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Al-Istiqama University Announces 2025 Convocation Dates Amidst Massive Upgrades to Enhance Learning, Student Experience
Al-Istiqama University in Sumaila is proud to announce its upcoming convocation ceremony, scheduled to take place on the 21st and 22nd of February 2025. This milestone event will celebrate the achievements of its graduating students while showcasing the university’s ongoing commitment to excellence through a series of transformative upgrades.
Strategically located on the outskirts of Kano, Al-Istiqama University offers a serene and focused environment, ideal for academic pursuits. The university’s location ensures minimal distractions, allowing students to concentrate fully on their studies while fostering a culture of discipline and dedication. This unique setting, combined with its state-of-the-art facilities and affordable charges, makes the University a top choice for students seeking a balanced and enriching educational experience.
The university is currently undergoing a massive upgrade to further enhance its infrastructure and learning environment. Key improvements include the tarring of all internal roads, which will be illuminated by solar-powered streetlights, ensuring safety and sustainability. These eco-friendly initiatives are part of the university’s broader commitment to renewable energy, including solar power, which complements its conventional energy sources such as grid connections and backup generators. Together, these systems guarantee a reliable 24/7 electricity supply, enabling uninterrupted academic and research activities.
In addition to infrastructure upgrades, Al-Istiqama University is equipping its halls, classrooms, lecture theaters, and laboratories with cutting-edge facilities. These modern resources are designed to support innovative teaching methods, hands-on learning, and groundbreaking research, empowering students to excel in their chosen fields.
The university’s hostels have also been revamped, providing both male and female students with comfortable and serene living spaces. These upgrades reflect the institution’s dedication to creating a holistic environment that supports both academic and personal growth.
Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, the Founder and Chairman of Al-Istiqama University, emphasized that these upgrades are part of a broader vision to position the institution as a global leader in teaching and research. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between education and character, especially in northern Nigeria. We provide a conducive environment that enables our students to pursue their education while developing strong character. The school and its management are committed to offering quality education, fostering good character, and maintaining a supportive learning environment for our students,” he stated.
One of the hallmarks of Al-Istiqama University is its unwavering commitment to discipline and safety. The university maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards drug abuse, ensuring a healthy and secure environment for both students and staff. Through close collaboration with relevant authorities, the institution has established itself as one of the safest tertiary institutions in Kano State.
Since its inception, Al-Istiqama University has been dedicated to bridging educational gaps, promoting global study, and fostering experiential learning, interdisciplinary scholarship, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit—all rooted in the fear of Allah. This holistic approach to education, combined with its affordable fees, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to sustainability, has positioned the university as a beacon of excellence in Nigeria and beyond.
As the university prepares to host its convocation ceremony in February 2025, it invites prospective students, parents, and stakeholders to witness this exciting new chapter in its journey.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nafisah Yusuf Hassan, a magistrate in Kano State, has been recommended for appointment as a judge of the Kano State High Court by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
KANO FOCUS reports that Hassan is among four judicial officers from Kano State recommended for elevation to the High Court bench out of 28 candidates selected nationwide.
The other nominees are Halima Yahuza Ahmad, Abdullahi Abdulsalam Bature and Musa Ibrahim Umar.
The NJC disclosed the recommendations in a statement issued by its Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, following its consideration of candidates for judicial appointments across the country.
The council said all recommended candidates were expected to be sworn in by their respective state governors without delay.
Hassan’s recommendation follows her years of service in the Kano State judiciary, where she has reportedly distinguished herself through diligence, professionalism and careful handling of cases.
She has been commended for her commitment to judicial ethics, diligence and fairness in the discharge of her responsibilities, achievements that contributed to her career progression within the judiciary.
Her elevation is part of a broader development in the Kano State judiciary, with four magistrates from the state successfully scaling the selection process for appointment to the High Court.
The four nominees were reportedly assessed during the selection exercise and demonstrated strong professional competence, while their service records were found to be free of adverse remarks.
