Headlines
Katsina, Jigawa, Kano lead out-of-school children crisis
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
UNICEF has identified Jigawa State, Kano State and Katsina State as the states with the highest number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, raising concerns over the growing education gap in the country.
KANO FOCUS reports that UNICEF disclosed that Nigeria currently has about 18.3 million out-of-school children—the highest figure globally—and warned that urgent investment in early childhood education is critical to reversing the trend.
Expert on Early Childhood Education Care and Development Dr. Sunday Jacob, made the disclosure during a two-day media dialogue for journalists from the three states.
Presenting a paper on foundational learning and skills development, Dr Jacob said Jigawa, Kano and Katsina alone account for nearly 30 per cent of the total number of out-of-school children in the country.
He attributed the situation to a combination of poverty, insecurity, cultural barriers and poor school readiness among children.
Dr Jacob stressed that Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCDE) offers a long-term solution to the crisis by preventing children from dropping out before they even begin formal schooling.
“Early childhood education is not just a preparatory stage but a strategic intervention to reduce the number of out-of-school children,” he said.
According to him, ECCDE programmes target children from birth to age five, equipping them with cognitive, emotional and social skills necessary for success in school.
He explained that children exposed to early learning are more likely to enrol, remain in school and complete their education, while those without such exposure are twice as likely to drop out.
Citing research findings, Dr Jacob noted that nearly 90 per cent of brain development occurs before the age of five, making early childhood education a critical window for intervention.
Despite existing policies that incorporate one year of pre-primary education into Nigeria’s Universal Basic Education framework, she observed that access to ECCDE remains limited, particularly in rural areas.
He added that communities with functional ECCDE centres record up to 40 per cent higher enrolment into Primary One, along with improved retention rates.
Dr Jacob also highlighted the role of early childhood education in promoting girls’ education, noting that early exposure can help delay early marriage and strengthen parental involvement, especially among mothers.
UNICEF called on stakeholders to prioritise early childhood education as a preventive strategy to address Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis and improve long-term learning outcomes.
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.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
