Headlines
BUK organises homecoming reception for Ex. NUC Boss, Prof. Rasheed
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
There was an outpouring praise as the Department of English and Literary Studies, Bayero University Kano organized a warm homecoming reception to honour the immediate past Executive Secretary (ES), National Universities Commission (NUC) and the former Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed.
KANO FOCUS reports that the colourful event which was well attended by dignitaries took place on Thursday 5 September, 2023 at the Boardroom of the Department.
Speaking, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Sagir Adamu Abbas said that he was deeply surprised and scared when he heard the news of Prof. Rasheed’s resignation notice.
He added that it takes only an extraordinary person to take such bold decision as some people can go the extra mile in order to remain in such exalted position.
Prof. Abbas added that the University was lucky to have Prof. Rasheed as one of its own and even luckier to have him heading places outside the University.
While describing his relationship with the celebrant that transcended beyond the usual official engagement, Prof Abbas wished him more vigorous health so that he will continue to do more for the university and the education system.
In his remarks, the Head of the Department, Dr. Aminu Bala Danyaro said that the Department and its staff collectively felt the need to organize that warm reception out of recognition of the celebrant’s immense contributions to the Nigerian education system.
He then used the occasion to applaud him for his great decision to return to University particularly the Department as they were eager to tap from his wealth of experience and wisdom.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Prof. Mustapha Muhammad expressed delight on the return of the greatest icon and a model to the Department in particular and the University system as a whole. While emphasizing the positive qualities of the celebrant, he described him as generous, saying, ‘he does everything for everyone’.
As testament to honoree’s life touching impact, some senior members of the Department were not left out in the praise galore as they took turn in showering praises on Prof Rasheed for being a great father, mentor, and someone who had shown a keen interest in their personal growth and progress.
Those who spoke at the event were
the DVC Management Services, Prof. Mahmoud Umar Sani, Prof. Ismail Tsiga, Prof. Said Babura Ahmad, Prof Ibrahim Bello Kano, Prof. Mustapha Ahmad Isah, and Dr. Sani Said Ibrahim.
Reacting, the honoree, Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed expressed his happiness for the warm reception he received, saying that he was made to feel really welcomed as he had always wanted to come back to class especially
at BUK. As he pledged his unwavering commitment and willingness to participate in the departmental activities under the headship of the HOD, he thanked everyone for their kind words and for organizing such an event in his
honour.
Highlights of the event included a touching poem entitled “Tribute to Prof. Rasheed” by Abubakar Maikudi Zukodgi and the presentation of a plaque to recognize Prof. Rasheed’s outstanding contributions to the Department and the Nigerian University system.
Other dignitaries in attendance included DVC Academics, Prof. Sani Muhammad Gumel, Prof. Sambo, Prof. Aliyu Kamal, Prof. M.O. Badmus, Prof. Rabi Abdussalam, Prof. Amina Adamu, among many others.
Headlines
Gov. Yusuf names Dr. Aminu Magashi Technical Adviser for Kano’s humanitarian and poverty alleviation ministry
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
In a landmark decision to strengthen Kano State’s humanitarian and poverty alleviation efforts, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has named Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba as the Technical Adviser for the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The appointment, effective September 28, 2024, was announced by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Tuesday.
Governor Yusuf emphasized Dr. Magashi’s impressive credentials, highlighting his decades-long dedication to public service and his commitment to improving the lives of Kano’s underserved communities.
The governor’s choice reflects his deep trust in Dr. Magashi’s extensive experience and proven leadership, recognizing him as a pivotal figure in achieving the administration’s humanitarian goals.
Dr. Magashi, with over 30 years in development and humanitarian work, is well-regarded for his influential initiatives.
His notable roles include serving as Chair of the AMG Foundation, leading the Health Policy and Planning Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association, and being the pioneering coordinator of the Kano State Cancer Care Center.
His strategic insights and leadership were also vital as Chairman of the health transition committee, where he collaborated closely with Governor Yusuf to craft a transformative agenda for Kano State’s healthcare future.
He also led the technical committee which supported Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to develop his campaign blueprint in 2022.
With this appointment, Kano State gains a dedicated advisor whose perseverance, humility, and honesty have defined his career.
Dr. Magashi is expected to guide the ministry in developing impactful strategies that address the pressing needs of Kano’s communities, laying the foundation for a more compassionate, resilient future for all.
Headlines
Kano State Refutes Allegations of N177 Billion Loan from France
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Kano State Government has publicly denied recent claims that it borrowed N177 billion from France.
Speaking at a press conference, Dr. Hamisu Sadi Ali, Director General of the Kano State Public Debt Management Office, clarified that no new loans have been taken since Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf took office in May 2023.
The allegations, originally reported by local media, suggested that the funds were recently secured from a French lender.
The debt office condemned the report as “malicious” and “politically motivated,” clarifying that it mistakenly links a 2018 loan agreement from the previous administration, led by Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, with the current government.
Dr. Hamisu noted that the 2018 agreement was a 64 million-euro loan from the French Development Agency, intended for the Third National Urban Water Sector Reform Project, and was not associated with the present administration.
In an effort to promote transparency, the state government shared an overview of Kano’s existing debt portfolio, which includes several longstanding foreign loans, such as the Multi-state Road Project and the Malaria Control Booster Project, some dating back to 1992.
Dr. Hamisu also outlined domestic loans totaling billions, contracted by the previous administration under the APC.
The current government highlighted its commitment to debt reduction, announcing that it has already repaid over N63.5 billion in debt in 2024, reducing Kano State’s overall debt to N127.8 billion.
Dr. Hamisu urged the public to disregard the “fake and misleading” report and encouraged media organizations to focus on accurate, investigative journalism.
He underscored the importance of responsible reporting to maintain public trust and informed civic engagement.
Headlines
Kano Focus reporter bags West Africa DPI Fellowship
KANO FOCUS reporter Ms Zulaiha Danjuma has been selected alongside 44 other journalists from Benin, Togo, Nigeria and Ghana for the second edition of the Digital Public Infrastructure (DIP) fellowship.
KANO FOCUS reports the DPI fellowship is an initiative by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in partnership with Co-develop.
A total of 45 journalists from Nigeria, Togo, Benin and Ghana were selected from 45 News organizations after months of rigorous selection processes.
The fellowship is a three-month programme running from November to January 2025, followed by a three-month post-fellowship period for the production of special reports on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Digital Public Goods (DPGs).
MFWA’s fellowship seeks to equip participants with skills to create impactful reports on topics such as national digital identification systems, online data security, and digital governance; through specialized workshops, mentorship, and hands-on story production.
Ms Danjuma’s selection for the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) fellowship recalibrates *Kano Focus* commitment to growth and knowledge gathering of staffs.
About the Reporter
Ms Zulaiha Danjuma is a dedicated journalist who has produced impactful Investigative stories on government accountability, health and gender based violence.
In 2023, she carried out a groundbreaking investigation on multifaceted illegal tax extortion, forgery and corruption. In 2024, her report of poor budgetary allocation to Hepatitis B successfully brought the attention of the state government, resulting in commitment to provide additional resources for addressing the issue.
Other DPI fellows
Ten fellows were selected from Ghana and Benin, and five fellows from Togo respectively. Nigeria had a total of twenty journalists selected to be part of the second Phase II of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) Fellowship.
Pictures of all fellows: