Headlines
Citizens group asks Kano Govt to engage CBOs in teacher recruitment
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations appealed to Kano state government to engage Community Based Organisations (CBOs) during teacher recruitment.
KANO FOCUS reports that the appeal was part of the resolutions of a roundtable session on teacher recruitment and deployment, organized by Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria, PLANE, held in Kano on Tuesday.
The group has also appealed to government to address shortage of teachers especially in rural areas.
In his address the Permanent Member l Kano State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Rabi’u Sale Gwarzo attributed the deficiency in quality of education in the state to the shortage of qualified teachers.
According to him, the quality of education across the state is gradually depreciating due to lack of commitment from teachers.
Other factors affecting the quality of education in the state, according to Gwarzo, include shortage of female teachers in rural areas as well as inadequate of instructional materials.
“These challenges resulted in jeopardizing the education system in the state.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards embracing opportunities presented by PLANE in engaging stakeholders in constructive dialogue regarding the shortage of teachers in basic education.
“We are all aware that educational issue has become a very important and crucial aspect of human development and every responsible government worldwide today has ear marked it as a key issue that needs serious attention especially Access, equity and quality.
“These challenges resulted in jeopardizing the education system in the state,” she said.
However, the government, according to him, has taken a boldstep towards tackling the problems.
In her presentation, Director Personnel, SUBEB, Mariya Hodi Adamu, disclosed that SUBEB had implemented several strategies to address the challenges to teacher recruitment, aimed at ensuring quality education from basic level.
According to Mrs Hodi, to increase recruitment drives, SUBEB had lunched targeted recruitment campaigns to attract more qualified teachers, particularly focusing on filling the gaps in rural areas.
She explained that the board has also reintroduced training programmes to improved the skills and the capacity of teachers.
“The board also introduced improved incentives and benefits to make teaching profession more attractive, in addition to working on improving salary structure, offering other benefit to techers expecially those willing to work in rural areas, e.g Professional and hazard allowances, staff car loan e.t.c.
“The Board has also invested in improving schools infrastructure making schools more conducive to teaching and learning. Government approved for the building of new classroom, renovations and provision of teaching aids to enhance quality of education.
“Community involment: the Board has engaged local communities to support teacher recruitment and retention
Merit – based – recruitment: effort have been made to ensure that the recuitment process is transference and based on merit to reduce the impact of political interference and nepotism and ensuring that the most qualified candidates are selected.
” The Board has put in place mechanism for regular monitoring and evaluation of teachers performance and the recruitment process. This help in identifying areas for improvement and making necessary adjustment,” she explained in her presentation.
Also in a remark, the State Team Lead of PLANE, Umar Lawan said the program was organized to foster collaborative dialogue between education stakeholders and media professionals for improved coverage and awareness creation on education initiatives, challenges and ongoing reforms in the state.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dr Goni Faruk Umar has urged Muslims to embrace Taqwa in their daily lives, describing it as a foundation of Islam and a key to righteous conduct and success in this world and the hereafter.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Islamic scholar made the call while delivering a Juma’a sermon at the New Juma’a Mosque, Rumfa College, Kano.
In the sermon, Dr Goni Faruk Umar explained the meaning of Taqwa using classical Islamic scholarship, including an account involving Umar ibn al-Khattab and the companion Ubayy ibn Ka’b to illustrate the concept.
According to the account cited in the sermon, Sayyadina Ubayy once asked Khalifa Umar bin Khattab whether he had ever walked along a thorny path. When Khalifa Umar bin Khattab answered in the affirmative, Sayyadina Ubayy asked how he navigated it. Khalifa Umar bin Khattab replied that he gathered his clothes and proceeded cautiously to avoid being pricked.
Sayyadina Ubayy then explained that this was the essence of Taqwa: being constantly mindful of one’s actions and carefully avoiding what displeases Allah.
Dr Goni Faruk Umar said Taqwa should not be limited to acts of worship but should also guide Muslims’ conduct in contemporary society, particularly in their use of digital platforms and social media, control of the tongue, and relationships within the family.
