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IBK decries diminishing of idea, philosophy in universities
Nasiru Yusuf
Academic at Bayero University, Ibrahim Bello-Kano (IBK), has challenged universities globally to address the fast declining of knowledge production and truth, freedom of speech in which universities were established and known for.
KANO FOCUS reports that the academic made the remarks at the 3rd Social Sciences Lecture titled “The Treasure-House of Signs: The University as Pastiche” held at Musa Abdullahi Auditorium.
IBK, a Professor of English and European Literature, said universities had turned into mere signs, structures, logos and buildings rather than true producers of new knowledge and innovation.
The scholar argued that in the areas of cutting-edge research, universities are no match for the big corporations but merely contribute research assistance and versatile professors.
“Indeed all that these disciplines do these days is repeating, redressing, recycling, and de-deifying well-known models of knowledge in their respective areas,” he argued.
He concluded that one way by which University staff and unions could cope with the new, de-constructing vision of the university is to resort to or adopt laughter and to laugh it all off.
In his goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor, Sagir Adamu Abbas, who was represented by the University Librarian, Musa A. Auyo, lauded the faculty for organizing such important activity and urged other faculties to take a cue.
He described the lecture as unique, adding that the Chairman, the lecturer and the discussant were not from the faculty of social sciences which portrayed professionalism and versatility of the faculty.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean of Social Sciences, Ahmad Muhammad Tsauni, said academic institutions have a long history of public lectures delivered by prominent, eminent and famous experts.
He said the faculty has carefully chosen the distinguished senior professors who are intellectually well-known, IBK and Abdalla Uba Adamu as the lecturer and discussant respectively.
In his remarks, the discussant, Abdalla Uba Adamu commended the paper and charged the university academics to interrogate themselves on reasons why they were at the university.
He charged senior academics to imbibe the culture of mentorship which he said would go a long way in grooming younger generations.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday received a delegation from the Association of Kano Business Community at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a thank-you visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support to traders and other victims affected by the recent fire incident that razed several sections of the popular Singer Market in Kano.
Speaking during the meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Kano State Government and relevant agencies to prevent a recurrence of fire outbreaks in markets across the state.
He assured the delegation that President Tinubu has the interests of Kano people at heart, noting that the N5 billion approved as immediate relief for victims was based on the findings of a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the inferno.
Shettima reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring commercial activities and strengthening safety measures in markets to protect lives and property.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member committee to oversee the transparent and equitable distribution of financial assistance and relief materials to victims of the recent Singer Market fire disaster.
KANO FOCUS reports that the inauguration was carried out on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruq Ibrahim, who chairs the committee. The event was presided over by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude.
According to the Attorney-General, the committee comprises representatives from key government agencies, security services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders, and affected traders.
He said the panel’s mandate includes assessing the extent of losses, verifying genuine victims, ensuring timely distribution of support, and recommending measures to prevent future fire incidents.
The intervention follows support approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as contributions from the APC Governors Forum. It also comes in addition to earlier assistance provided by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of the disaster and restoring commercial activities at Singer Market.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has announced Saturday, March 1, 2026, as the commencement date for the Eid-el-Fitr break for all public and private primary and post-primary schools in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the announcement, contained in the approved 2025/2026 academic calendar, applies to both day and boarding schools across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, parents and guardians of pupils and students in boarding schools are expected to convey their wards home by the early hours of Friday, February 28, 2026.
The statement further explained that boarding school students are to resume on Sunday, March 22, 2026, while day students are to resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
It added that the second term will continue from Sunday, March 22, 2026, and end on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The government directed all public and private schools in the state to comply strictly with the directive, warning that non-compliance would be treated as a breach of government instructions.
The Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, urged parents and guardians to ensure full compliance with the approved resumption dates.
He appreciated parents and residents of the state for their continued cooperation and support to the ministry, and wished pupils and students a successful completion of the Ramadan fast and hitch-free Sallah celebrations.
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Kano Govt inaugurates 23-member committee to disburse Singer market fire relief
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