Headlines
KUST Wudil, ASUU resolve crisis after agreement on major demands
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil (KUST) says it has reached an agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) after fulfilling four of five demands presented by the union.
This was contained in a statement sent to KANO FOCUS, signed by the Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations unit of the university, Sa’idu Abdullahi Nayaya, on Friday.
Mr Na’yaya said the university has settled staff entitlements including 50% balance of the N198million Postgraduate Grant and 2017/2018 SIWES Supervision Allowance and Family Air ticket allowance.
He added that the Excess Workload Allowances for 2014/2015, 2015/2016, as well as 2016/2017 submitted by the union in May 2019 and August 2019, respectively have been approved by the State Executive Council and the release of the funds is in process.
The KUST spokesperson explained that the institution had implemented the “hazard allowance” with effect from January and February 2020.
Meanwhile, the varsity management has reiterated the state government’s determination to improve its support and funding for the continued growth of the university.
Background to the crisis
It may be recalled that members of ASUU at the KUST had threatened to embark on an all-out strike by March 2020 unless the varsity’s authorities address various issues including alleged poor funding, financial misappropriation and attempt to raise students’ registration fees.
In a joint statement, the ASUU-KUST branch Chairman, Comrade Muhammad Sani Gaya and Secretary Comrade Murtala Muhammad said the poor funding of the university is adversely affecting the running of the university resulting to inadequate offices and laboratories.
The ASUU-KUST had also accused the university’s leadership of misapplying over N200 million to purchase exotic cars while failing to renovate a female hostel block that was destroyed by fire in February 2019.
The lecturers also alleged plans by the KUST authorities to increase registration fees for undergraduate students “despite lack of accountability in the funds generated in previous students’ registration as externally audited financial reports were not presented before the university council within the last few years in violation of the university law and services rendered”.
The ASUU further alleged that “persistent under-funding of the university by the Kano state government”.
“The union noted that for a long time the state virtually left the provision of needed infrastructure of the university to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TeTFund),” the statement said.
However, in its reaction, the KUST management dismissed the allegations, insisting that the university is being funded by the Kano state government.
“The University management will like to categorically state that Kano state government as proprietor of the university has been making releases of funds of N774 Million for accreditation, the prompt payment of salaries and wages of staff of N2.6 Billion annually as well, undertook other developmental projects.
“The University Management has also purchased laboratory equipment worth millions of naira for use during practical’s and makes periodic releases of funds to departments, directorates and other units of the university,” read the statement, signed by Abdullahi Nayaya, deputy registrar, information and public relations of the varsity.
Hauwa Umar
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a device verification platform to strengthen regulatory compliance, protect consumers and curb the circulation of counterfeit, cloned and unauthorised communication devices in Nigeria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the commission said the NCC Device Checker Platform would enable consumers to verify the regulatory approval status of SIM-enabled devices before purchasing them, while helping ensure that devices connected to Nigerian telecommunications networks meet established technical standards.
The Kano Zonal Controller of the NCC, Engr. Maigana Gidado, disclosed this on Thursday during a media briefing at the commission’s zonal office in Kano.
Engr. Gidado said the initiative was part of the commission’s efforts to strengthen Type Approval compliance and improve the integrity of communication devices used on Nigerian networks.
According to him, the commission has made progress in implementing the initiative through the regularisation and licensing of device dealers, as well as sensitisation engagements with importers and other industry stakeholders.
He said the commission had streamlined its licensing and regularisation processes, enabling a significant number of device dealers in Kano State to obtain licences.
The NCC had also conducted stakeholder sensitisation engagements in Lagos and other parts of the country to improve awareness of Type Approval requirements and obligations under the Device Checker framework.
“These initiatives have strengthened accountability across the device supply chain and improved compliance with regulatory requirements,” he said.
Engr. Gidado added that the commission had developed a user-friendly Device Checker application that allows authorised stakeholders to scan device International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers and upload information directly to the platform.
He said the application was designed to simplify compliance procedures, improve efficiency and make the verification process more accessible to relevant industry participants.
The zonal controller urged consumers to verify the status of devices before purchasing them through the commission’s *Check Your Device* portal at [www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker](http://www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker) by entering the device’s IMEI number.
