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Do justice to Hanifa’s parents, kill the killer of their daughter – Gusau

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Late Hanifa Abubakar

By Imam Murtadha Gusau

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is His servant and Messenger.

The Conventional Newspapers and social media had reported how Hanifah Abubakar, a five-year-old pupil, was kidnapped while on her way from Islamiyyah School in December and subsequently killed.

When he was paraded at the Kano Police Command headquarters on Friday, her school’s teacher Abdulmalik Tanko told journalists that he killed her with a rat poison that he bought for hundred naira (N100).

The sad incident involving the poisoning of late Hanifah to death by the so-called school proprietor will linger in the mind of her parent for some time. The villainous mindset and the parochial attitude of the monster involved can only be better imagined.

Man is by nature a part of a society. He has to live with other individuals in that society. This living together results in a give-and-take relationship. He then has some relation with them in all fields of life. So, he does not have absolute freedom to do whatever he desires as this goes against the freedom of others, resulting in endless disagreements and disputes that could lead to the extinction of the society.

For this reason, rules have to be established to limit this freedom and organise the relations among individuals to enable all members of society to live in peace and harmony, and indeed prepare the society for peace and its continued existence.

The tolerant Islamic Shari’ah was revealed by Allah to His Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and the latter taught it to people. Indeed, this Shari’ah is complete. The Shari’ah covers all fields of life and all possible relations between people; i.e., between the person and his Lord, between the person and other people, between the person and the group, or between the group and other groups. Islam is a religion that governs all aspects of life.

The Islamic Shari’ah is valid for all times and all places. It never fails to address the people’s needs or their new affairs. The Islamic rulings are from Allah to govern man’s conduct until the Day of Judgement. Its punishment or rewards are to be applied in this worldly life and in the Hereafter.

The Shari’ah promotes the well-being of human society and wards off destructive tendencies of its members. Allah teaches us that the objective of the Shari’ah is to bring only well-being (good) to humanity living under its rule. The retributive punishments (Hudud) are to discipline, purify and for treatment, and not for revenge or quenching anger. These are gifts from Allah to His Servants. These Hudud also are for deterring others from falling in such bad deeds. They prevent the spread of evil and perversion on earth.

For this reason, the punishment of whoever intentionally takes the life of a person, is to have his own life taken when not forgiven by the closest relatives of the person he killed. This punishment will inhibit others from committing such act and will satisfy the relatives of the killed person. If the murderer is not killed according to the Shari’ah, the relatives of the murdered might avenge their death and more killings will undoubtedly follow, giving way to much destruction that could be avoided by applying the Shari’ah. Allah has made clear that the wisdom behind killing the killer who premeditated his act is to enable the society to live in harmony. Allah Almighty Says:

“And there is for you in legal retribution [saving of] life, O you [people] of understanding, that you may become righteous.” [Qur’an, 2: 179]

Perhaps, whoever thinks of killing and knows that he will be killed will undoubtedly think twice before committing such an abominable act and might not carry it out.

Failure in applying the rulings of Allah contributes to a great number of killings and other crimes in many societies, because they do not inflict on the criminal the punishment he deserves. Instead, they only jail him for civil reasons and pity him, and leave the victim who has lost his life without pitying him, his life or children who have lost their support in this life. They did not have pity on the society, which has become a dangerous place to live in. Everyone is in fear of his life because of these ruthless killers who do not think about the consequences of their acts or concern for their own lives as they are mindless and foolish.

Islamic law prescribes the death penalty for four crimes: murder, highway robbery involving homicide (what we would call “felony murder”), adultery by married people, and apostasy from Islam. Far from being a bloodthirsty code, the Shari’ah permits capital punishment but recommends clemency, either by payment of blood-money or forgiveness. The choice of punishment rests with the victim or his survivors, retribution being considered a personal right (although the requirements of modern life have diminished the ability of private individuals to exact penalties). The individual may, at will, waive his right to punish the culprit via the right of retaliation, mercy being deemed highly meritorious in the eyes of Allah.

Murder cases should be taken to court. The issue of killing someone must be referred to an Islamic court to study all its details, as it is more appropriate that a court looks into such matters.

May Allah continue to console the family of late Hanifah. May He, the Most High, place her under the care of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). May Allah continue to expose all the evildoers in our societies, and may He continue to protect us with his divine protection, ameen.

All praise is for Allah, Lord of all creation, who guided us to Islam and the Sunnah. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad, and upon his family, his Companions and his true and sincere followers.

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761.

