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NMA Kano organises gubernatorial debate on health matters
Nasiru Yusuf
Kano state branch of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has gubernatorial debate on health matters.
KANO FOCUS reports that the state chairman of NMA Dr. Abdullahi Kabir Sulaiman announced this on Monday while briefing journalists on the line of activities designated to mark this year’s physician week.
He said the debate will be conducted on Thursday October 27th, at Bristol Palace Hotel, Kano.
“In line with this year’s physician week, we felt, it is an opportunity to reach out to gubernatorial candidates and briefed them on health matters in Kano state. And for them to showcase their plan to electorates as we are on the verge of 2023 general election.
“The proceedings of the debate will assist us to draft an agenda for the people of Kano. We will conclude the meeting with extraordinary meeting and young doctors day on Saturday,” Mr Sulaiman said.
According to him the governorship candidates invited are Malam Ibrahim Khalil (ADC); Ishak Bashir Ishak (LP); Salihu Tanko Yakasai (PRP); Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada and Abba Kabir Yusuf (NNPP); Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna (APC) and Sadiq Wali (PDP).
Kano state government has 533 doctors in its payroll
Dr Sulaiman lamented the brain drain of medical doctors working under Kano state government due to poor condition of service and renumeration.
According to him Kano state government has only 533 medical doctors in its payroll spread across state owned health institutions.
“From the break down available to me now. We have 1,063 doctors in Kano state. Out of this number 533 are working under Kano state government (even though most of them are house officers or undergoing internship), we have 400 in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, 96 in National Orthopedic Hospital Dala and 84 doctors working in other private and specialised hospitals,” Dr. Sulaiman.
He said many doctors are leaving Kano state government’s employment to federal government hospitals and other states with better package.
He appealed to federal government to improve welfare of medical doctors to check the mass exodus of doctors abroad.
He said data available has indicated that about 10,296 doctors that are trained in Nigeria are currently working on United Kingdom.
Dr Sulaiman said if the government would address that pay disparity between state and federal, it would mitigate the problem of internal and external brain drain.
“If government would address pay disparity between state and federal government, that would stop doctors from going to Ghana, Uganda, South Africa, among others.
“You know, Nigerian doctors go to even African countries, not only UK or Europe. This is to show you how bad the situation is.
“People would want to work with state government than federal if the salary doesn’t have disparity,” he said.
Dr Suleiman also advised the government to improve working condition of doctors at medical institutions.
He noted that poor working condition, not only good salary, but poor equipment and other logistics would make doctors leave for better.
The chairman noted that people are accusing doctors of being unpatriotic by leaving for foreign countries, saying” doctors are one of the most patriotic in Nigeria in view of the salary they are earning, compared to other countries.
“In some countries, the pay of one doctor, can pay the salaries of all of us sitting on this table monthly and still have change, you can imagine the disparity,” he said.
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.
Kano AGILE renovates 1,300 schools, enrolls 30,000 girls in three years
BUK Faculty of Education celebrates 50 years anniversary, launches Alumni Association
Governor Yusuf Champions Education, Resolves Certificate Crisis for Kano Graduates
Governor Yusuf Bags Vanguard’s 2024 Good Governance Award
