By Umar Sheikh Tahir

Al-Azhar was commissioned on the 9th of Ramadan 361H/ 972AD by the Fatimids in Cairo, Egypt. The name is derived from the holy Prophet’s (PBUH) daughter’s name, Fatimah al-Zahrā alayha al-Salam. The institution is one of the most prominent centers of Sunni Islam in the Muslim world. It serves as both a mosque and a university, and it is recognized as the world’s first university operating initially inside the grand mosque of al-Azhar. 

The institution is a beacon of our enduring legacy and tradition, showcasing our continuous connection and shared heritage. Its services extend not only to educational, spiritual, and theosophical but also humanitarian services to mankind around the globe. It is followed by Zaytuna in Tunisia and Qarawiyin in Morocco. 

As we celebrate the 1085th anniversary of Al-Azhar’s establishment, this article recognizes the significant contributions of Nigerians in the past and Al-Azhar’s contributions to our educational system in contemporary northern Nigeria. Finally, it highlights Al-Azhar alumni who have been instrumental in providing valuable services and whose excellence has made our nation proud. 

1.     Royal Contributions to Al-Azhar in the Past

Classical Azhar constituted several Ruwaq or Arwiqah Corridors/Hostels. These Corridors were named to symbolize the strong ties to some nations worldwide. A few of these names were dedicated to West African communities, such as “Ruwāq al-Barnāwī,” “Ruwaq Dakarinah Darfur,” “Ruwaq al-Barābirah,” and “Ruwaq al-Dakārinah Salih.” These names primarily related to precolonial Saharan and Sub-Saharan empire states, currently representing West African nation states. The closest to Nigeria is Ruwāq al-Barnawi, honoring Black African students from the Kanem Borno subregion in modern-day Northern Nigeria. This medieval hostel now serves as a lecture hall. This recognition stemmed from the strong relationships between Al-Azhar’s leadership and the Kanem Borno royal family. 

Mai Idris b. ‘Alī (1564-1596) spent tons of gold in Cairo, some of which went to endowing the Al-Azhar institution alongside other expenses such as hostels for Borno students and lodges for Kanem-Borno pilgrims to Hajj. This gesture echoes the famous history of Mansa Musa, who made gold depreciate by 25% in Cairo during his famous Hajj travel and stayover. 

Another substantial endowment was the Ibn al-Rashiq School, founded with support from Kanem Borno during the Ayyubi regime in 567-648/around the 12th AD. The institution served as a school and provided services to Hajj travelers from the Kanem-Borno area. In the 18^th century, Muhammad bn Muhammad al-Fullānī Al-Kashnāwī’s impactful visit and teaching at Al-Azhar Mosque showcased the enduring influence he had on the institution and its scholars. He was so esteemed that they pursued him to stay until the end of his life, and he was buried in the Graveyard called Bustān al-Ulamā. 

 2. Al-Azhar’s Global Services

Since its inception, Al-Azhar has connected with the world, including our locality, in many ways. Al-Azhar sends teachers to the United States of America, Europe, Asian nations, African countries, and remote rural places. They were sent to the elementary and high schools worldwide, including Nigeria, to teach Islamic studies, the Arabic language, Basic Sciences, and Technology. Nigeria received more than a hundred teachers before, but the number recently decreased to less than 40 teachers due to insurgencies, as I inquired through the Embassy last year. 

However, in May 2016, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Shaykh Ahmad al-Tayyib, visited Nigeria. During his visit, he announced increased scholarships for Nigerian students to Al-Azhar University, covering not only Islamic sciences and humanities but also natural sciences, technology, engineering, and medical schools.

3. Celebrating Excellent Nigerian Alumni in the Past and the Present

I cannot celebrate this milestone without acknowledging some Azhar alumni who have made Nigerians proud. This section highlights the achievements of selected Nigerian students, both past and present, who have excelled there, showcasing their academic prowess and impact on Nigerian society, especially those in prominent national positions.

Among the notable contemporary alums, Ambassador Abdullahi Yalleman and Dr. Hadi Sheikh Tahir graduated at the top of their classes. The former had the honor of receiving his award from former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, while the latter was accepted as a Ph.D. student directly from Al-Azhar to the University of Glasgow in Scotland. 

