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Environmental Crisis Causing Security Challenges – University Don
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Dean, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences (FEES), Bayero University, Kano, Professor Aliyu Salisu Barau has described the incessant maltreatment of the environment as one of the factors igniting security crisis in Nigeria and other countries. He said if drastic measures are not taken the future looks bleak.
Speaking at the 1st interdisciplinary hybrid conference on sustainability and ecological resilience in the Muslim world with the theme: Addressing Global and Local Environmental Crises” Islamic Perspectives and Muslim Experiences held in Kano, Prof Barau said we are already engulfed by multiple ecological crises that amplify massive social insecurity and economic collapse that loom large everywhere.
He said without necessarily sounding pessimistic, the future of human prosperity is gloomy.
The University Don noted that the human race has thrown away responsibility and accountability for the planet that God entrusted us with for intergenerational use and sharing.
He said since centuries ago, colonization sowed the seeds of ecological destruction for gains of the few. He said the current neo-colonial and unfair global trade regimes reinforce that at the detriment of the majority of human race.
According to him, in many countries, the per capita luxury CO2 emissions of 10% of their population is higher than the essential emissions of the 90% of poorer population.
He said over the decades, we have witnessed efforts put in place by governments, international institutions, universities, media and civil society to save the planet.
Nevertheless, the crises keep rising steadily, deeply and irreversibly disturbing. For instance, since the last five years, every year is hotter than its predecessor and this is seriously threatening our lives, wellbeing, mental health and resilience to diseases
Prof Barau insists that as land degradation escalate globally, security threats, droughts, floods, storms and other climate extreme events push us off a clip and points of no return.
Chief Host and the Vice Chancellor of BUK, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, said “this conference is not a merely an academic exercise; it is a call to action. We must harness the power of faith to inspire collective action and create a world where environmental sustainability is not just an ambition, but a lived reality.
“As a leading institution of learning and scholarship in Nigeria, we are committed to using our platform to bridge the gap between knowledge and action, between faith and practice.
“We believe that through collaboration, dialogue, and a shared commitment to the principles of Islam, we can build a more just and sustainable future for generations to come,” said Abbas.
Chairman of the occasion, Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed said environment has been a topical issue of discussion for over two decades and is being discussed at several international and national fora to address its sustainability.
He said neglecting the environment is neglecting the wellbeing of people, while protecting it is protecting their lives.
Prof Rasheed, commended the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences for organizing the conference which would address one of the critical issues affecting the people.
He added that environmental sustainability was firmly embedded in Islam as Quar’anic verses and Prophet Muhammad’s traditions (Hadiths) talked about environmental cleanliness and protection.
Prof Rasheed, who is the immediate past Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), explained that from Islamic perspectives, God created a balanced world which must be preserved and protected by man through justice, adding that people must be environmentally conscious.
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
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.
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