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BUK celebrates International Literacy Day with Induction of Prof. Fatima Into hall of fame
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Bayero University Kano (BUK) on Monday joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Literacy Day.
KANO FOCUS reports that the university marked the day in a unique celebration with induction of a renowned Professor of Adult Education Professor Fatima Muhammad Umar into the university’s Hall of Fame.
Speaking at the occasion the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Haruna Musa described literacy as a powerful tool for empowerment and a foundation for inclusive education that fosters equitable community development.
Professor Musa noted that literacy goes beyond the ability to read and write, stressing that it opens doors of opportunity for individuals and communities to thrive.
He commended the Department of Continuing Education for recording a remarkable milestone with the establishment of adult literacy classes, which serve both junior staff and residents of surrounding communities.
He further pledged that through collaboration with government, NGOs, and community leaders, the university will continue to promote literacy, second-chance education, and lifelong learning opportunities particularly for women and marginalized groups.
The Vice Chancellor also paid tribute to Professor Fatima Muhammad Umar for her dedication to advancing literacy and second-chance education.
In his remarks, the chief host and Dean of the Faculty of Continuing Education, Professor Gali Saidu,commended Professor Fatima for carving a niche for herself in the academic world.
He noted that the university community would miss her greatly as she prepares to retire in September 2025, while her legacy would remain valuable to students, scholars, communities, and society at large.
The convener and Head of the Department of Continuing Education, Associate Professor Auwal Halilu, said the event, was not only a reflection on the global call for literacy as a foundation for an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable society, but also an opportunity to celebrate Professor Fatima’s life-changing contributions to adult education.
According to him, BUK takes pride in providing second-chance learning, empowering women and girls, and strengthening the capacity of communities through literacy programs.
“The department of continuing has established adult learning hub to cater for the junior staff and communities surrounding BUK”.
In her vote of thanks, Professor Fatima Muhammad Umar described the day as both historic and memorable, coinciding with International Literacy Day and the conclusion of her academic journey.
She pledged to remain a worthy ambassador who would continue to impact lives through literacy and continuing education.
Professor Fatima also congratulated the Department of Continuing Education for establishing the Hall of Fame, describing it as a worthy initiative that would benefit BUK and serve as a model for other universities across the nation.
Highlights of the occasion includes cultural dance, speeches and induction of Prof Fatima into the Hall of Fame.
Headlines
“As You Sow, So Shall You Reap”: Imam Reminds Muslims of Divine Justice
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Imam Nura Garba Mato has urged Muslims to remain conscious of their actions, saying that divine reward and punishment often correspond to the nature of people’s deeds.
KANO FOCUS reports that the imam made the call while delivering a Friday sermon at Jami’u Ansar wal Muhajirun Jumaa Mosque, Cotton Ginnery Layout, Zawaciki, Kano State.
The sermon, titled “Al-Jazā’u Min Jinsil-‘Amal” (Recompense Is According to the Nature of Deeds), focused on the Islamic teaching that people’s actions have consequences and that good deeds attract divine reward.
Imam Mato said Allah had established enduring principles in human life that do not change, urging Muslims to understand these principles and allow them to guide their conduct.
He explained that one of these principles was that recompense corresponds to the nature of one’s actions, stressing the importance of living righteously and fulfilling one’s responsibilities to Allah and fellow human beings.
The imam called on Muslims to observe *taqwa* (consciousness of Allah), remain steadfast in their faith and follow the teachings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
He also highlighted the importance of helping people in difficulty, easing the burdens of others and showing compassion to fellow Muslims.
Quoting a prophetic tradition, the imam emphasised that whoever relieves a Muslim of a hardship in this world will receive relief from Allah on the Day of Resurrection.
He further explained that whoever conceals the faults of a fellow Muslim would receive Allah’s concealment of their faults on the Day of Resurrection, while those who make things easier for people in difficulty would receive Allah’s assistance in this world and the Hereafter.
The sermon also underscored the importance of supporting others, noting that a Muslim’s relationship with Allah should be reflected in their treatment of fellow human beings.
Imam Mato urged Muslims to reflect on their deeds and recognise that their conduct carries consequences, encouraging them to embrace good actions, assist those in need and uphold the teachings of Islam in their daily lives.
He stressed that Muslims should make righteousness, compassion and service to others central to their lives in pursuit of Allah’s pleasure and success in the Hereafter.
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Kano Govt Orders Retired Civil Servants to Vacate Offices, Hand Over Government Property
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has directed all civil servants who have attained their statutory retirement age or completed the required length of service to immediately vacate their offices and hand over government property in their possession.
KANO FOCUS reports that the directive was contained in Circular issued on Tuesday by the Establishment Directorate, Office of the Head of Civil Service, Kano State.
The circular, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Abba A. Danguguwa, on behalf of the Head of Civil Service, was titled: “Unauthorized Continuance in Service After Statutory Retirement by Civil Servants in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of Government – Call for Immediate Handing Over of Official Documents, Properties.”
The government said it had observed that some civil servants continued to remain in office and operate in official capacities after reaching their statutory retirement period.
According to the circular, such conduct was a “negation to the reputation of the Civil Service of Kano State,” noting that the service had a long-standing tradition of ensuring seamless transition by retiring civil servants.
It described the continued stay in service after retirement as a direct infraction and aberration of relevant provisions of the State Civil Service Rules and other applicable service regulations.
The government stressed that it was legally and administratively untenable for any officer to remain in service or perform official functions beyond the statutory limit.
Consequently, all civil servants who had retired either by age or length of service were directed to immediately exit and hand over all official documents, government property and duties to their immediate subordinates in their respective ministries, departments and agencies.
The circular also directed all Accounting Officers, including Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executives, as well as Directors of Administration and Personnel Management, to ensure strict and immediate compliance with the directive.
It warned that any officer found aiding, abetting or condoning the continued stay of a retired officer in service would face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the Civil Service Rules.
The directive takes immediate effect, the circular stated.
Headlines
Kano Settles N32bn Pension, Gratuity Liabilities, Says Gov Yusuf
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf says his administration has settled approximately N32 billion out of the N48 billion inherited backlog of gratuities and related liabilities owed to retirees in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that Gov Yusuf disclosed this on Thursday while addressing residents at the 66th Independence Anniversary celebration held at the Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium in Kano.
The governor said the government had also sustained the regular payment of monthly pensions while increasing the minimum monthly pension from N5,000 to N20,000.
He said the welfare of workers and pensioners remained a priority of his administration, citing timely payment of salaries, improved remuneration and measures aimed at strengthening the public service.
According to him, the state has maintained the practice of paying workers’ salaries on or before the 25th of every month while implementing the N71,000 minimum wage for civil servants.
Gov Yusuf also said his administration was sponsoring public servants for professional training, including programmes at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), to strengthen their administrative and leadership capacity.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a professional and motivated workforce, while ensuring that the contributions and sacrifices of serving workers and retirees were recognised and treated with dignity.