I apologize for not listing more excellent names here, as many deserving individuals come to mind among the outstanding alums I know personally. I will briefly mention a few sectors where Azhar alumni contribute to our society. For instance, most university lecturers, especially in the linguistics and Islamic studies departments, and leaders of colleges of education, are Azhar graduates. The leading Imam of the National Mosque and the founder of the first female-only university in Nigeria is also an Al-Azhar alumnus. Indeed, in the late 1940s, Nigerians celebrated the first female student admitted to the University of Ibadan, and now look at where we are with the contributions of Azharis. 

The leadership of the Sheikh Tahir Bauchi Islamic Center for Quranic Memorization and Islamic Studies consists of Azharis, including the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and several directors, all of whom are graduates of al-Azhar. In fact, the Director of Education and School Services for this foundation oversees over 1,500 schools across West African countries and is also an Azhari. The world’s wealthiest Black person is Nigerian and among the alums of al-Azhar. Additionally, the former world champion of Arabic poetry in Abu Dhabi in 2022 is a Nigerian Azhari from Kano. You can also find them in mosques, performing well and serving local communities everywhere. The list can go on and on. 

This brief exploration has inspired me to write in detail in the future to celebrate our local leaders who are Azhar alumni and provide services to our beloved nation through various mediums.  

4. Hausa Language in Al-Azhar Media

Hausa was selected among other languages to serve as a medium of broadcast on Azhar Media TV for educational, intellectual, and spiritual enrichment, as well as to promote peace, featuring standard Islamic texts that cover all sciences in local languages worldwide. Nigerian students were among the qualified scholars leading these teachings for the benefit of Hausa-speaking communities in West Africa. This initiative was part of the office of former Mufti Prof. Emeritus Shaykh Ali Jum`ah, aiming to advocate for Al-Azhar’s methodology of moderate Islam in opposition to extremist views that fuel insurgencies. It was planned that the audio and video content of these teachings would be distributed to local Hausa-speaking communities. 

Today, I extend my congratulations to our Grand Imam, the alumni, and the wider Muslim community on this anniversary. As I reflect on my graduation from Al-Azhar 15 years ago, I appreciate the significance of 1,085 years of intellectual pursuit, the creation of a lasting legacy, engagement with global intellectual institutions, and the dissemination of knowledge throughout the world. 

I join the parents of our children in these urban and rural communities, along with Nigerian students in Azhar receiving full scholarships with free accommodations, in expressing our gratitude to the leadership and administration of Azhar and those Azhar teachers. The Egyptian embassies process the teachers’ paperwork, manage their placements, and report to the leadership above them—our dear Grand Imam. 

Thank you, Azhar, with our spirits before our tongues, and may God preserve you for the Ummah of Islam!

Umar Sheikh Tahir is a PhD Candidate at Columbia University, New York, USA. He can be reached via ust2102@columbia.edu.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

In a significant move to honour a distinguished Nigerian statesman, President Bola Tinubu has officially renamed the Federal University of Education in Kano (formerly Federal College of Education) to Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education. This decision, announced on March 10, 2025, pays tribute to the late Alhaji Sule, who played a vital role in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape throughout his life.

Alhaji Sule, who lived from 1929 to 2017, was renowned for his extensive contributions to the nation. He served as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York and was Chairman of the UN Special Committee Against Apartheid. 

The political journey of Alhaji Sule, also known as Dan Masanin Kano, included roles as Chief Whip of the Federal House of Representatives from 1954 to 1959, Leader of Nigeria’s Delegation to the Conference of Independent States in 1960, the First Federal Commissioner of Public Complaints in 1976, and Minister of Mines and Power.

In his statement, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of commemorating Ambassador Sule’s legacy, stating that it would inspire younger generations to embody values such as integrity, patriotism, character, and nationalism.

The Federal University of Education, Kano, which is one of seven specialized universities of education established by the Federal Government, will continue to play a crucial role in the training of teachers, further strengthening Nigeria’s education sector. 

This renaming reflects a commitment to recognizing leaders who have made impactful contributions to the nation’s development, setting a precedent for future generations.

By Dahiru Kasimu Adamu

Mass Communication is a broad field with different areas which include journalism, broadcasting, public relations, digital Marketing, film and television production, advertisement, strategic communication and many more others.

Thus, Mass Communication as a profession is said to be a great field which is like the proverbial Hausa cow with more than ten benifits, however, the students from this field often restrict themselves to broadcast media especially during their ‘student industrial training.

