Headlines
BUK, 17 others get NCC’s intervention on broadband infrastructure for unlimited internet connectivity
Nasiru Yusuf
Bayero University, Kano has been selected as one of the beneficiary tertiary institutions across the country for the provision of broadband infrastructure that would guarantee unlimited and uninterrupted access to internet connectivity.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, who spoke at the launching of the programme in Abuja on Thursday, said the project was in fulfilment of one of the pillars of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS 2020-2030) initiated by his ministry.
The Minister explained that the initiative was aimed at boosting the economic drive of the administration in various sectors.
According to him, the project would be implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The Minister also said the project was to accelerate broadband penetration in Nigeria and advance the course of digital economy projections for the nation.
Prof. Pantami noted that digital connectivity and expanding access to information played key roles towards boosting the economy.
Prof. Pantami reiterated that digital connectivity, access and skills were critical to human and economic development.
Presenting the letter of award to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas, the Communications Minister said, “We wish to inform you that Bayero University, Kano has been earmarked as one of the beneficiaries of the broadband infrastructure project.”
According to him, the project was under the Digital Literacy Skills in which the Federal Government intended to provide broadband infrastructure in selected tertiary and higher institutions of learning.
Consequently, he said, “Your support is required to enable its implementation.”
Under the first phase of the project, a total of 18 universities and other tertiary institutions spread among the six geo-political zones were selected to benefit,
including Bayero University, Kano; University Of Lagos; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; College of Education (Special), Ibadan, and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Others were the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Federal University of Technology, Owerri, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
The rest were University of Calabar, University of Benin, University of Port Harcourt, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina, Borno State University and ATBU, Bauchi.
Also to benefit are Gombe State University, Federal University of Technology, Minna, University of Ilorin and University of Abuja.
In a related development, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, announced the allocation of 100 brand new computers and their accessories to Bayero University, Kano as part of promised made during the Vice Chancellor’s request earlier in the year when he visited him in his office.
The Minister affirm that the provision of the facilities was part of the effort to support educational development.
He said the provision of the facilities was part of a deliberate policy aimed at digitizing the education sector, especially at tertiary level in line with the global best practices so as to ensure quality in teaching, research and learning.
It would be recalled that the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas had paid a visit to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy a few months ago requesting the provision of broadband infrastructure and computers, which the Minister obliged.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nafisah Yusuf Hassan, a magistrate in Kano State, has been recommended for appointment as a judge of the Kano State High Court by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
KANO FOCUS reports that Hassan is among four judicial officers from Kano State recommended for elevation to the High Court bench out of 28 candidates selected nationwide.
The other nominees are Halima Yahuza Ahmad, Abdullahi Abdulsalam Bature and Musa Ibrahim Umar.
The NJC disclosed the recommendations in a statement issued by its Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, following its consideration of candidates for judicial appointments across the country.
The council said all recommended candidates were expected to be sworn in by their respective state governors without delay.
Hassan’s recommendation follows her years of service in the Kano State judiciary, where she has reportedly distinguished herself through diligence, professionalism and careful handling of cases.
She has been commended for her commitment to judicial ethics, diligence and fairness in the discharge of her responsibilities, achievements that contributed to her career progression within the judiciary.
Her elevation is part of a broader development in the Kano State judiciary, with four magistrates from the state successfully scaling the selection process for appointment to the High Court.
The four nominees were reportedly assessed during the selection exercise and demonstrated strong professional competence, while their service records were found to be free of adverse remarks.
Their recommendation marks a significant step in their judicial careers and is expected to strengthen the judicial workforce in Kano State upon their formal appointment.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) says it has tracked nearly 1,000 education projects across the state as part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability and effective service delivery in the education sector.
KANO FOCUS the coalition’s Co-Chair, Dr Auwalu Halilu, disclosed this on Wednesday during an advocacy visit to the Kano State Ministry of Public Procurement and Project Monitoring.
Dr Halilu said K-SAFE had monitored projects in more than six local government areas, covering interventions implemented by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Kano State Senior Secondary Education Management Board and Local Education Authorities (LEAs).
He explained that the monitoring exercise involved physical inspections and documentation of projects through photographs, videos and geographical locations.
According to him, reports of the findings had been submitted to relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), highlighting projects that met required standards and those requiring further attention.
He cited Rimin Gado Local Government Area, where the coalition tracked more than 80 education projects, adding that it planned to extend the exercise to all 44 local government areas of the state.
The K-SAFE Co-Chair said the visit was aimed at presenting the coalition’s activities to the ministry and exploring areas of collaboration in procurement and project monitoring.
He called for the inclusion of civil society organisations in procurement and monitoring processes, particularly tender board activities and field inspections, to strengthen independent oversight and provide them with firsthand information on government projects.
Dr Halilu also requested the ministry’s support in organising capacity-building programmes for civil society organisations on procurement procedures, due process, project standardisation, monitoring and evaluation.
He said such training would enhance civil society organisations’ understanding of procurement regulations and the technical requirements guiding project implementation.
Responding, the Commissioner for Public Procurement and Project Monitoring, Dr Nura Iro Ma’aji, welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the coalition’s contributions to supporting the state government’s efforts in the education sector.
He expressed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with K-SAFE through information sharing and other relevant engagements to strengthen accountability and ensure compliance with due process.
“From our side, we are ready to work together because we know what they have been doing to support Kano State Government in the education sector,” he said.
Dr Halilu further disclosed that the coalition and its partner organisations had carried out the monitoring exercise without financial sponsorship, describing it as a demonstration of their commitment to transparency and accountability.
He reaffirmed K-SAFE’s commitment to sustaining engagement with relevant government agencies, civil society organisations and the media to strengthen oversight of education projects across Kano State.
Ibrahim Khalil
Government Secondary School (GSS) Army Day Bukavu has emerged champion in both the male and female categories of the maiden Kano State Secondary Schools Tug of War Competition.
KANO FOCUS reports that the school clinched the double victory at the competition, which ended on Wednesday at the Kano Pillars Stadium, Sabon Gari, Kano.
Governors College finished as runners-up in the male category, while Government Girls College (GGC) Kano secured second position in the female category.
The competition was organised by the Kano State Tug of War Association in collaboration with the state Ministry of Education, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Kano State Sports Commission.
The maiden championship brought together secondary school students to promote teamwork, discipline, unity and sportsmanship, while raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Vice Chairman of the Kano State Tug of War Association, Jamilu Uba Adamu, described the competition as a successful initiative that had achieved its objectives.
He commended the Ministry of Education, Sports Commission, NDLEA, Gongoni Company Limited and MAGZO Pharmaceutical for supporting the event, particularly through the provision of T-shirts and Pocari Sweat drinks.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Kano State Tug of War Association, Bashir Muhammad Sulaiman, who represented the Executive Chairman of the Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to developing grassroots and school sports.
He said the initiative would help identify and nurture young sporting talents across the state.
The closing ceremony was attended by a member of the Kano State Football Association Board, Rilwanu Idris Malikawa Garu, representatives of the Ministry of Education, NDLEA, the Sports Commission and other stakeholders in the sports sector.
The organisers congratulated the winning schools and commended all participating institutions and partners for contributing to the success of the maiden edition.
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