News
Danbatta Lauds Swedish Government, Ericsson for Sustained, Remarkable Partnership
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has commended the Swedish Government and Ericsson for their commitment and consistency in a strategic partnership with NCC on capacity building which has strengthened the Commission’s regulatory activities.
Speaking at a workshop jointly organised by NCC and its Swedish partners within the framework of the Swedish Programme for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Developing and Emerging Regions (SPIDER), Danbatta stressed the significant strides made by NCC in the field of ICT.
“This workshop signposts the vital role the Nigerian Communications Commission, as a regulator, has been playing in the West African sub-region. It also highlights the unending objective of keeping up with the times and ever-evolving dynamics of the telecommunications sector,” Danbatta stated.
The NCC Chief Executive reiterated the enduring commitment of the Swedish Government and SPIDER to the cause of ICT development in emerging regions and acknowledged their roles in improving access to healthcare, education, income generation, and employment opportunities in West Africa, thereby contributing to poverty reduction.
“This periodic strategic engagement under the auspices of SPIDER over the years has made the Commission a more effective regulator and enhanced it contribution to the development of the telecommunications sector. This contribution will further support the creation of an ecosystem that is beneficial to the economies and people of the region,” the EVC said.
In her speech, the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroun, and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mrs. Annika Hahn, highlighted the significance of ICT regulation and capacity building as key drivers for economic development and social progress.
The ambassador also commended the NCC for hosting the event and fostering collaboration between the two nations. She acknowledged the pivotal role ICT has played in Sweden’s economic growth being the birthplace of Ericsson, one of the world’s oldest and largest ICT companies, with a rich history in the sector.
Speaking further, the ambassador stressed the global technological revolution and its potential to catalyse industrial and economic development. She stressed the need for modern and adaptable regulation to navigate this rapidly-evolving landscape.
Hahn also stated that, “to cope with this new and swiftly-developing environment, we need to regulate in a modern and adaptable way. Therefore, human capacity building in ICT regulation is crucial for all of us.”
The diplomat said the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of ICT across the globe, leading to an increase in Internet users as the shift impacted various sectors, including education, commerce, and financial services. She also said that e-learning practices on various platforms played a significant role in the transformation.
Speaking further, the Ambassador said Ericsson has reported that there were more than 900 million registered mobile subscriptions in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2022, with a considerable portion of those in Nigeria.
The Swedish ambassador said that, in driving growth and contributing to the ambitious goal of over a billion mobile subscriptions by the end of 2023 within Sub-Saharan Africa, “education must be an essential part of our regulatory development strategies and policies, hence the need for collaboration in knowledge-sharing and up-skilling of human resources by all stakeholders.”
Headlines
BUK probes student over alleged Facebook fraud
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.
Headlines
Gov. Yusuf relieves Kano Head of Service of appointment
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.
News
Disabled student seeks urgent fix for faulty elevator at Northwest University Kano
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A student of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at Northwest University Kano has appealed to the university management and relevant authorities to urgently repair a faulty elevator at the institution’s city campus, saying the situation has made access to lectures extremely difficult for him and other students with disabilities.
KANO FOCUS reports that the student, Aminu Jaafar Muhammad, popularly known as Alamein, made the appeal in a post shared on social media, where he narrated the challenges he faces attending lectures at the Ado Bayero City Campus, Kofar Nassarawa.
Muhammad, a Level 300 student preparing to enter his final year, said he lives with a physical disability affecting one of his legs. According to him, the Faculty of Computing, where he studies ICT, holds lectures on the sixth to ninth floors of the campus building, while the elevator meant to provide access to the upper floors has remained out of service.
He explained that due to the faulty lift, his colleagues are forced to carry him up the stairs every day in order for him to attend classes.
“Every day my colleagues carry me from the ground floor to at least the sixth floor, which involves climbing more than 100 stairs,” he said, describing the act as a remarkable show of solidarity from fellow students.
Muhammad noted that during his first year at the university he studied at the main campus, where there were fewer stairs. In his second year, he said the elevator occasionally functioned, but when it broke down again his classmates had to assist him several times a week to reach lecture halls upstairs.
He revealed that he had earlier written to the university management requesting that lectures for his faculty be relocated either to the main campus or to lower floors of the building to make access easier. However, he said the letter, submitted over a year ago, has yet to receive a response.
The student also recalled that during a visit by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf following a fire incident at the campus last year, a new elevator was reportedly donated to the university. According to him, the facility is yet to become operational.
While expressing appreciation to his classmates for their continued support, Muhammad said he decided to speak out because the situation affects not only him but other persons with disabilities on campus.
“I know my colleagues have never complained, but I understand that it is not easy for them. I believe raising the issue can bring change and benefit many others,” he said.
He appealed to the university management and relevant authorities to either relocate the lecture venues to accessible floors or ensure that the elevator is repaired and functioning properly.
Muhammad also called on members of the public and stakeholders to help amplify his appeal so that it reaches those in a position to address the situation.
He expressed hope that resolving the challenge would allow him and other affected students to focus on their studies without unnecessary physical barriers.
