Headlines
Kano SUBEB trains 4,500 teachers on teaching reading, writing
Nasiru Yusuf
Kano State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) is set to train over four thousand and five hundred primary school teachers on ‘Jolly Phonics’ teaching and learning approach.
KANO FOCUS reports that the training was organised by the Board in collaboration with it’s sister federal outfit Universal Basic Education Commission under Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) and Universal Learning Solution.
Addressing the participants at Gwagwarwa Special Primary School in Nassarawa Local Government area the Executive Chairman of the outfit, Dr. Danlami Hayyo said with the introduction of the new approach pupils now learn how to read and write easily.
Represented by the Permanent Commissioner one of the state Board Alhaji Kabiru Ahmad, the Executive Chairman, said the ‘Jolly Phonics’ was organised to expose teachers to modern techniques of teaching reading and writing .
Dr. Hayyo added that prior to the introduction of the’ programme pupils especially those in literacy and numeracy faced challenges in that regard but delightfully everything is now bygone.
He used the opportunity to express sincere appreciation to Kano State Government for prompt release of its counterpart fund to UBEC, which according to him helped the Board to access UBEC fund for execution of various Projects statewide.
Dr. Hayyo charged the participants to put into practice what they learnt at the at their various schools.
The assistant Director Training and Desk Officer ‘Jolly Phonics’ at SUBEB, Mallam Umar Sharif said the workshop which will be held in batches, was targeting two thousand head teachers and two thousand and five hundred Primary school teachers selected from forty four local government areas, statewide.
Mallam Umar Sharif called on the management of the outfit to ensure sustainability of training programme as a means of empowering literacy and numeracy teachers in delivering their assignment diligently.
In his speech the jolly Phonic manager, Mallam Nura Ibrahim said the approach was introduced to address the literacy and numeracy challenges among primary schools pupils.
He pointed out that the scheme was designed to help pupils learn how to read and write without hitch.
He described the project as a fun and interactive teaching tool that uses synthetic phonics literacy teaching methodology.
According to him, synthetic phonics is a recommended method of teaching worldwide because of its effectiveness in providing children with the skills needed to read and write.
In his goodwill messages, the Director Universal Learning Solution Richard Turnbull said In its third year, the Jolly Phonics literacy project in Kano state has gone from strength to strength.
He said ‘Jolly Phonics is a fantastic opportunity for all children in Kano State to learn to read and write.
According to him the project will help in increasing equity and equal opportunities for all children in Kano State.
Universal Learning Solutions’ Projects Director Richard Turnbull, praised the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for its continued support for the adoption of Jolly Phonics in government schools across Nigeria.
Mr Patrick Uzu, Nigeria Country Director at Universal Learning Solutions Initiative, highlighted the exceptional support and partnership offered by Kano State Universal Basic Education Board (KSUBEB) as instrumental in the successful implementation of the project.
“We are delighted to be partnering withKano SUBEB to train, resource and mentor its teachers in Jolly Phonics. This project gives the children of Kano State a brighter future.
“Our sincere thanks and appreciation go to the Executive Chairman, Kano SUBEB, Dr.Danlami Hayyo and his team who have handled the training very professionally.
“UBEC have really recognised the tremendous impact that Jolly Phonics has been having on literacy levels in Nigeria’s government schools and have taken it on as one of their flagship programmes.
“This has helped us to initiate new projects across the country. Jolly Phonics is now being taught in all 36 states, and FCT. This is truly amazing and will help to improve the reading and writing abilities of millions of children in the years,” Mr Uzu said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dr Goni Faruk Umar has urged Muslims to embrace Taqwa in their daily lives, describing it as a foundation of Islam and a key to righteous conduct and success in this world and the hereafter.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Islamic scholar made the call while delivering a Juma’a sermon at the New Juma’a Mosque, Rumfa College, Kano.
In the sermon, Dr Goni Faruk Umar explained the meaning of Taqwa using classical Islamic scholarship, including an account involving Umar ibn al-Khattab and the companion Ubayy ibn Ka’b to illustrate the concept.
According to the account cited in the sermon, Sayyadina Ubayy once asked Khalifa Umar bin Khattab whether he had ever walked along a thorny path. When Khalifa Umar bin Khattab answered in the affirmative, Sayyadina Ubayy asked how he navigated it. Khalifa Umar bin Khattab replied that he gathered his clothes and proceeded cautiously to avoid being pricked.
