News
88 blind candidates sit for 2023 UTME at BUK
Nasiru Yusuf
Atotal of 88 candidates with visual impairment sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at Kano centre.
KANO FOCUS reports that the examination was conducted at the Bayero University Kano (BUK) Centre, on Thursday under the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG).
JEOG is a programme designed to provide opportunity to people living with blindness and other disabilities to write the examination free of charge.
The candidates comprising males and females received different gadgets such as typewriters, braille machines and braille paper to ease the processes of the examination.
JAMB coordinator for at the Kano centre, Yahuza Bello stated this while monitoring the exercise at the School of Continuing Education, BUK.
Bello, a former vice-chancellor of the university, said the 88 students were drawn from the northern states, adding that Kano has the highest number of candidates representing 26.12 percent of the total blind candidates for this year.
According to him, a total of 337 candidates with blindness registered for the examination in 11 centres across the country.
“This effort is in furtherance of Oleyede-led JAMB, to ensure that no eligible Nigerian is denied the opportunity of taking the UTME and acquiring higher education regardless of disability.
“Since inception in 2017, the JEOG has processed over 3,300 candidates for the UTME, with more than a third admitted to courses of their choices in higher education institutions in Nigeria.
“In 2019; of the 390 candidates, a total of 175 (44.8%) were given admission. Also, in 2021, a total of 110 candidates with blindness were given admission,” he said.
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.
News
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Zoo Zame, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration and knowledge sharing between both countries.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, the Cameroonian telecom regulator met with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Aminu Maida.
A statement issued by Ayiabari A. Kigbara, Manager, Media Relations, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, said the engagement focused on exchanging ideas and best practices in telecommunications regulation, with emphasis on enhancing efficiency and development within the sector.
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.
