Dr. Auwalu Halilu

Bismillah Rahmanir Raheem

On this joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the good people of Kano State, particularly education stakeholders, parents, teachers, and students. May this Eid bring peace, prosperity, and countless blessings to us all.

As we celebrate the completion of Ramadan, a month of sacrifice, reflection, and self-discipline, let us carry forward its invaluable lessons into our collective commitment to education. Just as Ramadan teaches us patience, perseverance, and generosity, we must apply these virtues in ensuring that every child, especially the most vulnerable, has access to quality education.

Education is the key to sustainable development, and our duty as a society is to nurture a system that is inclusive, accountable, and responsive to the needs of our children. The spirit of Ramadan encourages us to be more compassionate and proactive in addressing societal challenges. Let this spirit guide our continuous advocacy for improved educational policies, increased access to learning opportunities, and enhanced support for teachers and students.

As we mark this blessed day, I urge all stakeholders, government agencies, civil society organizations, community leaders, and development partners to renew their commitment to strengthening education in Kano State. Together, let us translate the lessons of sacrifice, discipline, and generosity into actionable steps toward building a future where every child has a fair chance to learn and thrive.

Eid Mubarak! May Allah (SWT) bless our efforts and grant us success in our quest for an enlightened and educated society.

Dr. Auwalu Halilu, is a Co-Chair (CSOs), Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE). 

By Yushau Hamza

Politics, as a practice, should be driven by ideology, principles and commitment to a cause that aligns with the people’s needs and aspirations. The question of whether Nyesom Wike the minister of the FCT and former governor of rivers state is truly a politician or merely an opportunist manipulating political structures for personal gains has sparked debates within Nigeria’s political space. While he claims to be a staunch member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), his recent political maneuvers suggest otherwise. Wike has for almost two years been seen actively working with the All Progressives Congress (APC), benefiting from its leadership while simultaneously being part of major internal turmoil within his own party, the people’s Democratic Party.

An ideological politician is someone who upholds a clear political philosophy and remains committed to their beliefs and party principles as such, regardless of personal interests or shifting political tides. Such a politician is guided by a vision for governance, policy-making, and national development, rather than self-serving ambitions.

Ideological politicians are often loyal to their party’s core values and are willing to defend them at all costs, even when faced with challenges.

Being a politician goes beyond holding a title or occupying a position in government. A true politician believes in and upholds a set of ideological principles and remains unshaken and even by his perceived self-interest, he chooses to Remains loyal to his party and its policies to Work for the collective goods rather than for his self-interest. Or better still he cross carpets

A true politician, Respects the democratic process and promotes political stability rather than discord. He engages in political participation that strengthens institutions rather than undermines them.

The Wike Dilemma of being a Politician or a Political Opportunist, raises serious concerns about his ideological stance. While he claims to be a PDP member, his actions align more with the interests of the APC. His role in engineering crises within the PDP, including an allegedly mastermind in the suspension of a democratically elected governor of rivers state, his overall grip on party leadership matters reveal a politician who is more interested in power dynamics than in ideological governance.

His involvement in another party’s administration without official defection, portrays him as a political opportunist rather than an ideological politician. He enjoys the benefits of APC leadership while refusing to fully commit to the party, leaving PDP in turmoil without a clear direction.

Wike has turned out to be a politician who straddles between two parties without clear allegiance, this action can be best described as a political mercenary ship, or an opportunistic power broker. Such individuals prioritize their personal ambitions over political consistency, switching alliances to secure their interests at the expense of democratic integrity.

Nyesom Wake’s political trajectory, challenges the notion of ideological consistency in Nigerian politics. His actions suggest that he is more of a strategic power player than a principled politician. If politics is to serve the people and democracy is to thrive, Nigeria needs leaders who embody ideological commitment rather than self-serving maneuvering. Wikes stances leaves all with a terrific question. Can politicians nowadays be trusted if their loyalty fluctuates between personal gains and party allegiance? Only time and the political practices in the Nigeria democratic terrain can live to tell.

Yushau Hamza writes from Kafinchiri town, Garko Local Government Area, Kano State. 

By Yusha’u Hamza 

For nearly 35 years, Surajo Mahe Alkali has dedicated his life to the advancement of the non-formal education sector in Kano state. His sojourn through the ranks of this important education sector, is nothing short of remarkable, capsuling the very essence of commitment, expertise and advocacy in the affairs of things. Kano, a pioneering state in mass education, has greatly benefited from his wealth of experience and full-hearted dedication. As he bids farewell to the sector, his absence will be profoundly felt.

Mahe’s career has been synonymous with his makeover. From his early days in the sector, he has been a driving force behind major reforms that have shaped the policies in recent times and era of non-formal education in the State.

His deep understanding of the non-formal education system in kano state, coupled with his relentless pursuit of progress, has positioned him as an invaluable asset. Not just an administrator but also an activist, he has championed the cause of non-formal education on multiple platforms, making sure that its significance is far heard, recognized and its rights defended.

Kano holds the distinction of being the first state in Nigeria to establish an agency for mass education, a feat that could not have been achieved without the contributions of visionaries like Surajo Mahe. His advocacy for increased investment, policy reforms and inclusivity in non-formal education has left an indelible mark. His role in the sector has not only encouraged countless individuals through literacy programs and vocational training but has also strengthened the overall educational framework in the state and even beyond.

However, his recent movement within the sector has left many concerned. With only a few months left before he officially retires, this sudden transition is seen as a significant loss, particularly at a time when his expertise is mostly and dearest needed. His departure is not just a shift in personnel; it marks the end of an era that has seen significant pursuit in non-formal education.

As Mahe prepares to step away, his legacy remains intact. His contributions will continue to inspire creativity in policymaking and reforms as well as a shift in stakeholder’s activism in the non-formal education sector. While his move is a sad development, his impact will undoubtedly endure a space for future reforms and advancements in the non-formal education sector. His advocacies and commitment will be dearly missed, not only by the sector but by the entire education community in Kano state and country by extension.

Hamza, is Director Planning, Research and Statistics at Kano State Ministry of Education.