On 13 February 2025, during MACOSA student orientation organized by Mass Communication students association (MACOSA) at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, a lecturer and SIWES co-ordinator from Mass Communication Department, Mr. AbdulHakim AbdulGaniyu emphasized the need for students to explore other Mass Communication channels while they undergo their mandatory industrial training at 200 and 300 levels respectively.

Mr. AbdulHakim also highlighted the role of students industrial work experience scheme SIWES in supplying new skills and ideas to students.

“Mass Communication is a vast environment, and students need to explore such environments, they should not restrict themselves in Radio and TV only” Sir Abdulhakim said.

Mr. Abdulhakim, who narrated his past experience, mentioned that students can do their SIWES at various ministries, departments and agencies, this is because, all organizations, governments and even non governmental institutions have information units and they need image makers, and those are public relations officers.

Also, speaking at pioneer day of Mass communication students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, held on 7th November 2024, a veteran broadcaster and Director News and programs of Sokoto Media Cooperation, Hajiya Balkisu Abubakar, implored students that “they should not limit themselves to Radio”.
She appealed to them to engage themselves in other means of communication and contribute their quota to the development of their society.

Despite the fact that, Mass Communication is a broad field and students learn the rudiments skills of the field in schools, usually these students seem to have much interest in broadcast media particularly radio, and this brought the question of why the students are neglecting other areas of the profession?

To answer this question we need to critically observe the course and the students. Traditionally some students join the field with an intention becoming popular in their respective communities.

According to Aliyu Muhammad who obtained a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic Sokoto, he said students like him selected and chose radio or television during their SIWES because a journalist is easier to be known through broadcast media being the most popular channels of communication known and used widely.

He also mentioned that limited access to print media by the community members is another factor discouraging students of Mass Communication to do their industrial training in print outlets.

While sharing his opinion Ibrahim Shehu Bulama from Kaduna State University, KASU, said “this is happening due to lack of good awareness on other channels of Mass Communication”.

On his part Abubakar Mai Lafiya said; students mainly want to be seen in television screens and their voices been heard, not focusing on other critical fields of journalism and information practices.

Speaking anonymously, a Mass Communication students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, said they normally choose Broadcast media (Radio and Television) due to its nature of easy access, portability and wide outreach.

To change some of these narratives there should be some measures that will motivate students and induce hope for them in other fields of Mass Communication.

There should be a good orientation to educate students that they can also carry out their SIWES in other information units, public relations Departments of public and private sectors such as financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, markets and almost all other places of human interactions.

Another alternative is, the Mass Communication departments should establish a collaborative relationship with such organizations, so that they can formally send letters, requesting spaces for the students to join and garner the experience. Such organization should make special provision for SIWES students and prepare to take them when there is need.

Moreover Mass Communication Departments should help students to understand why they should go for their SIWES in areas they’re strong as reflected by their grade points.

Being a Mass Communicator, one should understand that his/her basic responsibility and professional calling is with every institution. One should remember it’s time to acts, time to rethink and focus. Students have to confront the current challenges of the field so that one can explore utilize and make impact. This will make someone to influence the world positively.

Prof. Abdussamad Umar Jibia

Throughout the week, discussions have arisen following the Christian Association of Nigeria’s (CAN) rejection of the closure of schools in some predominantly Muslim states in the North. In that context, I came across another article published by the Daily Trust on the same topic, written by a Muslim, or at least someone with a Muslim name; I cannot ascertain his faith.

This morning, I took some time away from assessing my students to read the articles. It is unfair to respond to a statement that one has not read. 

I read the press release by CAN a few times over, hoping I might find some wisdom. Unfortunately, I couldn’t. CAN is its usual self, apprehensive of anything Islamic out of fear of losing relevance. 

Christianity in Nigeria, as I often say, is merely surviving due to the presence of Islam. For instance, if Muslims were to cease going on hajj, all the Christian pilgrims’ boards, including the central one in Abuja, would naturally wither away. It is only when Muslims discuss Shariah that Christians recall the existence of Ecclesiastical law, which many of them know little about. The examples are numerous.

This time around, CAN understands that closing schools “for an extended period disrupts academic schedules and threatens the educational advancement of millions of students”. What CAN has forgotten is that Nigerian schools have always been closed for the same “extended period” of at least one month since our colonial days for Christian festivals. In fact, the Nigerian school calendar is designed to close all schools for at least two weeks each for Easter and Christmas celebrations. 