He also directed manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers to consult the Type Approval and Device Verification Guide available at [www.ncc.gov.ng/DeviceCheckerGuide](http://www.ncc.gov.ng/DeviceCheckerGuide) to understand their responsibilities under the regulatory framework.
According to him, organisations seeking Equipment Type Approval can access the relevant application requirements and procedures through the Type Approval section of the commission’s website.
Engr. Gidado, however, clarified that the Device Checker Platform was not a surveillance tool and would not access users’ personal data, messages, photographs, contacts, financial information or other private content stored on their devices.
He explained that the platform’s purpose was limited to device identification and verification of regulatory compliance.
The NCC urged consumers to patronise reputable and licensed dealers and take advantage of its online resources to make informed purchasing decisions.
It also encouraged industry stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the commission’s Type Approval requirements and ensure full compliance.
Engr. Gidado said consumers requiring assistance or wishing to lodge complaints could contact the commission through its 315 toll-free consumer line.
He reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to consumer protection, fair competition and network integrity, adding that the commission would continue to promote a trusted communications ecosystem in Nigeria.
Suspect returned to Kano to face investigation, prosecution
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has arrested a suspected gang leader and sponsor, Ishaq Lawan Ibrahim, popularly known as Malam Keya, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
KANO FOCUS reports that the 27-year-old suspect, from Yelwa in Dala Local Government Area of Kano State, is accused of sponsoring violent gang clashes that have claimed lives and heightened insecurity in parts of the state.
The task force disclosed this in a statement, saying the suspect was arrested following intelligence-led operations after allegedly fleeing Kano as security operations against gang violence intensified.
According to the statement, operatives tracked him to Port Harcourt and arrested him in an operation led by the task force’s Head of Operations, CSP Bashir Gwadabe. He has since been returned to Kano.
The task force alleged that Malam Keya played a leading role in orchestrating and financing hoodlums involved in violent attacks in Dala and other affected communities.
The areas reportedly affected by the gang violence include Jakara, Madigawa, Yalwa, Sanka, Kul Kul, Dogon Nama, Kukar Bulukiya, Dala, Shatsari and Dandalin Turawa.
Confirming the arrest, the task force chairman, Barr Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, said the operation demonstrated the agency’s determination to pursue suspected sponsors of violence beyond Kano State.
“Let me assure you that those who bankroll violence should know that no distance, and no hiding place, will protect them. This arrest is only the beginning. We will not rest until peace is fully restored,” he said.
The task force said the suspect remained in custody for further investigation and would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of the investigation.
It added that its operations would continue in accordance with the law, with all suspects entitled to due process.
The agency also pledged to sustain efforts to dismantle criminal gangs, identify their alleged sponsors and disrupt drug supply networks linked to criminal activities.
It urged residents, community and religious leaders, parents and youths to support security efforts by reporting suspicious persons and activities, monitoring their neighbourhoods and discouraging young people from being recruited into criminal gangs.
The task force described public cooperation as essential to restoring peace and security across the state.
It also acknowledged the support of the Kano and Rivers state police commands and other law enforcement agencies in the operation.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Police Command has foiled an alleged kidnapping plot in Gezawa Local Government Area and arrested two 20-year-old suspects over threats to abduct a village head.
KANO FOCUS reports that the suspects, identified as Aliyu Naziru Garba and Bashir Alhasan, were arrested following intelligence-led operations by police operatives attached to the Gezawa Divisional Police Headquarters.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.
According to the statement, the incident was reported on October 26, 2026, at about 1:30 a.m. by the village head of Bangare, Mallam Idris, who told the police that he had received a threatening phone call from an unidentified person on October 24 at about 9:33 p.m.
The caller allegedly threatened to kidnap him.
Following the report, police operatives launched a follow-up operation, which led to the arrest of the two suspects.
“The suspects have confessed to the commission of the crime,” the statement said, adding that investigations were ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court upon completion.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended officers of the Gezawa Division for their swift and professional response.
Bakori reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance stance on criminal activities and said the operation aligned with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which prioritises intelligence-led and technology-driven policing, professionalism and proactive crime prevention.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or movements to the nearest police station.
The command also provided the following emergency contact numbers for reporting security concerns: 08032419754, 08123821575 and 09029292926.
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