Headlines
BUK to fabricate ventilators to treat COVID-19 patients
Nazifi Dawud
Bayero University Kano (BUK) has revealed plans to start producing medical ventilators to be deployed in hospitals and isolation centres for treatment of COVID-19 patients.
A ventilator is a machine that helps people who cannot breathe properly on their own by pumping air in and out of their lungs through a tube inserted into their windpipe.
One of the key symptoms of the COVID-19 is breathing difficulty, which is often life threatening for some of those infected with the virus, according to medical experts.
In a statement obtained by KANO FOCUS, the university said it has assembled a team of engineers to start fabricating the machines for use in Kano state.
“The University’s Faculty of Engineering had set up a seven-man committee with a view to producing prototype ventilators for an emergency use in our hospitals and other isolation centres as part of efforts to contain the pandemic which has been threatening the country.
“Following the discussions on the Faculty of Engineering Forum on the need to contribute our quota towards the fight against the COVID-19 Pandemic, a seven man Committee is hereby composed,” said the statement signed by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Salisu Dan’ azumi.
Mr Dan Azumi added that the committee, to be chaired by Professor Abdussamad U. Jibia from the Department of Mechatronics Engineering “is expected to design and fabricate a prototype ventilator which would be use as an emergency measures in our hospitals.”
He said the team has been given two weeks “to present a report to the Faculty Board including the design and construction of prototype ventilator for emergency use in hospitals and homes to treat patients of COVID 19 pandemic.”
The dean also revealed that “the committee was charged with the responsibility of suggesting the modality for mass production of the designed and fabricated ventilators. It would also give an estimate of the cost of producing the ventilators.”
Hand sanitizers also
Similarly, the university said it has mobilized its staff for the production of hand sanitizers for use within the institution as well as the larger Kano community.
Dr Ibrahim Tajo Siraj, head of Pure and Industrial Chemistry department said a number of academic staff have volunteered to participate in the project as part of their contribution towards preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Mr Siraj explained that the volunteers are currently in the laboratories formulating the sanitizers based on specifications provided by the World Health Organization.
“As you are aware, Universities were known to be serving as research centres where solutions are proffered for any problem facing the society, and now it is time to prove to this, hence, our decision to mobilize our members to the laboratories with a view to producing hand sanitizers as stop-gap measures,” he said.
“As you can see now, our scientists from the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry are currently in the laboratories mixing the chemicals to come up with a quality and standard hand sanitizers,” he added.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Kano State Commissioner of Finance and renowned academic, Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Governor Yusuf described the late Prof. Dandago as a dedicated public servant and accomplished scholar whose contributions to education and governance left lasting footprints in Kano State.
He noted that the former finance commissioner served the state with integrity and commitment and was widely respected for his professionalism, humility and passion for knowledge.
According to the governor, Kano State has lost a valuable son whose experience and wisdom greatly enriched both public service and the academic community.
Governor Yusuf extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the academic community and the people of Kano State over what he described as an irreparable loss.
He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the shortcomings of the late Prof. Dandago, grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and gives his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The National President of the Government Arabic Teachers College Gwale Old Students Association (GATCOSA), Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago, is dead.
KANO FOCUS reports that Prof. Dandago, a renowned Professor of Accountancy at Bayero University Kano, died on Wednesday evening. His passing has thrown the academic community and associates into mourning.
In a message shared on GATCOSA’s WhatsApp platform, a Director at the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education, Alhaji Nura Dandago, announced that the funeral prayer for the late professor would be held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. at his residence in Rijiyar Zaki Quarters, Kano.
Until his death, Prof. Dandago served as the National President of GATCOSA and was widely respected for his contributions to education and public service. He previously served as Commissioner for Finance in Kano State during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Just last Saturday, the late academic presented a paper on economic challenges in Northern Nigeria at a Ramadan Lecture organised by the Islamic Forum of Nigeria, where he spoke passionately about strategies for economic reform and regional development.
Colleagues and admirers described Prof. Dandago as a dedicated scholar and public servant who was deeply committed to building a prosperous and self-reliant nation. His death marks the end of a distinguished career in academia and public service.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The basketball team of Bayero University Kano (BUK) has emerged champions of the Northwest 3×3 Basketball Championship hosted by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the victorious team presented the championship trophy to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Haruna Musa, following their impressive performance at the tournament, which featured six universities from across Northern Nigeria.
BUK went unbeaten throughout the competition, winning all six matches and sealing the title with a thrilling 20–18 victory over the host institution, ABU Zaria, in the final.
In the group stage, BUK recorded a 10–0 win against Northwest University, Kano, and defeated the Air Force Institute of Technology 33–20. The team also edged the Federal University of Education, Kano, 11–9, before securing another dominant 10–0 victory over the Federal University of Transportation, Daura. They capped their remarkable run with the narrow 20–18 triumph in the final.
The victory marks BUK’s second championship title in the history of the competition, reinforcing the university’s growing reputation in collegiate sports.
Receiving the team, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the athletes for bringing pride to the institution and urged them to sustain and surpass their current achievements. He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to strengthening sports development in the university and pledged continued institutional and individual support for the players’ sporting careers.
The presentation ceremony concluded with the formal handover of the trophy and cash rewards to the athletes in recognition of their discipline, teamwork and excellence.
Gov. Yusuf mourns former Kano finance commissioner, Prof. Dandago
Abba Care: A Lifeline of Compassion in Kano State
GATCOSA President, Prof. Kabiru Isa Dandago is dead
BUK clinches Northwest 3×3 basketball title at ABU Zaria
Kano rolls out emergency medical services, deploys 20 Ambulances
Lami Maccido, first person to appear on screens of NTA Kano, CTV 67, dies at 72
Kano begins Ramadan food distribution as Gov. Yusuf constitutes feeding committee
Kano Police announce movement restrictions ahead of assembly by-elections
K-SAFE appeals to Kano Executive Council to pass revised education bill