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Opinion

Tribute to Abubakar Sadik Sunusi Bature (Modibbo) 2009 TO 2024

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Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Verily, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return)

By Ibrahim Yaro Dawakin Tofa

Oh Abubakar, my dear son, you left us too soon. Your passing has left a void in our lives that can never be filled. I remember your calm and humble nature, your kindness, and your responsibility. You were a shining example of a young man who had a bright future ahead of him.

I wish you and Nuruddeen Ibrahim Yaro grew up together to become close friends like I and Sunusi. Your friendship was a beautiful thing to see, and I have no doubt that you both would have achieved great things together.

Nuruddeen, my dear son, I offer my heartfelt condolence to you. May Allah grant you comfort and peace during this difficult time. May the beautiful memories of your friendship with Abubakar bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.

Abubakar, my dear son, I remember the effort your father made to take you to India in search of good health and well-being. He spared no expense in ensuring your happiness and health. I recall telling your father, “Malam yaron nan ka jiyar da shi duk wani dadi da za ka iya saboda ka ga sikila ne” (You are the closest person to your father, and he would do anything to make you happy). And indeed, he did everything humanly possible to make you happy.

It’s heartbreaking to hear that Abubakar Sadik had a dream that remained unfulfilled at the time of his passing. Becoming a barrister, and the head of Sunusi Bature’s household as the first son was clearly important to him, and it’s sad that he didn’t get to realize that goal.

It’s a reminder that life can be unpredictable and fragile, and sometimes our plans and dreams are cut short. But even in death, Abubakar’s memory and legacy can live on through the stories, memories, and impact he had on those around him.

May his family and loved ones find comfort in the memories they shared with him and the dreams he had, even if they weren’t fully realized. May they also find strength in the support of their community and the knowledge that they are not alone in their grief.

Good night, Modibbo. May Allah grant you Jannatul Firdausi and reunite you with your loved ones in the hereafter.

Condolence to Nuruddeen Ibrahim Yaro

Nuruddeen, my dear son, may Allah grant you the strength and courage to continue on the path of righteousness and responsibility, just like your dear friend Abubakar. You both had a special bond, and I pray that Allah reunites you both in the hereafter.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Verily, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return)

May Allah grant Abubakar Sadik Sunusi Bature Jannatul Firdausi and comfort his family and loved ones. Ameen.

Ibrahim Yaro Dawakin Tofa Talban Alajawa
27th October 2024”

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Opinion

Prodigal Daughter – Now, proudly my Boss: Dr. Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, Minister of State, Education

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Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu

 

It is not often that one gets the rare opportunity to witness the birth of a star. I count myself to be privileged to have done so.

In 1980 I started my employment as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Education, Bayero University Kano. As was the case at the time, I was allocated a housing apartment in Zoo Road. Two of my neighbors were Isma’ila Abubakar Tsiga and Sa’idu Ahmad Babura. I was a bachelor, and both had families and treated me with utmost respect, despite the age gap. Both were older than me, and both became my lifelong friends. So much that they opened up the doors of their homes and minds to me and got me deeply involved in literature (they were both in the Department of English BUK). If you are looking for the precise moment the seeds of my literary tree were watered, it was in Zoo Road.

In 1981 Sa’idu’s wife gave birth to a stunningly beautiful baby girl. She was named Suwaiba. I remember holding her in my hands and saying the prayers I could for her long life and prosperity. We later went to the naming ceremony in Baɓura — it was the first time I was in the town, and I was stuck by the serenity of the place.

That child soon bloomed into an undergraduate B.Sc. Ed Chemistry student. Incredibly brilliant, and emerging the top of her class. No surprises there – she and her other siblings were simply the top of their class wherever they find themselves, due to the incredibly liberal, but supportive family atmosphere that pervades the house. Although there was firmness. For instance, she wanted to study medicine after high school, but her dad insisted on her studying education. She came to me crying to intervene. I tried, but he was adamant it has to be education. After back and forth we decided she should obey her father and study Education. She agreed but vowed to return to school to study Medicine after she has finished with Education.

I can easily sympathize, in reverse. My father wanted me to study Medicine, I don’t! So, I ended up in Science Education – just like Suwaiba. How, look where she is – following parental counsel, she was blessed to be at the top of the game. Oh, she decided not to come back for Medicine after all – Education was just too good.

Employing her in 2005 after she graduate in the Department of Education under the able leadership of (now) Prof. Abdulrashid Garba, the current Vice-Chancellor of Khalifa Isyaku Rabi’u University (KHAIRUN) was a boon to the Department. She was easily the hardest working staff member, always eager to be part of a team, often taking leadership control if the ship seems rudderless.

