Education

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The management of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila has rusticated nine students over their involvement in examination malpractice during the first semester examinations of the 2025/2026 academic session.

The decision was announced in a Special Bulletin issued by the university’s Registry following the approval of the institution’s Senate after reviewing reported cases of examination misconduct and plagiarism.

According to the bulletin, the affected students were found guilty of violating the university’s examination regulations. As a result, the Senate approved their rustication for one academic session as part of disciplinary measures to maintain academic integrity.

The university management said the action reflects its commitment to promoting honesty, discipline, and fairness within the academic environment.

It also reiterated that examination malpractice and all forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Students were therefore urged to strictly adhere to examination rules and regulations, with the management emphasising that integrity remains central to the institution’s mission of producing morally upright and academically sound graduates.

Members of the university community were advised to take note of the Senate’s decision and continue to uphold the core values of the institution.

By Uzair Adam

A Nigerian researcher working in France has developed a new biological concept that could help cereal crops obtain nitrogen from the atmosphere without genetic modification, potentially reducing reliance on costly synthetic fertilizers.

Dr. Mubarak Mahmud, a researcher at French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE) and affiliated with Université Bourgogne Europe under its Agroecology research unit, disclosed this in an interview on Thursday.

Mahmud said the study focuses on improving nitrogen nutrition in cereal crops such as maize, wheat and rice by strengthening naturally occurring interactions between plants and soil organisms.

The Daily Reality reports that Nitrogen is widely considered the most limiting nutrient in cereal production globally. Although nitrogen gas constitutes nearly 78 percent of the earth’s atmosphere, major cereal crops cannot directly use it in its gaseous form.

As a result, farmers depend heavily on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers to maintain crop yields. However, the fertilizers are expensive and are associated with environmental challenges including greenhouse gas emissions, soil degradation and water pollution.

Mahmud explained that while leguminous crops such as beans can access atmospheric nitrogen through root nodules that host nitrogen-fixing bacteria, cereals lack this biological mechanism.

According to him, the research explores whether cereal crops can indirectly benefit from atmospheric nitrogen by strengthening existing soil symbiotic relationships.

The study centres on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, microscopic soil organisms that colonize plant roots and form underground networks capable of transporting nutrients to plants.

These fungi are already known to assist plants in absorbing nutrients such as phosphorus in exchange for sugars produced by the plant.

Mahmud said the research hypothesizes that nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil could be linked to these fungal networks, allowing biologically fixed nitrogen to move through the fungal pathway into the plant.

“In practical terms, nitrogen-fixing microbes convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable compounds, while the fungal network serves as a biological bridge between the soil and plant roots,” he explained.

“This allows the plant to receive nitrogen through the fungus’s existing nutrient exchange pathway.”

He emphasized that the approach does not involve genetic modification but instead builds on natural biological partnerships already present in agricultural soils.

Unlike conventional microbial biofertilizers that rely on bacteria operating freely in the soil, Mahmud said the concept aims to improve how biologically fixed nitrogen is directed toward the plant through the already efficient plant–fungus nutrient delivery system.

The research is still in its early stages and is currently being tested under controlled experimental conditions. Scientists involved in the study are examining how nitrogen moves within the system and how plants respond when synthetic fertilizer inputs are reduced.

Mahmud said if validated through greenhouse and field trials, the concept could improve nitrogen-use efficiency in cereal production, reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers and lower production costs for farmers.

“This approach builds on biological partnerships that already exist in nature. The goal is to enhance how crops access nitrogen in a more efficient and sustainable way,” he stated.

He added that the research team is seeking collaboration with research institutions, soil microbiologists, agronomists and biotechnology partners interested in advancing sustainable nitrogen solutions for cereal farming systems.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Polytechnic Bauchi has dismissed a circular circulating on social media which claims to impose restrictions on male and female students during the Ramadan period.

In a statement signed by Tanimu Ibrahim Gambo, ACEO, Public Relations, on behalf of the Registrar, the school management said the document is false and did not originate from the Office of the Registrar or any official channel of the school.

“The attention of the Management of the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi has been drawn to a malicious and misleading circular currently circulating on social media platforms, said to have been issued from the Office of the Registrar of the Polytechnic.”

The statement also rejected the claims contained in the document, stressing that they are unfounded.

“The said circular, which makes spurious claims regarding restrictions on male and female students during the month of Ramadan, is entirely false, baseless, and did not emanate from the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi or any of its officials.”

