Headlines
Lecturers at Kano state owned universities reject government appeal to pull out of strike
Nasiru Yusuf
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), in Kano state-owned institutions, has rejected the position of the government to pull out of the nationwide indefinite strike action.
KANO FOCUS reports that, Instead, ASUU insisted it would remain steadfast and fully committed to the national struggle to revitalise public universities and improve the welfare of members until the Federal Government met her demands.
Rising from an emergency meeting at the instance of delegation of the state government, headed by Head of Service, Alh. Usman Bala, ASUU Zonal Chairman, Kano zone, Professor Abdulkadir Muhammad Dambazau, vowed to bear any consequences that might follow their stand.
“We have made our position known to the government in clear terms and our position will never change. That we are committed to the course of the strike as full chartered members of ASUU. And until the Federal Government attended to our agreement, we would not be forced to pull out of the strike.
“Let me also say that ASUU in Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil, has secured permission to embark on an indefinite strike after the nationwide action to press home demand for resolution of local issues,” Dambazau said.
On whether the union would rethink her position, he insisted no amount of dialogue with the government would change their position.
The state government had summoned another meeting with the leadership of ASUU to prevail on them on reasons why the union should pull out of the over six months strike.
Addressing journalists at the end of the four hours meeting, the head of the service, Bala disclosed that the engagement with ASUU was fruitful, but was not sure whether or not they agreed to pull out of the strike.
Bala, who doubles as Chief of Staff to Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, appealed to the striking lecturers from Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil and the Yusuf Maitama Sule University, to consider the plight of students and the negative implications of keeping them out of the classroom.
The head of the service had declared that ASUU in the state universities shouldn’t have aligned with lecturers in the Federal government-owned universities, since the Kano State government has sustained their salaries and other allowances in the last six months.
“We had a fruitful discussion and we were made to understand the many reasons why they are on strike. Although they said they also have local issues, I know the government has been paying their salaries and earned allowances in the last six months while on strike.
“We persuaded them to return to work, however, they said they can hardly make decisions on their own, meaning they have to seek the intervention of the larger body. So, the meeting is scheduled to reconvene in one week to finalize all the pending issues,” Bala noted.
On what alternative measures are available to the government should ASUU remain insisted on continuing with the industrial action, the head of the service noted that the government would not hesitate to invoke necessary sanctions after exploring all peaceful resolution mechanisms.
Headlines
SFH appoints Dayyabu Yusuf to lead strategic health partnerships, RevoHealth HMO
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Society for Family Health has appointed Dayyabu Mahmud Yusuf as Group Director, Impact Partnership and Engagement, as well as Managing Director of RevoHealth HMO Ltd., in a move aimed at strengthening healthcare access and sustainable health systems across Nigeria and Africa.
KANO FOCUS reports that the appointment was announced on the organisation’s official Facebook page on Saturday.
According to SFH, the new leadership appointment signals the beginning of a fresh phase focused on improving impact, expanding access to healthcare services, and advancing sustainable health transformation initiatives across the continent.
The organisation stated that the appointment reflects its commitment to building integrated health systems and promoting innovative platforms in healthcare financing, workforce development, advisory services, and sustainable health interventions.
SFH expressed confidence that Yusuf’s leadership would further strengthen the organisation’s impact and deliver lasting value to communities across Nigeria and beyond.
Yusuf is a seasoned public health professional with more than 18 years of experience in the design and implementation of public health, social marketing, and health systems strengthening programmes in Nigeria.
He is widely recognised as a health systems expert, health economist, programme management specialist, and community engagement practitioner, with extensive experience in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH), HIV/AIDS, malaria, child survival, and nutrition interventions.
He has also built strong technical expertise across the family planning and maternal, newborn and child health continuum, while leading large and complex teams on multiple development programmes.
Yusuf possesses strong advocacy and stakeholder engagement skills, having worked closely with senior government officials, lawmakers, and influential traditional and religious leaders to drive institutional and behavioural changes that support effective programme implementation.
A seasoned trainer, Yusuf has trained various cadres of health professionals and is known for his practical expertise in participatory community engagement approaches.
He holds a degree in Microbiology and a Master’s degree in Health Economics from Bayero University Kano, as well as an MSc in Microbiology from University of Abuja.
Headlines
Kwankwaso commends IGP over probe into Dadiyata’s disappearance
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
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.
