Headlines
UNICEF advocates increased funding for early childhood education in North-West
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has asked states in the North-West region to increase funding for Early Child Care Development Education (ECCDE).
KANO FOCUS reports that the UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Kano, Mr. Rahma Farah made the call during a two-days Evidence Advocacy and Policy Dialogue meeting organised by the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in collaboration with UNICEF.
Farah, represented by the Senior Education Manager, Michael Banda, stated that the region has recorded 42 percent of participation rate in early childhood education which is below the national average of 63 percent, hence the need for more investment to compete with its counterpart in the South-South with more than 90 percent record.
According to him, an increased budget will significantly impact development outcomes such as helping to lay a strong foundation for basic and post-basic education, learning success, economic productivity, social and emotional development for children.
“There is need for every state to reflect on it and ensure strong foundations are laid by investing and putting more resources in early childhood development.
“This is important because it will help in reducing repetition, school dropout, late enrollment and low performance in school,” he said.
In his remarks, the Jigawa State SUBEB Chairman, Prof. Haruna Musa, while commending UNICEF for their support in boosting the education sector through capacity building, pointed out that early childhood education tends to develop the mind of a child which makes learning easy for both the child and teacher.
He however called on parents, especially mothers to play a complimentary role in motivating their children to develop interest in education.
Also speaking, UNICEF Consultant and professor of early childhood and educational care, Prof. Esther Oduolowo, highlighted the importance of states and stakeholders to be intentional about increasing funding, and ensuring the implementation of these policies and goals on ECCDE.
“It provides the children with opportunities of living and growing, living and learning where some social skills like interaction, cooperation, and sharing are imbibed and inculcated, which help them grow to become proper adults,” she added.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Kano State Commissioner of Finance and renowned academic, Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Governor Yusuf described the late Prof. Dandago as a dedicated public servant and accomplished scholar whose contributions to education and governance left lasting footprints in Kano State.
He noted that the former finance commissioner served the state with integrity and commitment and was widely respected for his professionalism, humility and passion for knowledge.
According to the governor, Kano State has lost a valuable son whose experience and wisdom greatly enriched both public service and the academic community.
Governor Yusuf extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the academic community and the people of Kano State over what he described as an irreparable loss.
He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the shortcomings of the late Prof. Dandago, grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and gives his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The National President of the Government Arabic Teachers College Gwale Old Students Association (GATCOSA), Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago, is dead.
KANO FOCUS reports that Prof. Dandago, a renowned Professor of Accountancy at Bayero University Kano, died on Wednesday evening. His passing has thrown the academic community and associates into mourning.
In a message shared on GATCOSA’s WhatsApp platform, a Director at the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education, Alhaji Nura Dandago, announced that the funeral prayer for the late professor would be held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. at his residence in Rijiyar Zaki Quarters, Kano.
Until his death, Prof. Dandago served as the National President of GATCOSA and was widely respected for his contributions to education and public service. He previously served as Commissioner for Finance in Kano State during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Just last Saturday, the late academic presented a paper on economic challenges in Northern Nigeria at a Ramadan Lecture organised by the Islamic Forum of Nigeria, where he spoke passionately about strategies for economic reform and regional development.
Colleagues and admirers described Prof. Dandago as a dedicated scholar and public servant who was deeply committed to building a prosperous and self-reliant nation. His death marks the end of a distinguished career in academia and public service.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The basketball team of Bayero University Kano (BUK) has emerged champions of the Northwest 3×3 Basketball Championship hosted by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the victorious team presented the championship trophy to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Haruna Musa, following their impressive performance at the tournament, which featured six universities from across Northern Nigeria.
BUK went unbeaten throughout the competition, winning all six matches and sealing the title with a thrilling 20–18 victory over the host institution, ABU Zaria, in the final.
In the group stage, BUK recorded a 10–0 win against Northwest University, Kano, and defeated the Air Force Institute of Technology 33–20. The team also edged the Federal University of Education, Kano, 11–9, before securing another dominant 10–0 victory over the Federal University of Transportation, Daura. They capped their remarkable run with the narrow 20–18 triumph in the final.
The victory marks BUK’s second championship title in the history of the competition, reinforcing the university’s growing reputation in collegiate sports.
Receiving the team, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the athletes for bringing pride to the institution and urged them to sustain and surpass their current achievements. He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to strengthening sports development in the university and pledged continued institutional and individual support for the players’ sporting careers.
The presentation ceremony concluded with the formal handover of the trophy and cash rewards to the athletes in recognition of their discipline, teamwork and excellence.
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