He urged worshippers to exercise restraint in their speech, act responsibly online and uphold their obligations to family members in accordance with Islamic teachings.
The cleric also highlighted the spiritual and worldly benefits of Taqwa, including relief from hardship, ease in personal affairs, forgiveness of sins and increased rewards in the hereafter.
Quoting verses from the Qur’an, he cited Allah’s promise in Surah At-Talaq, verses 2 and 3, that whoever fears Him will be granted a way out of difficulties and provided for from sources they could not have anticipated.
He also referred to Qur’an 65:4–5, which promises ease in affairs, the removal of sins and the multiplication of rewards for those who maintain Taqwa.
The scholar reminded Muslims that worldly life is temporary and that the hereafter is their permanent destination. He therefore urged them to regard Taqwa as the best provision for the journey beyond this life.
Citing Qur’an 2:197, he emphasised that the best provision for the hereafter is Taqwa, urging believers to remain conscious of their responsibilities to Allah.
The sermon also featured prayers and salutations upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his family and companions, in accordance with the Qur’anic instruction in Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 56.
Dr Goni Faruk Umar concluded by encouraging Muslims to remain steadfast in faith, follow the guidance of the Prophet and make righteousness a guiding principle in their daily lives.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Political allies and loyalists of former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Arc Aminu Dabo, have begun resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State following his withdrawal from the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that the supporters, operating under the political group Dabo Alheri Ne, reportedly include members across Kano State’s 44 local government areas.
Barely two days after Dabo announced his resignation from the APC, a prominent stakeholder of the group, Garba Zakiru Dambatta, said members had welcomed the decision and were showing solidarity by submitting their resignation letters to their respective ward party chairmen.
Dambatta, a former APC chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area, said the group’s members were disappointed with what they described as the prolonged marginalisation of Mr Dabo and his supporters within the party.
According to him, despite Mr Dabo’s contributions to the APC and efforts to strengthen the party and manage disagreements among its members, some key stakeholders had continued to sideline him and his loyalists in party activities.
Dambatta reaffirmed the group’s commitment to standing by Mr Dabo’s political decisions and supporting his future political journey.
He also urged the former NPA managing director not to succumb to political pressure or reverse his decision to leave the party.
“This step you have taken, we have the conviction that it is the beginning of a new chapter of goodness in your life,” Dambatta said.
Among the prominent members of the group identified as supporting Mr Dabo’s decision are Abba Rabee’u, a former Senior Special Assistant on Political Awareness; Almustapha Jilani Danmalam, a former Senior Special Assistant on Education; Jamilu Abdullahi Zangon-Mata, a former Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurship; and Fahd A. Dabo, a former Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation.
The individuals reportedly served during the second term of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The group also said several other party loyalists and supporters were backing Dabo following his resignation.
However, the statement did not provide the number of members who had formally resigned from the APC or indicate whether the party leadership had responded to the development.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Five players of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Club have been invited to the national camp of Nigeria’s Special Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
KANO FOCUS reports that invited players are Isah Yusuf, Abba Musa, Habu Friday, Emanuel Betel and Usman Ahmed. They are currently in Abuja with the national team as preparations intensify for the global tournament.
The Team Manager of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Team, Jamilu Uba Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with Ashiru Rabiu Gidan Tudu, Information Officer of the Kano State Sports Commission.
Adamu described the invitation as recognition of the players’ dedication, discipline and outstanding performances.
He expressed confidence that the players would represent Kano State and Nigeria with honour at the championship.
According to him, the call-up also demonstrates Kano Pillars’ commitment to nurturing talented amputee footballers and contributing to the development of the sport in Nigeria.
The 2026 Amputee Football World Cup is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. A total of 24 countries, including seven African nations, are expected to participate.
The Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, congratulated the five players on their invitation, describing it as well deserved.
Babangida expressed confidence that they would justify the confidence reposed in them by the national team selectors.
He assured the players of the commission’s continued support and urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to making Kano State and Nigeria proud on the international stage.
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