Their recommendation marks a significant step in their judicial careers and is expected to strengthen the judicial workforce in Kano State upon their formal appointment.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) says it has tracked nearly 1,000 education projects across the state as part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability and effective service delivery in the education sector.
KANO FOCUS the coalition’s Co-Chair, Dr Auwalu Halilu, disclosed this on Wednesday during an advocacy visit to the Kano State Ministry of Public Procurement and Project Monitoring.
Dr Halilu said K-SAFE had monitored projects in more than six local government areas, covering interventions implemented by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Kano State Senior Secondary Education Management Board and Local Education Authorities (LEAs).
He explained that the monitoring exercise involved physical inspections and documentation of projects through photographs, videos and geographical locations.
According to him, reports of the findings had been submitted to relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), highlighting projects that met required standards and those requiring further attention.
He cited Rimin Gado Local Government Area, where the coalition tracked more than 80 education projects, adding that it planned to extend the exercise to all 44 local government areas of the state.
The K-SAFE Co-Chair said the visit was aimed at presenting the coalition’s activities to the ministry and exploring areas of collaboration in procurement and project monitoring.
He called for the inclusion of civil society organisations in procurement and monitoring processes, particularly tender board activities and field inspections, to strengthen independent oversight and provide them with firsthand information on government projects.
Dr Halilu also requested the ministry’s support in organising capacity-building programmes for civil society organisations on procurement procedures, due process, project standardisation, monitoring and evaluation.
He said such training would enhance civil society organisations’ understanding of procurement regulations and the technical requirements guiding project implementation.
Responding, the Commissioner for Public Procurement and Project Monitoring, Dr Nura Iro Ma’aji, welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the coalition’s contributions to supporting the state government’s efforts in the education sector.
He expressed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with K-SAFE through information sharing and other relevant engagements to strengthen accountability and ensure compliance with due process.
“From our side, we are ready to work together because we know what they have been doing to support Kano State Government in the education sector,” he said.
Dr Halilu further disclosed that the coalition and its partner organisations had carried out the monitoring exercise without financial sponsorship, describing it as a demonstration of their commitment to transparency and accountability.
He reaffirmed K-SAFE’s commitment to sustaining engagement with relevant government agencies, civil society organisations and the media to strengthen oversight of education projects across Kano State.
Ibrahim Khalil
Government Secondary School (GSS) Army Day Bukavu has emerged champion in both the male and female categories of the maiden Kano State Secondary Schools Tug of War Competition.
KANO FOCUS reports that the school clinched the double victory at the competition, which ended on Wednesday at the Kano Pillars Stadium, Sabon Gari, Kano.
Governors College finished as runners-up in the male category, while Government Girls College (GGC) Kano secured second position in the female category.
The competition was organised by the Kano State Tug of War Association in collaboration with the state Ministry of Education, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Kano State Sports Commission.
The maiden championship brought together secondary school students to promote teamwork, discipline, unity and sportsmanship, while raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Vice Chairman of the Kano State Tug of War Association, Jamilu Uba Adamu, described the competition as a successful initiative that had achieved its objectives.
He commended the Ministry of Education, Sports Commission, NDLEA, Gongoni Company Limited and MAGZO Pharmaceutical for supporting the event, particularly through the provision of T-shirts and Pocari Sweat drinks.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Kano State Tug of War Association, Bashir Muhammad Sulaiman, who represented the Executive Chairman of the Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to developing grassroots and school sports.
He said the initiative would help identify and nurture young sporting talents across the state.
The closing ceremony was attended by a member of the Kano State Football Association Board, Rilwanu Idris Malikawa Garu, representatives of the Ministry of Education, NDLEA, the Sports Commission and other stakeholders in the sports sector.
The organisers congratulated the winning schools and commended all participating institutions and partners for contributing to the success of the maiden edition.
Nafisah Yusuf Hassan, three others recommended for appointment as Kano high court judges
K-SAFE tracks nearly 1,000 education projects in Kano, seeks procurement monitoring role
GSS Army Day Bukavu Wins Maiden Kano Secondary Schools Tug of War Championship
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