Headlines
JAMB conducts UTME for 135 visually impaired candidates in Kano
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has commenced the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for 135 candidates with special needs at its Kano centre.
KANO FOCUS reports that the examination, organised by the board’s Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), is being conducted simultaneously across 11 specialised centres nationwide.
At the Kano centre, hosted at the School of Continuing Education, Bayero University Kano, candidates drawn from Kano and neighbouring states participated, making it the centre with the highest turnout this year.
Speaking to journalists on Monday in Kano, the JEOG Kano Coordinator, Yahuza Bello, described the programme as “another landmark in inclusive education.”
He disclosed that about 530 candidates with special needs are sitting the UTME nationwide under conditions tailored to their requirements.
Bello explained that candidates unable to take part in the conventional computer-based test due to disabilities such as visual impairment, albinism, Down syndrome and autism were examined using adapted methods in controlled environments.
He also quoted the JEOG Chairman, Peter Okebukola, as saying the initiative extends beyond examinations and reflects Nigeria’s broader commitment to inclusive education.
According to him, the programme features specialised centres equipped with Braille machines, slates, styluses, typewriters, and trained personnel, including scribes and invigilators skilled in supporting candidates with disabilities.
Despite the adjustments, Bello noted that the examination maintains the same standard as the UTME written by other candidates.
He added that approximately 34 per cent of special needs candidates have gained admission into tertiary institutions over the years, benefiting about 1,700 students.
Highlighting success stories, Bello cited Zainab Ibrahim, a former JEOG candidate now in her final year studying Dietetics and Nutrition at Bayero University, Kano.
The coordinator said the Kano centre, established in 2017, serves candidates from Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara states, while additional centres in Bauchi, Birnin Kebbi and Yola were later created to ease travel burdens.
He further disclosed that JAMB provides free accommodation, feeding and transportation for candidates during the examination period, as well as refunds registration fees for those who declared their disabilities and met the academic requirements.
Bello also commended the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Haruna Musa, for supporting the initiative, including the establishment of a special ICT centre for students with special needs.
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.
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
