is evident that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s relentless pursuit of educational reform signals a transformative era for Kano State.
His administration’s unwavering focus on education stands as a vital investment in the futures of individuals and the overall development of the state.
Under his leadership, Kano State is poised to realize its full potential, with eager graduates ready to make impactful contributions to their communities.
Governor Yusuf’s commitment to empowering the youth serves as an enduring reminder that with dedication and decisive action, a brighter future is attainable for all.
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