The institution further clarified its position on student interactions and religious inclusiveness. It explained that it remains a co-educational federal institution that allows proper academic and social engagement within laid-down rules. It also noted that it accommodates people from different religious and cultural backgrounds and does not enforce any single religious practice in its policies.

Management added that neither the Registrar nor any official of the Polytechnic would issue such a directive. It urged members of the public, including students, parents, and stakeholders, to ignore the circular completely. The statement described it as the work of individuals who intend to damage the reputation of the institution.

It also advised the public to always confirm information through the Polytechnic’s official communication channels.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has announced plans to bring back soft loan schemes for teachers in the state. The initiative will target primary and secondary school teachers, with support for housing, vehicles, and motorcycles.

The governor made this known on Tuesday during the commissioning of 12,779 pieces of furniture for schools across the state. The items are meant for both teachers and students.

At the ceremony held in Birnin Kebbi, Idris said his administration remains committed to improving the welfare of teachers.

He said, “The government of Kebbi will continue to look into the plights of our teachers.

“In-Sha-Allah, by this year, 2026, we will come up with a package that teachers of primary and post-primary schools will benefit from.

“We shall soon come up with a soft loan package for teachers, this will cover: car loan, motorcycle loan and house loan, among others.

“This is with a view to giving our teachers a sense of belonging.”

The governor also stated that teachers would no longer be treated as second-class citizens. He noted that the provision of furniture forms part of efforts to improve conditions in schools across the state.

Idris said his government is determined to provide a suitable environment for teaching and learning. He added that the furniture distribution complements ongoing construction and renovation projects in schools.

“I want to assure the good people of Kebbi that this is just the beginning; we will continue to provide this kind of furniture for both teachers and students,” he stated.

He further directed that the furniture should be shared equally between the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Universal Basic Education Board.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Halima Bande, commended the governor for his commitment to education and other sectors of the economy.

While expressing appreciation, she said, “We are happy for the projects you have been executing not only for education but across all sectors of the economy.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has stated that candidates are not asked to remove their hijabs during registration for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The clarification followed a viral video that sparked concerns over alleged discrimination against Muslim candidates at Afe Babalola University.

In the video shared by a social media user, AsakyGRN, a man complained about the treatment his sister received at a registration centre.

“I followed my sister to the JAMB centre to collect her form. She was told to remove her hijab before she could be captured,” the man said.

“After the capturing, they asked her to sign an undertaking for wearing a hijab. Are Muslims now being discriminated against for wearing hijabs?”

Reacting in a statement posted on its X platform on Saturday, JAMB explained that it has never issued any directive banning the use of hijabs during registration.

The examination body noted that, as part of biometric requirements used worldwide, candidates are expected to have their ears visible during photograph capture for identification purposes.

“This requirement is purely technical and is intended to ensure that proper facial recognition and identification do not require the candidate to remove her hijab,” the board said.

JAMB also addressed the incident at the university. It said the candidate’s religious belief was respected throughout the process.

“She was requested to formally state in writing that she personally chose not to comply with the guideline regarding ear visibility, so that the record would accurately reflect the circumstances and prevent future misrepresentation,” the board said.

“She obliged and was successfully captured, albeit after considerable time and effort.

“For clarity, candidates are not required to remove their hijab. The simple requirement is that the ears be visible during photo capture, which can be done without removing the hijab itself.

“This is a standard biometric procedure, similar to what is obtained during passport or visa applications at embassies worldwide.”

The board urged members of the public to avoid spreading misleading information and encouraged them to seek proper clarification when necessary.

JAMB also reaffirmed its commitment to respecting the rights and religious beliefs of all candidates, regardless of their background.

By Uzair Adam

The push to equip Nigerian students with practical skills for a rapidly evolving global economy received a boost on Wednesday as the Junior Achievement Nigeria paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to deepen collaboration on entrepreneurship and experiential learning.

The Daily Reality reports that the delegation, led by the Chief Executive Officer of Junior Achievement Nigeria, Olaolu Akogun, met with the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, at the council’s headquarters on Monday.

The visit underscored a shared commitment to embedding enterprise education and innovation-driven learning within Nigeria’s national curriculum framework.

Mr. Akogun was accompanied by the organisation’s Programme Specialist, Ndepawe Jonah Kwghe, and other officials.

