Headlines
Kano CSOs crisis: BOT endorses Waiya’s leadership
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Board of Trustees of Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF) has endorsed the leadership of Ibrahim Waiya.
KANO FOCUS reports that the BOT made this known on Thursday after a group of three persons who described themselves as ‘concerned’ members of the Form announced the suspension of the leadership of the Forum.
According to the BOT Secretary, Hamisu Isa Sharifai, there is no such thing as body of ‘Concerned Members’ that can exercise the powers of the Congress (which consists of over one hundred organizations) or the BOT and as such the suspension and announcement should be disregarded by both members and the general public.
He said, under the circumstances the BOT directs that the management team of the KCSF under the leadership of Ibrahim Waiya, should continue to do so, and the constituted Electoral Committee set uuo by the BOT 3 weeks ago should go on with the arrangements for the elections.
“We call on all members who are truly concerned with the progress of the Forum to stand together as a united body, so that the elections can hold in strict compliance with the KCSF Constitution”.
“Let us all remain resolute in pursuing the ideals of justice, good democratic practice and societal progress that brought us together”, he added.
Interim Leadership of Kano CSOs Dissolved Amidst Concerns of Democratic Breach
It will be recalled that the Concerned Members of the Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF) have officially dissolved the interim leadership of the forum under the leadership of Ibrahim Waiya.
In a statement released to newsmen from KSCF’s secretariat under the chairmanship of Abdullahi Y. Sule, disclosed the decision comes in response to what they claim are violations of democratic principles and good governance within the organization.
KCSF, which represents over 100 civil society and pro-democracy organizations in Kano State, was established in 2012 with the mission to promote democracy, human rights, good governance, and peace and security in the state and Nigeria as a whole.
The Concerned Members expressed their deep concerns about ongoing violations of democratic principles and good governance by the current interim leadership.
One major issue raised was the extended delay in conducting democratic elections within the forum, which was initially mandated to take place within six months but had stretched to an astonishing seven years. This raised questions about transparency, accountability, and the commitment to democratic representation within the forum.
Another alarming issue brought to light was the forceful removal of members from the central WhatsApp group of the forum for expressing dissenting views. This authoritarian approach was seen as stifling freedom of expression and undermining the essence of a civil society coalition meant to foster dialogue and inclusivity.
Inconsistencies and contradictions between the interim leadership and the Board of Trustees (BOT) were also cited. These included disputes over the establishment of an electoral committee versus an election strategy committee, causing confusion and discord within the organization.
The Concerned Members also pointed out that the KCSF constitution, which the interim leadership frequently referred to, was still a draft and not yet adopted by the CONGRESS, making its provisions non-binding until formal adoption.
Furthermore, the growing partisanship displayed by the interim leadership was criticized for violating the core principle of impartiality and neutrality that should define a civil society coalition. It was argued that such partisanship undermines the forum’s credibility and its ability to work collaboratively with government institutions.
The Concerned Members emphasized that these violations have far-reaching implications, including undermining the forum’s credibility, advocacy capacity, and its ability to champion citizens’ rights.
They called for the dissolution of the interim leadership and urged the BOT to facilitate a congress meeting where democratically elected executives can emerge.
The Concerned Members however called for calm and law-abiding behavior among all KCSF members during these challenging times as they continue to push for the establishment of a democratically elected leadership within the forum.
They also requested the general public to refrain from engaging with the dissolved interim leadership and direct all official matters to the KCSF BOT until new leadership is established.
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Bayero University Kano (BUK) on Monday celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Faculty of Education and inaugurated its Alumni Association at the Convocation Arena of the university’s new campus.
KANO FOCUS reports that the event was graced by government officials, education stakeholders, and alumni all gathered to commemorate the faculty’s contributions to Nigeria’s educational sector.
In her keynote address, the State Minister for Education, Mrs. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad announced the Federal Government’s Sector Renewal Initiative designed to transition Nigeria from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy.
She highlighted that the aim of the renewal initiative consists of – Reducing the number of out-of-school children; combating learning poverty; nhancing skills development and human capital for the labor market
The minister noted that the initiative prioritizes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Digital literacy and education quality assurance.
