Dr. Auwalu Halilu

Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.

It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that the Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) receives the sad news of the passing of our dear friend, mentor, and a tireless champion of education and development, Dr. Auwalu Inusa Mohammed, former Chairman of the Education Support Group (ESG).

Dr. Auwalu was not only a pillar in the education sector but a beacon of hope and resilience for all who believed in the power of knowledge and community development. His wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to improving educational outcomes have left an indelible mark on our state and beyond.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and the entire development community. His legacy of service, advocacy, and dedication to humanity will continue to inspire us.

May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, grant him Jannatul Firdaus, and give his loved ones the strength to bear this great loss.

Dr. Auwalu Halilu
Co-Chair (CSOs),
Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) . 

Dr. Auwalu Halilu

Bismillah Rahmanir Raheem

On this joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the good people of Kano State, particularly education stakeholders, parents, teachers, and students. May this Eid bring peace, prosperity, and countless blessings to us all.

As we celebrate the completion of Ramadan, a month of sacrifice, reflection, and self-discipline, let us carry forward its invaluable lessons into our collective commitment to education. Just as Ramadan teaches us patience, perseverance, and generosity, we must apply these virtues in ensuring that every child, especially the most vulnerable, has access to quality education.

Education is the key to sustainable development, and our duty as a society is to nurture a system that is inclusive, accountable, and responsive to the needs of our children. The spirit of Ramadan encourages us to be more compassionate and proactive in addressing societal challenges. Let this spirit guide our continuous advocacy for improved educational policies, increased access to learning opportunities, and enhanced support for teachers and students.

As we mark this blessed day, I urge all stakeholders, government agencies, civil society organizations, community leaders, and development partners to renew their commitment to strengthening education in Kano State. Together, let us translate the lessons of sacrifice, discipline, and generosity into actionable steps toward building a future where every child has a fair chance to learn and thrive.

Eid Mubarak! May Allah (SWT) bless our efforts and grant us success in our quest for an enlightened and educated society.

Dr. Auwalu Halilu, is a Co-Chair (CSOs), Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE). 

By Yushau Hamza

Politics, as a practice, should be driven by ideology, principles and commitment to a cause that aligns with the people’s needs and aspirations. The question of whether Nyesom Wike the minister of the FCT and former governor of rivers state is truly a politician or merely an opportunist manipulating political structures for personal gains has sparked debates within Nigeria’s political space. While he claims to be a staunch member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), his recent political maneuvers suggest otherwise. Wike has for almost two years been seen actively working with the All Progressives Congress (APC), benefiting from its leadership while simultaneously being part of major internal turmoil within his own party, the people’s Democratic Party.

An ideological politician is someone who upholds a clear political philosophy and remains committed to their beliefs and party principles as such, regardless of personal interests or shifting political tides. Such a politician is guided by a vision for governance, policy-making, and national development, rather than self-serving ambitions.

Ideological politicians are often loyal to their party’s core values and are willing to defend them at all costs, even when faced with challenges.

Being a politician goes beyond holding a title or occupying a position in government. A true politician believes in and upholds a set of ideological principles and remains unshaken and even by his perceived self-interest, he chooses to Remains loyal to his party and its policies to Work for the collective goods rather than for his self-interest. Or better still he cross carpets

A true politician, Respects the democratic process and promotes political stability rather than discord. He engages in political participation that strengthens institutions rather than undermines them.

The Wike Dilemma of being a Politician or a Political Opportunist, raises serious concerns about his ideological stance. While he claims to be a PDP member, his actions align more with the interests of the APC. His role in engineering crises within the PDP, including an allegedly mastermind in the suspension of a democratically elected governor of rivers state, his overall grip on party leadership matters reveal a politician who is more interested in power dynamics than in ideological governance.

His involvement in another party’s administration without official defection, portrays him as a political opportunist rather than an ideological politician. He enjoys the benefits of APC leadership while refusing to fully commit to the party, leaving PDP in turmoil without a clear direction.

Wike has turned out to be a politician who straddles between two parties without clear allegiance, this action can be best described as a political mercenary ship, or an opportunistic power broker. Such individuals prioritize their personal ambitions over political consistency, switching alliances to secure their interests at the expense of democratic integrity.

Nyesom Wake’s political trajectory, challenges the notion of ideological consistency in Nigerian politics. His actions suggest that he is more of a strategic power player than a principled politician. If politics is to serve the people and democracy is to thrive, Nigeria needs leaders who embody ideological commitment rather than self-serving maneuvering. Wikes stances leaves all with a terrific question. Can politicians nowadays be trusted if their loyalty fluctuates between personal gains and party allegiance? Only time and the political practices in the Nigeria democratic terrain can live to tell.

Yushau Hamza writes from Kafinchiri town, Garko Local Government Area, Kano State.