In 2007 the University created Science and Technical Education Department. I, together with Suwaiba, (now) Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas (current Vice-Chancellor, Bayero University Kano), and a few others were deployed to the new Department. She started her Masters degree under my supervision. I could barely keep up with her ballistic enthusiasm, a trait she inherited from her father, Prof. Sa’id Ahmad Babura.

As my “daughter” (her reference to me has always been “Baba Abdalla”, endearing me further to the family), she became my protégé. I became her Head of Department from 2010-2013, and we got heavily involved in NGO activities in teacher training, for she is extremely dedicated to Teacher education. She spent 15 years in international NGO activities in improving teacher education programs.

She finished her Master’s degree in record time and almost immediately rolled over to a PhD, but this time in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, finishing in 2014. She was the first female from Jigawa State to obtain a PhD in the rare field of Science Education. Her Google Scholar profiles her impressive research in Chemistry Education, Science Education and Gender Studies. Her ResearchGate profile highlights one of the first experimental uses of AI ChatGPT in Organic Chemistry Classrooms – demonstrating her future-oriented focus on embracing AI in high school education.

In every workshop setting, I would just down and watch her proudly as she explained the various techniques of teaching to teachers in Kano and Jigawa States. She developed a series of teacher training modules for international NGOs that were used in teacher training refresher programs. When she finished her doctoral studies in 2014, I had already migrated to the Department of Mass Communication in October 2012. She was visibly unhappy about my moving away because we taught a course on the Philosophy of Science together which she really enjoys. I assured her I will always be around the corner.

Administratively, she also earned her laurels. From 2018 to 2020 she became the first female to become the Head of Science Education, then Sub-Dean Academics in the Faculty of Education, and eventually Associate Professor of Chemistry Education. Due to her brilliant performances, she was appointed Director,

Center for Gender Studies from 2020 to 2024, a position she impressively held, forming a womanist, rather than feminist focus on gender issues, especially education, in a traditional society. In this, she was mentored by Prof. Ruqayyah Ahmed Rufa’i, the former Honorable Minister of Education (2010-2013), also from Jigawa State. Bayero University remains proud of its women Education Ministers – and all from the same State!

It was from there that she jumped to be the Provost Jigawa State College of Education, Ringim in March 2024. And in October 2024, she was nominated the Minister of State, Education.

At 43, she is young. That’s for sure. For sure also, that is her biggest advantage. She promises fresh air of future learning with her demonstrable competencies in field-tested qualitative research, Artificial Intelligence and focus on scientific learning among young people, particularly young girls.

I am proud of Suwaiba as a daughter. Proud of her as a colleague. Proud of her as a protégé. Now, as the recently appointed Minister of State, Education, I am proud of her as my boss. Allah Ya ƙara basira da albarka.

This was first published on Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu’s Facebook account.

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Opinion

Kano bags National Council on Education award

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Yusha’u Hamza Kafinchiri, ANIPR

Kano state has been awarded best state in Nigeria by the National Council on Education (NCE) for its outstanding performance for submitting its report based on national policy.

Kano state government delegation led by state commissioner of Education Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa received the award at the 68th NCE’s meeting held in Abuja.

Doguwa who received the award on behalf of the state government said it is a prestigious award for Kano being the most outstanding state in reporting based on national policy compliance.

This outstanding recognition is borne out of the State government’s commitment and the determination of his excellency the executive governor of Kano State Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf to prioritise education, having met the sector in disarray.

The government’s Commitment to provide high-quality education in the State through its reforms and partnership, has led to his excellency’s serious reforms within just one year of his administration.Ths include the review of the state 60 years old Kano state education law and 5 other obsolete education policies.

The event was passionately graced by the Minister of Education, Mal. Tahir Mamman and the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu. The permanent secretary FME, 36 state commissioners of education and captains of the industry.

The award highlights Kano State’s dedication to aligning its education policies with national standards. Through an update report of policy Implementation on which the state government received the award.

The administration of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has made an impactful significant stride in education and human capital development, by recognizing education as the backbone of the society.

The governor has already declared a state of emergency in the education sector and convened a multi billion naira recovery stimulus conference (education recovery conference) in which strategy is drawn for robust sector reform in collaboration with PLANE Nigeria and AREWA consultative forum

The ministry of education according to Doguwa is committed to continuing this excellent work, ensuring that pupils and students in the state receive the best possible education to thrive in their future endeavors.

Yusha’u Hamza Kafinchiri, ANIPR,
is a Director Monitoring and Evaluation,
Ministry of Education,
Kano State.

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