The Christian holidays have been officially recognised and embedded in our school calendar in a so-called secular country. If CAN were concerned about religious balance, as they falsely claim, they would have advocated for the cancellation of the Christmas and Easter holidays and proposed something neutral.

Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the signatory to the press release, wanted Nigerians to believe that the closure of schools during Ramadan would compromise the education of Christian children and devalue Christian communities in the North. This is an admission by the CAN President that the education of Nigerian Muslim children has always been compromised and that Nigerian Muslims have no value in Nigeria since their children are forced to remain out of schools for Christian festivals.

I am waiting for the CAN President and his team to go to court as they have threatened. What I would like to assure them is that Nigerian Muslims are now wiser. CAN hasn’t yet seen anything. All traces of Christianity as imposed on other Nigerians must be removed from our national life. It is just a matter of time.

The opening argument of the Daily Trust writer is that there is no single injunction in Islam mandating the closure of schools during Ramadan. I wish he would tell us where Islam mandates the closure of schools for Christmas and Easter. Islam is a complete way of life. Isn’t that what he is trying to argue? Does Islam not prevent us from blindly copying Jews and Christians?

From the beginning, Muslims have paid for the unity of the North and, indeed, Nigeria with their religion and, in some instances, their blood. This must stop at some point. If we are to remain united, then the rights of Muslims must be acknowledged and granted.

The people who colonised us were Christians. This explains why Christianity is ingrained in almost every aspect of our national life. Now that Muslims are expressing dissent, some people are calling for unity. A shared Northern identity? Yes. One Nigeria? Yes. One religion? No, we are Muslims and will not continue to accept the imposition of another religion upon us.

Finally, let me call on our Governors and, indeed, the Federal Government to embark on a comprehensive reform of our school system to align it with our values and beliefs. All neocolonial items should be removed.

Prof. Abdussamad Umar Jibia can be contacted via aujibia@gmail.com.

By Rukayya Abubakar Othman

Commissioner of Education Engineer Lawan Abba Wakilbe continued his school supervision tour, visiting the Mafa, Dikwa, and Ngala Local Government Areas. He was accompanied by Bukar Sheriff Kime, Zonal Deputy Director of Monguno Zone, other educational board members, and the local education secretary. 

Engineer Wakilbe commenced his tour at Ngom Primary and Junior Secondary School, where he also visited Government Day Secondary School, Vocational Enterprise Institute, Central Primary, and Junior Day Secondary School in Mafa local government.

During the visit, the Commissioner expressed concern regarding the low student turnout and the high absenteeism among teachers, emphasising the necessity for immediate improvement.

Engineer Lawal Wakilbe, during his visit to Dikwa Government Day Secondary School, Shehu Sanda, Central, Kalaa Garu Primary, and Junior Day Secondary School, inspected the completed teachers’ quarters and the ongoing construction of the Higher Islamic School. 

During his visit to Dikwa, Engineer Lawan commended the attendance of teachers and students, and distributed learning materials and dignity kits to adolescent girls.

Commissioner Lawan Abba Wakilbe, on the second day of his visit to Gamboru, inspected Government Day Secondary School Gamboru, Gamboru Central, and Ndjamaina Primary and Junior Secondary School.

Engineer Wakilbe also inspected the Higher Islamic College Gamboru and Ladari Primary School. At Wulgo, heexamined the completed secondary school project, as well as the Primary and Junior Secondary School Wulgo.

The commissioner commented on the dedication of Ngala Education Secretary, Bulama Kole Bunu, and the Principal of Government Secondary School Gamboru, Mohammed Hamidu Talaki, during the distribution of learning materials and dignity kits to students.

This tour underscores the Borno State Government’s commitment to enhancing education quality and infrastructure across the state.

By Rashida Aliyu

The term ‘Jambites’ refers to new or fresh students at the university, and they often display certain characteristics that set them apart from returning students.

Upon their arrival at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, the faces of Jambites reflected a mixture of excitement and confusion, marking their transition from a secondary school environment to university life.

In observations, Jambites often exhibit behavior characterized by anxiety, as the university setting is entirely new to them. Many struggle with finding their way, navigating registration processes, and adapting to the academic system. As a result, they frequently seek assistance from returning students or university staff to understand how things work.

