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70 per cent of settlements in Kano not well-planned – University Don
A University Don, Dr. Murtala Muhammad of the Department of Geography, Bayero University Kano, lamented that about 70 per cent of people in Kano reside in informal settlements, without proper mapping and urban planning.
To this extent, he argued that it makes it difficult for development planning and government interventions.
KANO FOCUS reports that the don stated this at the kick-off meeting for a new project titled: ‘Integrated Deprived Area Mapping System’ in Kano on Saturday.
“This project attempts to produce a digital map of the city, with emphasis on informal areas. A study has revealed that 40 percent of the urban Kano, in terms of landmass is informal, which means, it is an area that is lacking in terms of planning.
“And you will notice that this 40 per cent constitutes 70 per cent of the population. This means 70 per cent of people living in Kano metropolis are living in those informal areas.
“Kano has a population of between 14 and 15 million, you can think of 70 per cent, which means about 10 million people are living in those informal areas, having no access to good roads, water, waste management and sanitation,” he explained.
In his capacity as a consultant and specialist in urban development, Dr Muhammad explained that when the database is created, those areas will be identified and their needs will be addressed, which will serve, as a guide to policymakers, regarding the basic needs of the community.
“Whosoever wants to intervene will know the exact needs of the respective communities, so that when any of such intervention comes, it will be in tune with the community,” he added.
Earlier, the leader of IDEAMAPS, Dr Peter Elias, said the project, funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is a 3-year project, which will run concurrently in Kano, Lagos and Nairobi, thr Kenyan capital.
“The project is about mapping slums and informal settlements, as these communities are not always captured in interventions. So when you are trying to intervene, or there is any hazard, without data, you can only base your actions on estimation. But with IDEAMAPS, we will bridge that gap by providing routine map data, so that those stakeholders can access the data about these communities to aid their planning,” Dr Elias added.
Furthermore, he pointed out that with information from partners in Kano, they can select some slum communities as representatives of all other slum communities, adding that they are just starting.
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SUBEB, PLANE train teachers to boost English language learning in Kano primary schools
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in collaboration with the Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE), has organised a six-day capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening the teaching and learning of English Language in public primary schools across the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the training, which targets English Language teachers in selected Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs), is part of ongoing efforts to improve literacy outcomes at the basic education level in Kano State.
Speaking during a monitoring visit to one of the training centres in Takai Local Government Area, the PLANE State Team Leader, Malam Umar Lawan, said the programme is a continuation of the technical and capacity-building support PLANE has been providing to the Kano State Government over the last three to four years.
He explained that the initiative is designed to equip English Language teachers with modern, learner-centred teaching methodologies, while ensuring that pupils are exposed early to effective reading and speaking skills at the lower primary level, ahead of their transition to upper classes.
According to Malam Umar, the pilot phase of the programme is being implemented in four local government areas—Takai, Gabasawa, Minjibir and Karaye—covering 115 primary schools and involving 484 English Language teachers. He added that the six-day training would expose participants to innovative instructional strategies aimed at improving classroom delivery and learning outcomes.
In his remarks, the Deputy National Team Leader of PLANE, Mr Samuel Achimugu, expressed satisfaction with the dedication of the resource persons and the enthusiasm shown by participating teachers in engaging with the training content. He stressed that continuous professional development of English Language teachers remains critical to achieving quality education outcomes at the basic education level.
Mr Achimugu commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his commitment to revitalising the education sector in Kano State, and also praised the Chairman of SUBEB, Malam Yusuf Kabir, for his initiatives and leadership geared towards making basic education more progressive and effective.
Participants at the training described the programme as timely and impactful, expressing appreciation to PLANE and SUBEB for the support. They pledged to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to enhance the learning experience and literacy development of pupils in their respective schools.
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Achaba ban: Police impound 172 motorcycles, tricycles in Kano
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has intensified enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycle operations (Achaba/Okada) and the restriction on tricycle movement between 10:00pm and 6:00am within the Kano metropolis.
KANO FOCUS reports that between January 1 and 7, 2026, the combined security team impounded 104 commercial motorcycles and 68 tricycles for violating the standing directives. A total of 172 suspects were arrested in connection with the offences and have since been charged to court for prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended residents of the state for their cooperation and understanding, while also praising the efforts of sister security agencies involved in the operation, particularly the Kano Road and Traffic Agency (KAROTA), for their support in enforcing the measures.
According to the police, the ban on commercial motorcycle passenger conveyance and the nighttime restriction on tricycles remain in force. The affected local government areas include Kano Municipal, Gwale, Dala, Fagge, Nassarawa, Tarauni, Kumbotso, Ungogo (Jido area), as well as Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area, covering Tamburawa, Gurjiya and Jido wards.
The command urged members of the public to continue to comply with the regulations in the interest of public safety and security. Residents were also encouraged to report violations or suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines on 08032419754, 08123821575, and 09029292926.
Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining law and order, the Kano State Police Command assured that it would continue to take necessary measures to enforce the ban and ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.
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Kano education ministry holds workshop on inclusive, gender-sensitive learning
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Ministry of Education has organised a one-day capacity-building workshop for Special Education Officers to strengthen inclusive, safe and gender-sensitive learning environments across schools in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the workshop, held on Wednesday at the School for Arabic Studies Hall, was themed “Promoting Inclusive, Safe, Gender-Sensitive Learning Environment for All.” It brought together education stakeholders and professionals committed to promoting equitable access to quality education, particularly for children with special needs and other vulnerable groups.
Declaring the workshop open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Bashir Baffa Muhammad, represented by the Director of Schools, Mallam Sagir Umar Danbare, reaffirmed the Kano State Government’s commitment to inclusive education policies that ensure no child is left behind.
He stressed the need for learning environments that are safe, supportive and responsive to gender and individual differences, noting that inclusive education remains critical to sustainable educational development in the state.
In her welcome address, the Director of Educational Support Services, Hajiya Halima Sadiya Tukur, explained that the workshop was designed to equip Special Education Officers with relevant knowledge and practical skills to effectively implement inclusive education practices in line with national and global standards.
She encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions and apply the knowledge gained to improve service delivery in their various areas of responsibility.
Two technical papers were presented at the workshop. The first, titled “Understanding Inclusive Education: Concept, Policy, Framework and Implementation,” was delivered by Dr. Auwal Inuwa Bello of the Department of Special Education, Bayero University, Kano. He provided an overview of inclusive education principles, policies and implementation strategies, emphasising the importance of systemic collaboration and teacher preparedness.
The second paper, “Gender-Based Violence: Implications for Learners’ Safety and Retention – Promoting Gender-Based Sensitive Learning Environment for All,” was presented by Dr. Nasir Yakubu, also of the Department of Special Education, Bayero University, Kano. He examined the effects of gender-based violence on access to education, learner safety and school retention, and called for proactive measures to prevent abuse and promote safe, respectful school environments for all genders.
Participants described the workshop as timely and impactful, noting that the discussions enhanced their understanding of inclusive and gender-sensitive education practices.
According to the Director of Public Enlightenment, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, the Ministry reaffirmed its resolve to continue building the capacity of education officers as part of broader efforts to improve educational outcomes across Kano State.
