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.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Kano State Police Command has arrested eight suspects in separate operations targeting drug peddling and thuggery in Panshekara and Kunchi/Ghari Local Government Area.
KANO FOCUS reports that the command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
According to the statement, the operations, conducted on September 9, 2026, were part of the command’s intelligence-driven efforts to tackle drug abuse, thuggery and violent crimes across the state.
It said operatives of the Surveillance Team attached to Panshekara Police Division, acting on credible intelligence at about 2:30 p.m., intercepted eight suspects, including a 21-year-old man identified as Samson Yakubu of Samegu Quarters, at a suspected criminal hotspot.
A search of the suspects reportedly led to the recovery of 15 Pregabalin capsules, five Diazepam tablets, 10 Exol tablets and some quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
The police said the suspects were in custody and undergoing interrogation, while investigations were ongoing to establish the source of the suspected illicit drugs and identify other members of the alleged syndicate.
In a related operation conducted between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. the same day, operatives of the Kunchi/Ghari Division carried out a coordinated market patrol and raid at Matanfada Market.
The command said the area had been identified as a place where youths allegedly intimidate traders and residents during market sessions.
Five suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Abdullahi Isah of Dustin; Haruna Isah of Daqarawa Village; Habu Badamasi of Dan Taimu Village; Gambo Ya’u of Kura Village; and Abubakar Dahiru of Farau Village.
The police said investigation was ongoing to identify and arrest other suspected accomplices, while exhibits recovered during the operation had been taken into custody as evidence.
CP Bakori commended the operatives for what he described as their professionalism and swift response, assuring residents that the command would sustain its operations against drug abuse, thuggery and other violent crimes.
“In line with the IGP’s policing vision and our mandate to ensure a safe and secure Kano, we will continue to be proactive,” the commissioner said.
“We are sending a clear message to criminal elements that Kano State will not be a breeding ground for their activities.”
The command also appreciated members of the public, community leaders and vigilante groups for providing information that aided the operations.
It urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.
The command said all suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The funeral prayer for the late Shehu Kabir Bayero, Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Dorayi, was held on Thursday evening at Kofar Kudu, Kano Emir’s Palace.
KANO FOCUS reports that the prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Khamsus Salawati Mosque, Kofar Kudu, Malam Bello, and attended by hundreds of people from different parts of Kano State.
Among those who attended were the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk; representative of the Emir of Kano, Matawallen Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Matawalle; Chief of Staff to the Kano State Government House, Dr Sani Wali; as well as district heads and members of the Muslim community.
Shehu Kabir Bayero died in a hospital in Egypt following a period of illness. He is survived by his wives, children and other relatives.
Until his death, the late Bayero served as Commissioner of Police in Gombe and Osun states before retiring from the Nigeria Police Force.
Following his retirement, the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, appointed him as the Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Takai Local Government Area after the death of his father, the late Kabir Bayero, an elder brother of the former emir.
He later served as District Head of Gwarzo.
Due to his wealth of experience in security matters, the current Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, subsequently reassigned him as District Head of Dorayi, where he was expected to contribute to the sustenance of peace and security in the area.
The late district head was remembered for his service to the state and his experience in security and traditional administration.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings, have mercy on his soul and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Ministry of Education, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has held a planning meeting on the implementation and effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the meeting brought together relevant stakeholders from various ministries, agencies and development partners working in the education sector.
According to Malam Naziru Sirajo, deputy director EMIS and statistics in the Ministry of Education, the meeting was aimed at reviewing the current status of the Nigeria Learning Passport in Kano and developing a coordinated plan to strengthen its implementation, content utilisation, course completion, monitoring of learners’ progress and certification.
The Nigeria Learning Passport is a digital learning platform designed to provide Nigerian children and young people with access to curriculum-aligned educational content, including lessons, learning materials and assessments.
The platform is also designed to support learning continuity, including for learners facing limited or intermittent internet connectivity, while providing teachers and education stakeholders with digital resources to complement classroom instruction.
In Kano, the initiative is expected to strengthen awareness and utilisation of digital learning, while building the capacity of master trainers and technical teams to support schools, teachers and learners in using the platform effectively.
The effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport is expected to expand access to quality digital learning resources, promote independent learning, strengthen digital literacy and support improved learning outcomes and greater equity in access to educational opportunities.
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