The fashion of Freshers and their engagement on social media is notable; Jambites tend to wear trendy outfits in an attempt to make a good first impression. They often document their initial experiences by sharing pictures and updates online to inform friends and family about their new journey.

Financial mismanagement is a common issue for many new students, particularly those living on campus. They often receive significant amounts of money from their parents to cover expenses, but inadequate financial planning—largely due to a lack of understanding of the environment—can lead some to spend extravagantly on unnecessary items during the initial weeks, resulting in financial difficulties later.

Eager to attend lectures, Jambites typically arrive early and try to secure seats at the front of the lecture hall to impress their lecturers. However, as the semester progresses, some may become less punctual as they settle into their new school life.

Jambites often seek guidance from senior students, who may either genuinely help them or exploit their naivety. Some returning students mislead newcomers by either exaggerating school rules or soliciting money for the assistance they provide.

Additionally, members of the local community and operators of computer business centers can sometimes betray the trust of new students. For instance, during the accommodation process, many new students are deceived by locals who take their money without providing housing. Furthermore, computer business centers and stationery shops often overcharge freshers for items and services compared to what regular students pay.

Hafsat Muhammad Tsamaye from the Faculty of FEED shared her experiences of life as a Jambite. She mentioned enjoying wandering around the campus without any specific purpose, simply to observe the movement of people. “During my first year, which people referred to as Jambito, it was amusing and easy because I was a Jambito. There were three things I normally did during that time: I was always looking for free Wi-Fi to download more movies than I could watch, even though I didn’t end up watching a lot of them,” she recalled.

Hafsat also shared her experience of attending night classes, remarking, “During my first semester as a Jambito, I always attended night classes, but I didn’t study much; I mostly just slept and changed classes every hour, spending money without any control. The funniest part was that I always cooked for others.”

The behaviors exhibited by Jambites upon their arrival at UDUS vary, but most of them show excitement, anxiety, and a strong desire to fit in.

In my opinion, the university management should implement a comprehensive orientation program to guide newcomers and facilitate their smooth transition into university life. This would help prevent potential issues. Additionally, returning students should treat freshers as their juniors and ensure they do not mislead them.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Prof. Salisu Shehu, has called for the assistance of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in addressing rising crime and insecurity, particularly the recurring theft incidents threatening the safety of the Council’s office.

During a visit to the Commissioner of Police (CP) of the FCT Command, Prof. Shehu emphasized the vital role the police play in ensuring the safety of NERDC’s operations, especially since the office is located on the outskirts of Abuja, making it more vulnerable to criminal activities. He appealed for enhanced security to protect lives and property at the NERDC headquarters.

“We need special attention and support to feel secure in our location,” Prof. Shehu stated, expressing concern over the vulnerability of the staff and office to security risks.

The Executive Secretary also brought up the recent case of stolen solar inverters, which is under investigation by the police. He urged that the case be thoroughly investigated and that the perpetrators be brought to justice, noting that past thefts within the Council remain unresolved. He expressed NERDC’s readiness to fully support the investigation to ensure accountability.

In response, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Criminal Investigation Department, DCP Aliyu Abubakar, welcomed the NERDC management team on behalf of CP Olatunji Disu, who was unavailable due to national duties.

He reiterated the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and the police in ensuring the security of lives and properties, and assured that the police would continue to work professionally to resolve the case and bring the culprits to justice.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has inaugurated its Academic Planning Committee (APC) to enhance research and development within the institution.

The inauguration, which took place on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, was held at the Council’s headquarters in Sheda, Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary, Prof. Salisu Shehu, reiterated the pros of the committee.

He was quoted as stating that “the committee is a crucial committee of the Council to drive research and development activities.”

He noted that its formation would accelerate research progress and play a key role in advancing the Council’s mandate.

Prof. Shehu reminded members that NERDC serves as the think tank of Nigeria’s education sector and is expected to lead in educational innovations.

He urged also them to reposition both themselves and the Council to effectively fulfill their responsibilities, calling on the committee to develop impactful programmes and research agendas that would benefit both the Council and the country.

Expressing concern over financial constraints, the Executive Secretary stressed the importance of demonstrating expertise to attract more funding from the government and development partners.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Shehu appreciated the committee members for their commitment and urged them to stay motivated.

