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Government is Boosting Education to Transform Nigeria – Dr Suwaiba Said
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalizing the education sector as part of efforts to transform the country for greatness.
Speaking today at the opening ceremony of the 7th Education for Sustainable Development Conference organized by the Bayero University’s Centre for Gender Studies at the Convocation Arena, the Minister emphasized the crucial role education plays in national growth and development, and reassured Nigerians that the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is genuine and not just a political gimmick.
The Minister’s speech has rekindled hope among Nigerians that the government is committed to transforming the education sector and improving the lives of citizens
Dr Suwaiba explained that the federal government’s commitment to revitalizing tertiary institutions aimed at not only to serve as centers of learning but as well as hubs of innovation and change. “Education goes beyond acquiring knowledge; it is about shaping minds to create a sustainable future.”
The ESD Program at CGS she said, had amplifies government’s commitment to this vision. She noted that by integrating sustainability into educational curricula, “we are preparing our students to tackle the pressing challenges of our time, including climate change, poverty, and inequality among others”.
The minister disclosed that Youth are central to this administration. Aligned with President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, government therefore welcome and prioritize such initiatives. “As the Minister of state for Education, I am committed to supporting the ESD Program and ensuring that our educational institutions are not just centers of learning but also hubs of innovation and change. This means investing in infrastructure, providing quality teaching materials, and fostering an environment where students can thrive,” she assured.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas in a welcome address he commended the centre for organising the conference describing it as timely and apt.
He said university has established the centre as part of the deliberate effort to promote societal growth and development and thank them for keeping to the mission and vision. Professor Abbas said the Management is always ready to support the activities of the Centre.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Professor Salisu Shehu who is the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council said poor leadership is the bane of the country’s development. He charged leaders to be honest and transparent in all their undertakings
In his address, the Chairman of BUK Governing Council, Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna reaffirmed the need for leaders to ensure probity and accountability. He said Nigeria is a blessed country with potentiality to prosper if its resources could be judiciously utilized.
Earlier, the Director of the Centre for Gender Studies Ambassador Dr Safiya Nuhu Ahmed revealed that since 2017, Bayero University Kano has been organizing the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) program, in collaboration with various stakeholders and partners. The ESD program has empowered more than 270 students from more than 20 tertiary institutions.
She said the program’s vision is to equip students with knowledge and skills around the SDGs, to advance the actualization of sustainable development. ESD Ambassadors thus become the bridges through which sustainable development prospects could be achieved. Commendably, BUK has been the pioneer University in Nigeria to train students annually on ‘ESD’, and to institute a mentorship program for the ambassadors’ progressive growth.
“The project essentially targets reducing inequalities between sexes, and age groups by giving skills that equip youth to feel powerful and confident to execute project that alleviate poverty, enhance food security and lead to sustained growth and development.” she declared.
Dr Safiya also hinted that the Project centers the participants’ activities within their environment, which is increasingly threatened by climate change, and integrates climate response into students learning and experience base (SDGs 1,2,10,13 and 17). The project integrates innovative techniques in grooming youth to understand the opportunities presented under the SDGs, and work towards eradicating poverty, ensuring food security and integrating women’s concerns in every development space. It presumes that if youth are trained to be passionate about the wide range of SDGs including SDG 5, gender mainstreaming will be a natural part of their decisions and policies, thus doing away with the need to lobby policy makers and leaders on integrate women’s issues and concerns and give them spaces to have a role in governance, development and other spheres.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has emerged as a beacon of hope for graduates left stranded due to the previous administration’s negligence regarding academic certificates.
His determination to rectify these injustices has culminated in decisive actions to secure the future of Kano’s youth. Ibrahim Adam, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, shared these developments with the media.
On December 9, 2024, Governor Yusuf traveled to Cyprus with a mission to obtain the overdue academic certificates for Kano students affected by the prior administration’s failure to meet its educational financial obligations.
During a critical meeting with the management of Near East University, the governor focused on facilitating the release of certificates for students who graduated between 2015 and 2019, particularly in essential fields like Medicine and Nursing.
This was confirmed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson.
In a significant move, Governor Yusuf has settled the outstanding fees of €1.4 million (approximately ₦2.5 billion) owed to the university for 84 medical and2015 to 2019.
