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Buhari, Ganduje mourn Dr Ibrahim Datti Ahmad
Nasiru Yusuf
President Muhammadu Buhari mourns renowned urologist and a doyen of private medical healthcare in Kano, Ibrahim Datti Ahmed. He was a friend to the late Head of State General Murtala Mohammed.
KANO FOCUS reports that late Ahmad was the founder of Asmau Memorial Hospital, now renamed Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in Kano and served as the Chairman of the Shari’a Council of Nigeria.
In a tribute to the late Doctor and politician who once ran as a Presidential Candidate, the President described him as a man blessed with immense wisdom.
“Dr. Datti was at the forefront in providing healthcare to the poor and the needy. His divine teachings and selfless contribution towards the welfare of society will not be forgotten. He will be remembered for his noble service to society,” said President Buhari.
The President said the nation is with the family of the deceased, the Kano Emirate Council as well as the government and people of Kano State as they mourn the doctor, politician and religious leader.
We lost a truly great Nigerian – Ganduje
Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has described the death of Ibrahim Datti Ahmad as a great loss for not only Kano or Nigeria, but to black race across the globe.
A former President of Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria and a Presidential Aspirant of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), Ahmad, according to the governor “Was an embodiment of righteousness, discipline, hard work, commitment and patriotism.”
“The death is for the entire black race across the globe. Here was a man who stood firmly for the education of our people, who travelled far and wide in search of education and helped shape our education system.
“His political participation brought about decorum in our political landscape.
“On behalf of the government and people of Kano state, I am sending our condolences to the immediate families of this rare gem, whose upbringing was reflected in his own family. He raised very decent, committed and God-fearing family.”
He prayed that, “May Almighty Allah save his face from hellfire. May Allah Forgive all his shortcomings and reward his good deeds with Jannatul Fiddaus, ameen.”
The governor urged all his family members to strive hard and follow his footsteps.
Late Ibrahim Datti Ahmad
Born in 1936 in Kano, late Ahmad died in the early hours of Thursday at the age of 83 after a protracted illness
He attended Barewa College, Zaria, before he obtained a degree in medicine at the University of Ibadan.
He was the second person to become a medical doctor from old Kano state. His hospital Asma’u memorial is the first private hospital in Kano state.
He was the pro chancellor and chairman of the governing council of the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife).
He was the President-General of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN), a focal Islamic religious institution that deals with Sharia in Nigeria.
Former president Goodluck Jonathan had once appointed him to intermediate with Boko Haram on behalf of the federal government before he opted out due to alleged government insincerity.
A renowned medical doctor, politician and Islamic cleric, late Ahmad is survived by a wife and 10 children.
His funeral prayer was conducted at the Alfurqan Mosque in Kano before he was buried at Farm Centre graveyard in the Kano metropolis.
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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