They were received by Prof. Shehu alongside the Head of Policy and Programmes Unit, Dr. Famade Oladiran; the Special Assistant (Technical) to the Executive Secretary, Dr. Garba Gandu; and the Head of Curriculum Development Centre (CDC), Dr. Chima Egbujuo.

Discussions centred on forging a strategic partnership to advance entrepreneurship education, financial literacy, work readiness and innovation-focused learning for students across the country.

Both institutions stressed the importance of aligning educational content with global best practices while remaining responsive to Nigeria’s socio-economic realities.

In his remarks, Prof. Shehu reaffirmed NERDC’s resolve to enrich the national curriculum with practical and future-oriented competencies that would empower learners to become self-reliant and productive citizens.

He commended Junior Achievement Nigeria for what he described as its impactful programmes designed to equip young people with entrepreneurial and leadership skills.

Mr. Akogun, in his response, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reiterated his organisation’s readiness to collaborate with NERDC in integrating structured entrepreneurship and enterprise education modules into the national curriculum.

The meeting concluded with both parties pledging closer cooperation in driving innovative educational reforms aimed at preparing Nigerian students to thrive in a dynamic and competitive global economy.

By Bashir Uba Ibrahim, PhD 

“I have learned that people forget what you said, people forget what you did, but people will never forget what you made them feel”, Maya Angelou (1928-2014). 

Prof. Umma Abdulwahid Dabi is the kind of person captured by the above quote. Prof. was not just a scholar of high repute, but also an academic mentor to hundreds of academics. My last meeting with Prof. Umma was about two weeks ago, during our 3rd convocation speech-writing sub-committee meeting. 

“Mommy”, as we fondly used to call her, would admonish us to always utilise our intellectual rigour in our academic engagements. She always used to tell me that Bashir, you still have time to be mentored on academic engagements, as you are very young. She was also always challenging us on community development services, especially in her dear state, Jigawa. 

It is an understatement to say that Prof. Umma is one of the most patriotic indigenes of Jigawa State, and of her local community (Ringim) in particular. When I brought her the idea of reviving the moribund Ringim Indigenous Students Association (RISA) in SLUK and serving as its grand patron, she enthusiastically welcomed it.

Mommy is a humanist par excellence, as she is often called “Uwar Marayu” for her philanthropic gestures. Her home is heaven for the children of the have-nots who couldn’t afford to live during their school life. As a psychologist, she also used to offer counselling and psychological therapy to students, especially females. 

I can remember the story of one of our brilliant female students in the Department of English and Literary Studies, SLUK, who had a first-class CGPA. When she moved on in her academic pursuit, her performance drastically reduced due to the depression she found herself overwhelmed by. So, her coordinator took her to Mommy. Mommy graciously offered her free accommodation in her house, along with free feeding and psychological therapy, until the student stabilised. Thus, Mommy was not only a scholar, but also a promoter of girl-child education, a mentor, a counsellor, and a psychological therapist. 

Prof. Umma met her final days on her way back from Kaduna along the Kano-Kaduna Road in a fatal car accident. The death of Mommy is indeed an irreparable loss not only to Ringim but to SLUK and Jigawa State. We pray for Allah to forgive her shortcomings and grant her Jannatul Firdaus. 

Postscript

The group picture was taken last year when I accompanied the EXCOS of the Ringim Indigenous Students Association (RISA) SLUK Chapter to her office to solicit her to serve as the grand patron of the union, which she gladly accepted.

Today marked a poignant and memorable milestone in Nigerian history as hundreds of students, dignitaries, scholars, veterans and guests from within and outside Kano converged at Bayero University, Kano for the 50-year Commemoration Symposium organised by Rundunar Kishin Kano (RKK) — also known as the Kano Patriotic Front. The event was held in honour and remembrance of the late General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, the former Head of State whose leadership left an indelible impact on Nigeria’s governance and national identity.
Punch Newspapers

The symposium, convened on the anniversary of General Murtala’s assassination on 13 February 1976, brought together a diverse audience, including university dons, students, political leaders, community figures and patriotic Nigerians who came to reflect on and celebrate the life, leadership philosophy and enduring legacy of one of the country’s most revered leaders.

In his opening remarks, the Convener of the event and National Coordinator of RKK, Major General Ibrahim Sani (rtd) received widespread praise for spearheading a well-executed and inspirational program that resonated deeply with all present. The event was noted for its meticulous planning, vibrant energy and strong turnout — a testament to both General Murtala’s continued relevance and RKK’s organizational capacity.