Mrs. Ahmad disclosed that the Federal Government had disbursed ₦35 billion to 261 beneficiaries under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), with BUK among the top beneficiaries.
“So far, the scheme has received 420 applications, and we are scaling up investments,” she stated.
She further confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved ₦120 billion to boost TVET programs, with plans to train 650 youths in technical, vocational, and digital skills over the next two years.
Emeritus Professor Sani Ahmad Sufi, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, praised the faculty for its high-quality graduates.
“Our pride lies not just in the number of graduates produced yearly, but in their impact across Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
He added that the faculty has produced Nigeria’s largest pool of graduate teachers many of whom hold key positions nationally and internationally.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje applauded the faculty for its significant role in advancing education in Nigeria.
The event concluded with awards presented to distinguished alumni and supporters of the faculty in recognition of their contributions to its growth.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has emerged as a beacon of hope for graduates left stranded due to the previous administration’s negligence regarding academic certificates.
His determination to rectify these injustices has culminated in decisive actions to secure the future of Kano’s youth. Ibrahim Adam, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, shared these developments with the media.
On December 9, 2024, Governor Yusuf traveled to Cyprus with a mission to obtain the overdue academic certificates for Kano students affected by the prior administration’s failure to meet its educational financial obligations.
During a critical meeting with the management of Near East University, the governor focused on facilitating the release of certificates for students who graduated between 2015 and 2019, particularly in essential fields like Medicine and Nursing.
This was confirmed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson.
In a significant move, Governor Yusuf has settled the outstanding fees of €1.4 million (approximately ₦2.5 billion) owed to the university for 84 medical and2015 to 2019.
This substantial financial commitment honors the dedication and hard work of these graduates, restoring their hopes for a future that had previously been unjustly delayed.
According to Ibrahim Adam, the certificates are set to be handed over to the Kano State Scholarship Board through the Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, marking a pivotal moment for the affected students.
Governor Yusuf acknowledged the challenges faced by the graduates, declaring, “This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise.”
His vision for a prosperous Kano is centered on prioritizing education, ensuring that talented individuals can make valuable contributions to the state’s advancement.
The governor’s proactive measures not only address the systemic issues in the education sector but also inspire renewed hope among Kano’s youth.
By fulfilling his promises, he emphasizes the crucial role of supporting young people in achieving their aspirations, which is vital to the state’s growth.
As this milestone is celebrated, it is evident that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s relentless pursuit of educational reform signals a transformative era for Kano State.
His administration’s unwavering focus on education stands as a vital investment in the futures of individuals and the overall development of the state.
Under his leadership, Kano State is poised to realize its full potential, with eager graduates ready to make impactful contributions to their communities.
Governor Yusuf’s commitment to empowering the youth serves as an enduring reminder that with dedication and decisive action, a brighter future is attainable for all.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been named Governor of the Year 2024 (Good Governance) by Vanguard Newspaper, in recognition of his transformative achievements in the education and healthcare sectors.
The recognition was announced in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.
Governor Yusuf received the award at a prestigious event held in Lagos, where eminent personalities from across the country were honoured for excellence in leadership and service.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the occasion, Atedo Peterside, emphasized that the selection process was based on merit and verifiable impact, commending the awardees for their outstanding contributions to national development.
Vanguard’s Editor-in-Chief, Eze Anaba, praised Governor Yusuf for setting a high standard in governance through his commitment, innovation, and focus on people-centered policies.
In his remarks, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to Vanguard for the recognition, dedicating the award to the people of Kano State.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in sectors that directly impact the lives of citizens, especially education, health, and social welfare.
Other recipients of the Good Governance Award included Governors Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Hope Uzodinma (Imo).
Governor Yusuf was accompanied to the ceremony by members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, special advisers, local government chairmen, and close political allies.
This latest honour comes just four days after he received the Governor of the Year (Education) award from Leadership Newspaper.
The Governor is also scheduled to receive the Africa Good Governance Award from Heritage Times Magazine later this month in Morocco.
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