Headlines
Sowore appeals to BUK to allow detained student, Maryam Isah Shehu rewrite missed exams
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has appealed to the authorities of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), to treat the case of Maryam Isah Shehu as a special circumstance if her continued detention prevents her from sitting for her examinations.
KANO FOCUS reports that Sowore made the appeal in a statement posted on his Facebook account following the reported withdrawal of charges against Shehu and another Nigerian by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He said the EFCC had terminated the charges against the two following public concerns over what he described as violations of their rights.
According to him, however, their release was delayed after the Federal High Court judge who remanded them in Kuje and Suleja correctional facilities did not sit on Thursday.
Sowore said the delay was particularly concerning because Miss Shehu, a student of Bayero University, Kano, was expected to commence her final examinations.
He expressed hope that Justice Joyce Abdulmalik would sit and facilitate Miss Shehu’s release so that she could return to Kano and participate in her examinations.
“We sincerely hope that Justice Joyce Abdulmalik will still show up and sit, even briefly, today so that Maryam can regain her freedom and commence her final examinations tomorrow,” he said.
However, anticipating the possibility that Miss Shehu might remain in custody and miss her examinations, Sowore appealed to the university authorities to consider the circumstances surrounding her detention.
“If that does not happen in time, we urge the authorities of Bayero University Kano to take special notice of the extraordinary circumstances surrounding her detention and ensure that she is given the opportunity to rewrite any examinations she misses as a direct consequence of her detention,” he said.
Sowore said the appeal was necessary to ensure that Miss Shehu did not suffer an additional setback in her academic career as a result of circumstances beyond her control.
He also commended individuals and organisations who he said contributed to efforts to secure Miss Shehu’s release, including human rights lawyers Abba Hikima and Hamza Nuhu Dantani, Deji Adeyanju, other lawyers involved in the case and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
The activist said NANS officials were present at the Federal High Court to support Shehu and assist in efforts to secure her freedom.
He expressed satisfaction that the EFCC had eventually withdrawn the charges, describing the development as a situation in which “wisdom finally prevailed.”
Sowore said he had personally witnessed what he described as “egregious violation” of the rights of the two young Nigerians and called for their prompt release.
He concluded with an appeal for justice and solidarity, saying: “An injustice against one is an injustice against all. No one shall be left behind!”
Headlines
CSACEFA Kano Re-Elects Hassan Gama as State Coordinator
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), Kano State Chapter, has elected Hassan Ibrahim Gama as its new State Coordinator.
KANO FOCUS reports that Gama emerged unopposed during the coalition’s 2026 state election, which was described as peaceful and transparent.
The election was conducted by an election committee chaired by Dr. Auwalu Halilu, who said the exercise marked another milestone in strengthening the coalition’s leadership and its commitment to promoting inclusive and quality education in Kano State.
Other officers elected are Mahdi Abdullahi, Deputy Coordinator; Sunusi Hashim, Secretary; Dr. Abubakar I. Hassan, Assistant Secretary; Ghazali I. U., PRO I; Abdulbaki Mohd, PRO II; and Muhammad Abdullahi, PRO III.
Others are Garba Hamma Dikko, Provost; Rukayya Abdulrahman, Financial Secretary; Saratu Maigida, Treasurer; and Suleiman Zubair, Auditor.
Halilu expressed appreciation to the CSACEFA National Secretariat, represented at the election by its Policy Advisor, Mrs Ordinaka, for the guidance and support provided throughout the electoral process.
He also commended members of the election committee, CSACEFA Kano members and other stakeholders for their cooperation in ensuring the success of the exercise.
The election committee chairman congratulated the newly elected leadership and urged them to build on the achievements of the coalition by strengthening civil society participation, advocacy, accountability and strategic partnerships.
He tasked the new executives with working towards improving education service delivery and advancing the Education for All agenda in Kano State.
The former Kano State Coordinator of CSACEFA, Prof. Muhammad Bello Shitu, and the Kano State Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) Alhaji Tijjani Haladu Baraya, were among the dignitaries who supervised the conduct of the election.
Headlines
Hausa Day: Tinubu celebrates Hausa people, hails language as symbol of national unity
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the Hausa people as important pillars of Nigeria’s unity and progress.
KANO FOCUS reports that the President said the Hausa language had grown beyond its traditional boundaries to become a major language of unity and commerce across the world.
Tinubu stated this in a message posted on his verified Facebook account on the occasion of Hausa Day, being celebrated at the historic Daura Palace.
“The Hausa people are great pillars that play a vital role in the unity and progress of Nigeria,” the President said.
He added that “the Hausa language, without doubt, has flourished and has become a major language of unity and commerce across the world.”
The President congratulated the Hausa community on the occasion, describing the celebration at Daura Palace as an important event.
“I congratulate the vast Hausa community on the occasion of Hausa Day, which is being celebrated at the historic Daura Palace today,” Tinubu said.
Headlines
Maulid: Gov. Yusuf Urges Muslims to Emulate Prophet Muhammad
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has urged Muslims across the state and Nigeria to emulate the exemplary life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as they commemorate Maulud.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor made the call in a statement issued by his spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Tuesday.
Yusuf congratulated Muslims on the occasion and urged them to use the celebration to reflect on the life and teachings of the Prophet, particularly his virtues of peace, justice, compassion, honesty, patience and tolerance.
He called on Muslims to demonstrate these values in their daily lives while promoting peaceful coexistence, unity and mutual respect among people of diverse backgrounds.
The governor also urged parents, religious leaders and community elders to intensify efforts to educate younger generations on the teachings and exemplary conduct of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Yusuf prayed for continued peace, stability and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria, while urging residents to support initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of citizens.
The governor also used the occasion to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, wishing them a successful first tenure and a smooth re-election bid in 2027.
He urged Muslims to use the Maulud celebration to pray for peace, progress and unity across the country, and wished the faithful a peaceful and spiritually rewarding celebration.