“General Murtala Ramat Muhammed remains one of the most powerful voices of integrity and reform in our national memory,” General Ibrahim declared. “Today, we do not only remember the man, but we recommit ourselves to the values he championed — patriotism, leadership with integrity and unwavering service to our nation.” The address set a reflective and aspirational tone for the day’s activities.

The symposium featured a range of speeches, video show, purposeful discussions and academic reflections on the late Head of State’s life and leadership. Distinguished speakers shared insights on his role in reshaping Nigeria’s civil service, tackling corruption, restoring national discipline and positioning the country as a principled voice on the global stage — contributions widely acknowledged as foundational to the modern Nigerian state.

Students from various faculties at Bayero University actively participated in the discussions, underscoring the relevance of historical leadership lessons for the country’s youth.

Special prayers were offered for the repose of General Murtala’s soul and for the nation’s continued unity and progress.

Guests attending from outside Kano described the symposium as “inspiring and deeply moving,” highlighting the significance of such platforms in preserving Nigeria’s historical consciousness and encouraging cross-generational dialogue.

As Nigeria commemorates this golden jubilee of General Murtala’s legacy, events like today’s symposium reflect a broader national effort to celebrate and critically engage with the leadership ideals that have shaped the nation’s trajectory.

About General Murtala Ramat Muhammed:
General Murtala Ramat Muhammed was Nigeria’s Head of State from July 1975 until his assassination in February 1976. Though his tenure was brief, his leadership remains celebrated for decisive reforms that revitalised the civil service, strengthened national governance and anchored Nigeria’s international stance on justice, Pan-African solidarity and anti-colonial advocacy.

The successful commemoration by RKK at Bayero University stands as a fitting tribute to a leader whose legacy continues to inspire Nigerians five decades after his passing.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Abba Kabir Yusuf has relieved Engr. Buba Galadima of his position as Chairman of the Governing Council of Kano State Polytechnic.

The decision was announced in a statement issued on Saturday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

In his place, the Governor approved the appointment of the Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, Emir of Gaya, as the new Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council.

According to the statement, the removal followed a restructuring process aimed at aligning the Polytechnic with the administration’s Kano First Agenda and ongoing reforms to enhance institutional performance. Although members of the Governing Council are expected to serve a three-year tenure, Galadima’s appointment was terminated before its expiration as part of the reform measures.

Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to Galadima for his contributions during his tenure and urged the new Chairman to deploy his experience and leadership in repositioning the Polytechnic for improved academic and administrative excellence.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

An Indian teacher and activist, Rouble Nagi, has won the $1 million Global Teacher Prize for her groundbreaking work in bringing education to marginalized communities across India. The award was presented on Thursday at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, an event that attracts leaders from around the world.

Nagi, founder of the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, has established over 800 learning centers in India. These centers provide structured education for children who have never attended school and supplement learning for those already enrolled. She also paints educational murals across slum walls, teaching literacy, science, mathematics, and history.

Accepting the award, Nagi said the recognition was not just for her but for India. She recalled starting 24 years ago with 30 children in a small workshop, and now reaching over a million children.

> “I think every step has just motivated me, inspired me to take every child in India to school,” Nagi said. “You know when I was a child it was my dream to see every child at school and as you grow up fulfilling that for as many as we can reach, I think it’s a very humbling experience.”



Sunny Varkey, founder of the Varkey Foundation, which awards the prize, praised Nagi’s dedication.

> “Rouble Nagi represents the very best of what teaching can be – courage, creativity, compassion, and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential,” Varkey said. “By bringing education to the most marginalized communities, she has not only changed individual lives, but strengthened families and communities.”



Nagi plans to use the $1 million prize to establish an institute that will offer free vocational training. UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, Stefania Giannini, added that Nagi’s recognition highlights the crucial role teachers play in shaping lives.

> “Teachers matter,” Giannini said. “We are honoured to join the Global Teacher Prize in celebrating teachers like you, who, through patience, determination, and belief in every learner, help children into school — an act that can change the course of a life.”



Nagi is the tenth recipient of the Global Teacher Prize since it was established in 2015. Past winners include educators from Kenya, Palestine, Canada, and Saudi Arabia, all recognized for their efforts to improve access to education in challenging environments.

Her work continues to inspire and redefine what is possible in education for underserved communities worldwide.