This substantial financial commitment honors the dedication and hard work of these graduates, restoring their hopes for a future that had previously been unjustly delayed.
According to Ibrahim Adam, the certificates are set to be handed over to the Kano State Scholarship Board through the Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, marking a pivotal moment for the affected students.
Governor Yusuf acknowledged the challenges faced by the graduates, declaring, “This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise.”
His vision for a prosperous Kano is centered on prioritizing education, ensuring that talented individuals can make valuable contributions to the state’s advancement.
The governor’s proactive measures not only address the systemic issues in the education sector but also inspire renewed hope among Kano’s youth.
By fulfilling his promises, he emphasizes the crucial role of supporting young people in achieving their aspirations, which is vital to the state’s growth.
As this milestone is celebrated, it is evident that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s relentless pursuit of educational reform signals a transformative era for Kano State.
His administration’s unwavering focus on education stands as a vital investment in the futures of individuals and the overall development of the state.
Under his leadership, Kano State is poised to realize its full potential, with eager graduates ready to make impactful contributions to their communities.
Governor Yusuf’s commitment to empowering the youth serves as an enduring reminder that with dedication and decisive action, a brighter future is attainable for all.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been named Governor of the Year 2024 (Good Governance) by Vanguard Newspaper, in recognition of his transformative achievements in the education and healthcare sectors.
The recognition was announced in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.
Governor Yusuf received the award at a prestigious event held in Lagos, where eminent personalities from across the country were honoured for excellence in leadership and service.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the occasion, Atedo Peterside, emphasized that the selection process was based on merit and verifiable impact, commending the awardees for their outstanding contributions to national development.
Vanguard’s Editor-in-Chief, Eze Anaba, praised Governor Yusuf for setting a high standard in governance through his commitment, innovation, and focus on people-centered policies.
In his remarks, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to Vanguard for the recognition, dedicating the award to the people of Kano State.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in sectors that directly impact the lives of citizens, especially education, health, and social welfare.
Other recipients of the Good Governance Award included Governors Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Hope Uzodinma (Imo).
Governor Yusuf was accompanied to the ceremony by members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, special advisers, local government chairmen, and close political allies.
This latest honour comes just four days after he received the Governor of the Year (Education) award from Leadership Newspaper.
The Governor is also scheduled to receive the Africa Good Governance Award from Heritage Times Magazine later this month in Morocco.
By Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Kano State has the highest number of zero-dose immunization cases in Nigeria, with 15 local government areas (LGAs) identified as high-burden, according to Save the Children.
This alarming figure has prompted the launch of targeted interventions under the Boost Project, a collaborative initiative by Save the Children and GSK aimed at reducing the number of zero-dose and under-immunized children in the country.
During an engagement meeting held on Thursday with the Kano State Community of Practice (CoP) on Immunization, stakeholders renewed commitments to tackling the issue.
The project is currently being implemented in Kano and Lagos States, with focused interventions in Ungogo and Gezawa LGAs, which are among the most affected areas in Kano.
Speaking at a media and civil society dialogue, Taiwo Folake, Coordinator of the Boost Project, emphasized the critical role of public engagement in reversing the trend.
She called for increased media support to drive awareness and community action on immunization.
Folake explained that the Boost Project works closely with state and local governments, traditional and religious leaders, and caregivers to ensure that children who have never received routine vaccines are reached, while also reintegrating those who have dropped out of immunization schedules.
Dr. Itunu Dave Agbola, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator of the project, said the initiative is also focused on improving domestic resource mobilization for immunization funding, strengthening governance, and developing a Kano-specific immunization policy to enhance planning, funding allocation, and accountability.
She noted that building trust through community leadership is vital for vaccine acceptance.
Also speaking, Salisu Yusuf, Co-Chair of the Kano CoP on Immunization, reiterated the group’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to reduce the number of high-burden LGAs.
He dismissed widespread misconceptions about vaccine safety, assuring that vaccines are safe and scientifically approved.
Yusuf pledged to intensify sensitization efforts through media outreach, house-to-house campaigns, and community meetings.
The meeting marks a renewed drive to improve immunization coverage in Kano State, with a strong emphasis on reaching vulnerable and underserved communities.
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