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IPOB Crisis: NMA condemns killing of medical doctors
Nasiru Yusuf
The Kano state branch of Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has condemned the killings of medical doctors in Anambra state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Chairman of the association, Usman Ali also condemned the abduction of doctors and other health workers by insurgents.
Mr Ali made the condemnation at a press conference organised to mark the commencement of 2021 Physicians’ Week, held at the NMA secretariat in Kano on Monday,
The NMA was making reference to assassination of Lawrence Ezenwa, a medical doctor and chieftain of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, recently killed in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State by unknown gunmen.
His death came a few days after the killing of another medical doctor, Chike Akunyili, husband to a former Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, and Minister of information, late Dora Akunyili.
According to him, the federal government should use its power to rescue medical doctors in captivity of kidnappers and ensure security and safety of health workers in the country.
“We are using this medium to condemn kidnapping and killing of doctors and other health workers by insurgents. The current killings of doctors in Anambra state is condemned in its strongest terms.
” we again, urge the federal government to do all within its powers to rescue those in captivity while ensuring the security and safety of all the health workers as well as every Nigerian,” he appealed.
The chairman also called on state governments to settle the doctors outstanding payments in order to prevent further industrial action.
He explained that the ceremony involves prayers in mosques and churches, advocacy to critical stakeholders in all the 36 states and the FCT.
Other line of activities, according to him, include medical outreach in Kano North senatorial district, honoring colleagues who have made significant positive contributions to the medical profession and the health sector as a whole, among other programmes.
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Gov Yusuf Arrives Syprus, Vows to Secure Certificates of Stranded Kano Graduates
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has taken a decisive step to address the prolonged challenges faced by Kano students unable to access their academic certificates throughout Ganduje’s administration.
In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Monday, it was revealed that Governor Yusuf held a critical meeting with the management of Near East University in Cyprus to tackle the issue.
The discussion focused on the overdue release of certificates for Kano students who graduated between 2015 and 2019.
Many of these graduates, particularly from fields such as Medicine and Nursing, have been unable to advance in their careers due to the non-payment of tuition fees by the Ganduje led immediat past administration.
The governor described the situation as a major setback, not only for the affected students but also for the state, which has been deprived of skilled professionals in critical sectors particularly the healthcare service.
However, he expressed optimism following what he called fruitful discussions with the university management aimed at settling the liabilities and facilitating the release of the certificates.
“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,” the governor remarked.
“One cannot imagine that as governor, Ganduje cannot pay for tuition of these medical students who much need for immediate employment with Kano state government, it is a shame on him”
“We remain committed to prioritizing education and the welfare of our people as a foundation for sustainable growth.”
Governor Yusuf’s intervention underscores his administration’s resolve to address systemic challenges in the education sector.
The anticipated resolution of this issue is expected to enable the graduates to fulfill their potential and make meaningful contributions to Kano State’s development.
This effort signals a new chapter of hope for the affected graduates and reaffirms the government’s commitment to building a brighter future for its citizens.
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NUC accreditation teams visit BUK, assess 9 programme
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Bayero University, Kano (BUK) received five teams from the National Universities Commission (NUC) on Monday, December 9, 2024, to accredit nine academic programmes.
KANO FOCUS reports that the programmes under review include BSc Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Engineering, BSc Forensic Science, Masters in Entrepreneurship, Early Childhood Education, and Primary Education.
This marks the third phase of BUK’s ongoing accreditation process, following the successful review of 30 programmes between November 18 and 30, 2024 under phase one and two.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Sani Muhammad Gumel, emphasized the significance of accreditation as a peer-review exercise that enhances the quality of teaching and research at the university.
Professor Bashir Maina, speaking on behalf of the teams, highlighted their mission to assess the programmes and provide recommendations in line with global best practices.
The Director of Academic Planning, Professor Yusuf Garba, explained that the current accreditation process is part of the final phase, which involves the evaluation of 22 programmes in total.
The NUC accreditation teams are expected to submit their findings and recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor later this week.
News
Farin Dutse Community honours winner of Jigawa State 2024 Qur’anic competition
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Farin Dutse community Sunday celebrated one of their own, Abduljabbar Idris Farin Dutse, for emerging as the Winner of the 2024 Jigawa state highest category, which is 60 Hizb (Qur’anic recitation, Tafsir, and Qira’at) held at the state capital, Dutse.
KANO FOCUS reports that the competition, which attracted participants from various communities across the state, highlights the importance of Quranic studies and memorization in promoting Islamic education.
The event was marked by a special Walima with large turnout of community members in attendance, with the Village Head of Farin Dutse Malam Mustapha Hassan and other prominent individuals.
While making remarks the village Head urged his wards to pursue Islamic Knowledge and adhere to the teachings of Islamic religion that they can be recognised here and hereafter as today Abduljabbar is making the whole community proud.
He further commended the Executive Governor of Jigawa State Mallam Umar Namadi fca for the sound policies, plans, programme and initiative that allows the less privilege to benefit from the bounties of his leadership style, he sincerely appreciates what has been accorded to their own-son and assured His Excellency their unflinching support.
The traditional ruler l also appreciate the gesture demonstrated by the Rt Honourable Speaker JSHoA Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, for donating cash gifts to the top winner worth N100,000.
The Village Head of further reassured their continued support to the Emir of Dutse Alhaji Hamim Nuhu Muhammad Sunusi under whose guidance and leadership the indigent of the Emirate found it encouraging to send their wards to attain both Islamic and Western education,
While commenting after reading from the glorious Quaran, Malam Abduljabbar Idris Farin Dutse, expressed gratitude for the support from his Parents, teachers, family and community members, emphasizing the role of perseverance and dedication in achieving his goals. He encouraged other youth in the community to engage in Quranic memorization and seek knowledge.
Malam Bala Idris, the Imam of the Farin Dutse Sunnah Mosque praised achievement and recollect how dedication of some selected few individuals had yielded results stating that it serves as an inspiration for the younger generation and reflects the community’s commitment to fostering Islamic values and education.
The Farin Dutse community members went home with commitment to supporting their wards furtherance of both Quranic and Western education initiatives and nurturing future scholars to make difference in the scheme of societal upbringing.
AbdulJabbar Idris Farin Dutse Winner of the 2024 Jigawa state highest category, which is 60 Hizb (Qur’anic recitation, Tafsir, and Qira’at).