Headlines
Governorship debate: Free education not sustainable – LP candidate
Aminu Abdullahi
The gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Kano, Engr. Bashir Ishaq Bashir has stated that free education cannot better the sector because is not feasible to sustain, insisting that both parents should be committed in their children education.
KANO FOCUS reports that Engr Bashir stated this on Saturday while presenting his blueprint at the 2023 town hall meeting with governorship candidates in Kano organised by the Centre for Democratic Studies (CDS), Bayero University Kano in collaboration with KANO FOCUS, some media organisations and civil society groups.
Maj. Gen. Sani Ibrahim Yakasai (ARM)
He recalled that even as he lost his father at tender age, his mother sold her refrigerator and bed to sponsor his education.
He described the idea of free education being propagated by various politicians seeking votes from the public as deceptive and unachievable.
“Free education is not feasible because if it is free it will suffer neglect and will not be good enough. There is a saying that you only find free cheese in the mouse trap.
Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi (NNPP)
“For there to be good education, the parents and the authorities must play roles.
Some guests at the venue
“Education can be subsidized to those who cannot afford it but cannot feasibly be made free” he stated.
In the 2-day event which was attended by other Kano governorship candidates that include the representative of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) governorship candidate Barr Haruna Isa Dederi, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Sani Yakasai (rtd) of Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and representative of governorship candidate of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) Sunusi Ahmad.
Sunusi Ahmad (ZLP)
The Labour party governorship candidate disagreed with all the other party candidates insisting that if education is made free it will never be efficient and standard.
The candidates all agreed on the aspects of ensuring democracy at the local government level, security, healthcare delivery, poverty alleviation and free education, the LP candidate opposed the issue of making education free.
Governorship candidates at the debate
Responding to questions on how orphans are neglected and engage in lawlessness he explained that he too lost his father at an early age “my mother sold her refrigerator and bed to sponsor my education” promising that they will be catered for.
Responding to a comment by a participant that identified himself as a Kwankwasiyya supporter, Bashir blamed the Kwankwasiya supporters condemning the governor Abdullahi Ganduje led government saying, all they accuse Ganduje of doing were the same things done by their leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and only differ in the mode of operation.
In the vote of thanks delivered by the Director CDS, Prof Habu Muhammad, he promised that the centre will conduct another town hall meeting 100 days after any of the gurbernatorial candidates might have been sworn in to confirm if he is on track.
Prof Habu Muhammad
The governorship candidates in attendance have all submitted copies of their manifestos to the CDS.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has commenced a preliminary investigation into allegations linking a person reportedly identified as one of its students to acts of online impersonation and financial misconduct circulating on social media.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar, the university said it had taken note of the claims being discussed in public commentary and across various online platforms.
The statement noted that BUK maintains strict standards of conduct, discipline, and character for all students throughout the duration of their studies, adding that any behaviour capable of bringing the name and reputation of the institution into disrepute is treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to the university, the alleged actions of an individual student should not be seen as a reflection of the values or character of Bayero University Kano as an institution.
“In view of the allegations, the University has commenced a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. The appropriate University authorities are reviewing the issue in line with the institution’s established rules and disciplinary procedures governing students’ conduct,” the statement said.
The management also commended the public-spirited efforts of Professor Farooq Kperogi and other individuals who provide financial assistance to students in need, particularly by supporting registration fees and other educational expenses.
The university noted that such acts of generosity continue to play an important role in expanding access to education and supporting deserving students.
BUK assured members of the public that if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the university’s regulations and relevant laws.
The institution also urged the public to allow the investigative process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or the spread of unverified information.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the governor said.
The governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.
The statement further directed the outgoing Head of Service to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Board Chairman of Belraados Limited and Kano State Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Dr. Goni Faruk Umar, on Saturday met with the former President of Brazil, Mr. Michel Temer, during the opening dinner of the 26th Expodireto Cotrijal in Brazil.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dr. Umar was seen exchanging a handshake with the former Brazilian leader at the event held in Não-Me-Toque, a city in the southern part of Brazil hosting the annual international agribusiness exhibition.
The Expodireto Cotrijal is one of the largest agricultural trade fairs in Latin America, attracting policymakers, agribusiness investors, researchers and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss innovations and opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Participants at the event are expected to explore partnerships and share ideas aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening international cooperation in agribusiness.
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