He advised them to contribute meaningful ideas, stating that he is open to “informed advice and quality suggestions and not gossips.”

Earlier in the meeting, Dr. Chima Egbujuo, Head of the Policy and Programmes Unit and Secretary of the Academic Planning Committee, provided an overview of the committee’s structure and responsibilities.

He explained that the APC comprises the Executive Secretary as the Chairman, alongside all Directors, Assistant Directors, and Chief Research Officers of the Council.

As an advisory body, the committee is expected to guide management on academic activities and initiatives.

By Aisar Fagge

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has called for collaboration with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to enhance and streamline educational research efforts in Nigeria.

Speaking during a visit to the NUC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, NERDC Executive Secretary, Prof. Salisu Shehu, stated that the visit was both a solidarity gesture and an opportunity to explore potential areas of cooperation.

He stated that through collaboration, both organizations could contribute to national development, particularly in research.

Prof. Shehu noted that NERDC’s responsibilities extend beyond coordinating educational research programs in Nigeria.

He noted that the Council also aims to “identify educational problems in Nigeria in which research is needed and then, establish the order of priority therefrom.”

He further stressed the benefits of NERDC’s role as a repository of groundbreaking research in education, adding that such research should influence public policy.

According to him, “by our mandate, NERDC is supposed to serve as a repository of groundbreaking research in education. Such researches are supposed to inform public policies in the education sector through NERDC as the think tank of the Nigeria education. But this mandate has not been fully activated and critical findings from the faculties of education in our ivory towers are not reckoned with in the process of policy formulation in the education sector.

“I believe that, through an effective collaboration, we can harness the efforts of universities in educational research to improve our educational system. NERDC would want to see how we can work with your Commission to get this operational.”

Prof. Shehu also pointed out that NERDC is the only agency under the Federal Ministry of Education with a mandate that spans all levels of the education sector.

He identified curriculum development as another key area for collaboration and advocated for a platform where NERDC could regularly engage with deans of faculties of education and curriculum planners.

He explained that such engagements would better prepare future teachers by exposing them to curriculum frameworks, structures, philosophies, and implementation strategies.

Lamenting the shortage of qualified teachers for some trade areas, he stated that “in-spite of the implementation of the curriculum which began in 2011, we are still faced with the challenge of lack of qualified teachers in some of the trade areas; that we need the universities to fill this gap for the good of the nation. He added that the Council engages Professors as significant resource persons in our curriculum development, and hence, NUC can plan very strategic roles in this regard.”

Furthermore, he disclosed that the NERDC had developed the National Language Policy to preserve and promote Nigerian languages for economic growth and national development.

He also reiterated the need for collaboration between NERDC and NUC to ensure the effective implementation of the policy’s provisions.

In response, NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, acknowledged that it would be beneficial between both organizations, particularly in research for national development.

According to Prof. Ribadu, “NUC, NERDC, TETFUND and NRF need to collaborate in the areas of research, share resources, harness ideas together for efficiency in research delivery in order to avoid duplicity of works and waste of scarce resources.”

He also praised NERDC’s contributions to language development and the preservation of indigenous Nigerian languages, noting that such efforts had helped prevent some languages from going extinct.

Prof. Ribadu assured NERDC of NUC’s readiness to collaborate, stating that he had taken note of the concerns raised and that the commission was committed to supporting the Council in the necessary areas of partnership.

The meeting was attended by senior management officials from both NERDC and NUC.

By Uzair Adam 

Kano State Government has approved Friday, 28th February 2025, as the official date for the second-term vacation for all day and boarding public and private primary and post-primary schools in the state.  

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, the Director of Public Enlightenment at the State Ministry of Education.  

According to the statement, “Parents and guardians of pupils and students in boarding schools are expected to convey their wards home by the early hours of Friday, 28th February 2025.”  

It further clarified that “boarding school pupils and students are to resume on Sunday, 6th April 2025, while day students are to resume on Monday, 7th April 2025.”  

The statement also quoted the Commissioner for Education, Dr Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, urging parents and guardians to comply with the resumption dates.  

“I urge all parents and guardians to adhere strictly to the resumption dates, as any student who fails to comply will face appropriate disciplinary action,” said Makoda.  

The commissioner appreciated the cooperation and support given to the ministry and wished the students and pupils a successful and hitch-free Ramadan holiday.