Sayyadina Ubayy then explained that this was the essence of Taqwa: being constantly mindful of one’s actions and carefully avoiding what displeases Allah.
Dr Goni Faruk Umar said Taqwa should not be limited to acts of worship but should also guide Muslims’ conduct in contemporary society, particularly in their use of digital platforms and social media, control of the tongue, and relationships within the family.
He urged worshippers to exercise restraint in their speech, act responsibly online and uphold their obligations to family members in accordance with Islamic teachings.
The cleric also highlighted the spiritual and worldly benefits of Taqwa, including relief from hardship, ease in personal affairs, forgiveness of sins and increased rewards in the hereafter.
Quoting verses from the Qur’an, he cited Allah’s promise in Surah At-Talaq, verses 2 and 3, that whoever fears Him will be granted a way out of difficulties and provided for from sources they could not have anticipated.
He also referred to Qur’an 65:4–5, which promises ease in affairs, the removal of sins and the multiplication of rewards for those who maintain Taqwa.
The scholar reminded Muslims that worldly life is temporary and that the hereafter is their permanent destination. He therefore urged them to regard Taqwa as the best provision for the journey beyond this life.
Citing Qur’an 2:197, he emphasised that the best provision for the hereafter is Taqwa, urging believers to remain conscious of their responsibilities to Allah.
The sermon also featured prayers and salutations upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his family and companions, in accordance with the Qur’anic instruction in Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 56.
Dr Goni Faruk Umar concluded by encouraging Muslims to remain steadfast in faith, follow the guidance of the Prophet and make righteousness a guiding principle in their daily lives.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Political allies and loyalists of former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Arc Aminu Dabo, have begun resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State following his withdrawal from the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that the supporters, operating under the political group Dabo Alheri Ne, reportedly include members across Kano State’s 44 local government areas.
Barely two days after Dabo announced his resignation from the APC, a prominent stakeholder of the group, Garba Zakiru Dambatta, said members had welcomed the decision and were showing solidarity by submitting their resignation letters to their respective ward party chairmen.
Dambatta, a former APC chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area, said the group’s members were disappointed with what they described as the prolonged marginalisation of Mr Dabo and his supporters within the party.
According to him, despite Mr Dabo’s contributions to the APC and efforts to strengthen the party and manage disagreements among its members, some key stakeholders had continued to sideline him and his loyalists in party activities.
Dambatta reaffirmed the group’s commitment to standing by Mr Dabo’s political decisions and supporting his future political journey.
He also urged the former NPA managing director not to succumb to political pressure or reverse his decision to leave the party.
“This step you have taken, we have the conviction that it is the beginning of a new chapter of goodness in your life,” Dambatta said.
Among the prominent members of the group identified as supporting Mr Dabo’s decision are Abba Rabee’u, a former Senior Special Assistant on Political Awareness; Almustapha Jilani Danmalam, a former Senior Special Assistant on Education; Jamilu Abdullahi Zangon-Mata, a former Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurship; and Fahd A. Dabo, a former Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation.
The individuals reportedly served during the second term of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The group also said several other party loyalists and supporters were backing Dabo following his resignation.
However, the statement did not provide the number of members who had formally resigned from the APC or indicate whether the party leadership had responded to the development.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Five players of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Club have been invited to the national camp of Nigeria’s Special Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
KANO FOCUS reports that invited players are Isah Yusuf, Abba Musa, Habu Friday, Emanuel Betel and Usman Ahmed. They are currently in Abuja with the national team as preparations intensify for the global tournament.
The Team Manager of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Team, Jamilu Uba Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with Ashiru Rabiu Gidan Tudu, Information Officer of the Kano State Sports Commission.
Adamu described the invitation as recognition of the players’ dedication, discipline and outstanding performances.
He expressed confidence that the players would represent Kano State and Nigeria with honour at the championship.
According to him, the call-up also demonstrates Kano Pillars’ commitment to nurturing talented amputee footballers and contributing to the development of the sport in Nigeria.
The 2026 Amputee Football World Cup is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. A total of 24 countries, including seven African nations, are expected to participate.
The Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, congratulated the five players on their invitation, describing it as well deserved.
Babangida expressed confidence that they would justify the confidence reposed in them by the national team selectors.
He assured the players of the commission’s continued support and urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to making Kano State and Nigeria proud on the international stage.
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