Headlines
Kano disseminates 2024/2025 schools census report, records progress in girls’ enrolment
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Ministry of Education has disseminated the 2024/2025 Annual Schools Census (ASC) Report, revealing notable progress in gender participation with girls accounting for a significant share of enrolment across different levels of education.
Speaking at the dissemination meeting held at the COVID-19 Hall of the Ministry of Education, the Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, said the Annual Schools Census remains a critical tool for strengthening data-driven policy making in the education sector.
Makoda explained that the 2024/2025 census achieved near-universal coverage across public education sub-sectors, including pre-primary, primary, junior secondary, senior secondary, as well as science and technical schools.
He added that non-formal learning centres were also comprehensively captured for the first time, describing the development as a major improvement in the state’s Education Management Information System (EMIS).
The commissioner also highlighted a key innovation introduced during the census cycle, the adoption of the DHIS2 digital platform, which he said enhances real-time data entry, improves validation processes, reduces inconsistencies and allows faster reporting for better monitoring of education sector performance.
According to the report, the census recorded encouraging progress in girls’ participation in education, a development the commissioner attributed to the impact of government policies aimed at promoting girls’ education and ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities.
Despite the progress recorded, Makoda noted that the findings also revealed challenges, particularly in teacher availability and infrastructure at the basic education level.
He said high pupil–teacher and pupil–classroom ratios in some schools indicate the need for sustained investment in classroom expansion, recruitment and training of teachers, and improvement of the overall learning environment.
The commissioner emphasised that the Annual Schools Census goes beyond statistics, noting that the data generated provides a critical foundation for education sector planning, budgeting, teacher deployment, infrastructure development and monitoring progress toward global education targets such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.
Makoda therefore urged stakeholders to carefully review the findings and provide constructive recommendations that would guide the next phase of education reforms in the state.
He also commended UNICEF for supporting the 2024/2025 Annual Schools Census and appreciated the efforts of the ministry’s Planning, Research and Statistics Department, the EMIS team, education agencies and field officers whose dedication ensured the successful completion of the exercise.
The commissioner further acknowledged the presence of representatives of government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, education stakeholders, school administrators and members of the media at the event, describing their participation as vital to advancing education reforms in the state.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening the education system through data-driven decision making, improved infrastructure and policies that promote inclusive and quality education for all.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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