Headlines
Kano enrols over 4.7 million pupils in primary schools, vows major infrastructure drive
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has disclosed that more than 4.7 million pupils are currently enrolled in public primary schools across the state, following a comprehensive pupils’ census conducted to ascertain the true condition of the education sector.
KANO FOCUS reports that the disclosure was made by the Technical Adviser to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Education, Alhaji Haladu Muhammad, during activities marking the International Day of Education in Kano.
Muhammad explained that the census revealed significant challenges within the system, particularly the sharp drop in enrolment from primary to secondary schools.
“We have over four million pupils in primary schools, but in secondary schools, the number is not more than one million. This gap is largely due to inadequate classrooms, which prevents many pupils from transitioning to secondary education,” he said.
According to him, the Yusuf administration has prioritised massive infrastructure development to address the imbalance, noting that the government is currently renovating dilapidated classrooms and constructing new ones across the state to meet rising enrolment demands.
The technical adviser also highlighted the challenge of teacher shortages, disclosing that Kano State has about 8,000 primary schools with fewer than 50,000 teachers. He noted that when the present administration assumed office, the number of teachers was about 30,000, but recent recruitment exercises have raised the figure to 50,000, with plans for further recruitment.
“Our target is to achieve a ratio of one teacher to 60 pupils in the short term, and eventually one teacher to 50 pupils,” Muhammad added.
Speaking at the event, a member of the Education Forum, Dr. Auwalu Halilu, commended the role of School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) in strengthening teaching and learning at the grassroots.
He described the committees as community watchdogs that protect school facilities, prevent vandalism and ensure that children remain in school.
“Our guiding principle is to make schools community-owned, so that every child belongs to the community and no child is left roaming the streets,” Halilu said.
Similarly, the Secretary of the Kano State SBMC, Ibrahim S. Saleh, praised the committees for their efforts in addressing security challenges in schools. He cited a recent incident in Yankaba, where suspected drug addicts attempted to encroach on school premises but were repelled by vigilant SBMC members.
Also speaking, the Ward Head of Kumbotso and SBMC Chairman in the area, Alhaji Aminu Ilyasu, said the committees are intensifying sensitisation campaigns on the importance of education, while monitoring schools and supporting government infrastructure initiatives.
“We are creating awareness among our people on the importance of education. SBMCs are overseeing schools, uplifting them and ensuring regular attendance by pupils,” he said.
The Kano State Government has pledged to institutionalise the pupils’ census as an annual exercise to enable continuous tracking of enrolment trends and emerging challenges in the education sector.
With over 4.7 million pupils currently enrolled in primary schools and pressing needs for more classrooms and teachers, the government reiterated its commitment to ensuring access to quality, inclusive and sustainable education for every child in Kano State.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday received a delegation from the Association of Kano Business Community at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a thank-you visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support to traders and other victims affected by the recent fire incident that razed several sections of the popular Singer Market in Kano.
Speaking during the meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Kano State Government and relevant agencies to prevent a recurrence of fire outbreaks in markets across the state.
He assured the delegation that President Tinubu has the interests of Kano people at heart, noting that the N5 billion approved as immediate relief for victims was based on the findings of a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the inferno.
Shettima reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring commercial activities and strengthening safety measures in markets to protect lives and property.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member committee to oversee the transparent and equitable distribution of financial assistance and relief materials to victims of the recent Singer Market fire disaster.
KANO FOCUS reports that the inauguration was carried out on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruq Ibrahim, who chairs the committee. The event was presided over by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude.
According to the Attorney-General, the committee comprises representatives from key government agencies, security services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders, and affected traders.
He said the panel’s mandate includes assessing the extent of losses, verifying genuine victims, ensuring timely distribution of support, and recommending measures to prevent future fire incidents.
The intervention follows support approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as contributions from the APC Governors Forum. It also comes in addition to earlier assistance provided by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of the disaster and restoring commercial activities at Singer Market.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has announced Saturday, March 1, 2026, as the commencement date for the Eid-el-Fitr break for all public and private primary and post-primary schools in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the announcement, contained in the approved 2025/2026 academic calendar, applies to both day and boarding schools across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, parents and guardians of pupils and students in boarding schools are expected to convey their wards home by the early hours of Friday, February 28, 2026.
The statement further explained that boarding school students are to resume on Sunday, March 22, 2026, while day students are to resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
It added that the second term will continue from Sunday, March 22, 2026, and end on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The government directed all public and private schools in the state to comply strictly with the directive, warning that non-compliance would be treated as a breach of government instructions.
The Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, urged parents and guardians to ensure full compliance with the approved resumption dates.
He appreciated parents and residents of the state for their continued cooperation and support to the ministry, and wished pupils and students a successful completion of the Ramadan fast and hitch-free Sallah celebrations.
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