News

By Fatima Badawi

The Department of English and Literary Studies at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), successfully convened a two-day National Conference to critically examine and celebrate the prolific, well-grounded and giant literary works of the literary guru, Professor Aliyu Kamal, one of the Northern Nigeria’s most influential literary figures.

Held at the University’s Main Campus under the theme “Interdisciplinary perspectives on the works of Aliyu Kamal,” the conference attracted a diverse gathering of academics, writers, students, and family members of the prolific English author.

The event served as a significant platform to re-evaluate Kamal’s contributions to Nigerian literature and his unique portrayal of the socio-cultural dynamics of Northern Nigeria, which some view as Islamic genre.

The opening ceremony was chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Professor Haruna Musa, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Development, Professor Amina Abubakar. In his address, the Vice-Chancellor commended the department for its initiative, stating that “Aliyu Kamal’s works are not merely stories; they are cultural archives that document the complexities, the joys, and the challenges of our society. This conference is a vital step in preserving our intellectual heritage, and it will pave way to getting a Nobel Laureate, starting from home.”

The keynote address was delivered by the renowned literary scholar, Professor Sani Abba Aliyu, mni. In a compelling presentation were he maintained that
Kamal possessed an uncanny ability to weave intricate tales that are simultaneously local and can equally be regarded as universal. His characters grapple with issues of modernity, tradition, governance, religion and personal identity in a way that resonates deeply across the Northern Nigerian landscape. He gave a distinct voice to the Northern Nigerian experience, ensuring it was an integral part of the national literary conversation.

Over the course of the conference, multiple lead papers featured presentations from scholars from various universities across the country. Papers explored diverse aspects of Kamal’s oeuvre, including feminist readings of his female characters, post-colonial interpretations of his narratives, stylistic and metaphorical analyses of his use of language, the Islamic genre and the philosophical underpinnings of his themes.

The Head of the Department of English and Literary Studies, Dr. A’isha Umar, in her remarks, described the conference as a resounding success. “Our objective was to ignite a renewed scholarly interest in Aliyu Kamal and to introduce his rich legacy to a new generation of students. We expect an overwhelming participation and the quality of discussions today and in the remaining days of the conference. This is not an end, but a beginning of a more sustained engagement with his works.”

Some of the participants urged that the papers presented should be compiled and published in an edited volume, ensuring that the critical insights generated would contribute to future scholarship on Nigerian literature. The event firmly re-established Aliyu Kamal’s position as a cornerstone of the nation’s literary canon.

The conference is still ongoing and it is expected to finish next Thursday.

By Uzair Adam

A Chief Magistrate Court sitting at Gyadi Gyadi in Kano has vacated an earlier order that led to the closure of Prime College, a private secondary school in the state.

Presiding Magistrate, Fauziyya Sheshe, on Monday directed the immediate reopening of the school, clarifying that the Kano State Private and Voluntary Education Board (PVIB) had misinterpreted her earlier ruling.

The Daily Reality gathered that on September 16, the court had issued a perpetual injunction in a suit filed by PVIB against Prime College, pending the hearing of a motion on notice scheduled for October 7, 2025.

Magistrate Sheshe explained that she had now vacated any restrictions arising from the earlier order, stressing that the school was free to operate.

She said the decision was based on an application filed by the State Counsel and her own discretion.

The legal team representing Prime College had appeared in court on Monday to challenge the legality of the “perpetual orders” earlier obtained against the institution.

The dispute traces back to a July 2025 announcement by Prime College of fee adjustments for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The school cited inflation and the need to sustain quality teaching and infrastructure, assuring parents of flexible payment plans and that no student would be denied education for inability to pay.

While the management claimed that more than 94 percent of parents complied with the new rates, fewer than 20 parents rejected the increment and petitioned PVIB, describing the move as exploitative.

Following the petition, PVIB Executive Secretary, Malam Baba Abubakar Umar, visited the school with some parents and set up an interim PTA committee of eight parents and five teachers.

The committee voted in support of the fee hike, but PVIB later declared the process inconclusive and directed a reversal of the increment.

The management of Prime College alleged that attempts to dialogue with PVIB were met with “abuse, denigration, and public embarrassment.”

On September 17, the school was served with a court order halting implementation of the new fees and suspending operations.

However, the following day, September 18, media reports suggested that the school had been completely shut down — a claim the school described as a misinterpretation of the court’s directive.

With Monday’s ruling, Prime College has been cleared to reopen immediately, pending further hearing on the substantive suit.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle and senior staff posting in the state civil service as part of efforts to strengthen governance and improve service delivery across key ministries.

In a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the Governor directed the redeployment of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr.

Haruna Isa Dederi, to the Ministry of Transport. Similarly, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Barr. Mustapha Nuruddeen Muhammad, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Environment as Permanent Secretary.

The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, who has been serving in an acting capacity at the Ministry of Transport, will now return to her substantive ministry.

Governor Yusuf instructed all officials affected by the changes to hand over to the most senior officers in their respective ministries.

The handing over and taking over exercise is to be concluded immediately, effective from Tuesday, September 23, 2025, before the close of business.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to accountability, efficiency, and purposeful leadership, the Governor said the reshuffle was designed to maximize capacity, align responsibilities, and ensure that government delivers effectively on its mandate to the people of Kano State.

He urged the newly redeployed officials to work with dedication and called on government staff to extend maximum cooperation to them in the discharge of their duties.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Italy is witnessing widespread labour unrest as dockworkers, unions, and students have launched strikes and demonstrations to protest the shipment of weapons to Israel amid the Gaza conflict.

In Ravenna, Mayor Alessandro Barattoni and local authorities stopped two trucks carrying explosives meant for Haifa, citing solidarity with Palestinians and concerns over loopholes allowing arms transit through Italy.

In Genova, dockworkers participating in a strike have blocked access roads to the port and rallied under the banner of preventing Italian ports from facilitating arms transfers. Similar protests are underway in Livorno. Public transportation services have been disrupted in cities such as Rome and Milan, and several schools have been closed.

Unions are demanding that the Italian government suspend both commercial and military cooperation with Israel, close legal loopholes related to transit of arms, lift any humanitarian blockade on Gaza, and formally recognise the State of Palestine.

The protests highlight increasing internal tensions in Italy’s politics, especially under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, which has traditionally aligned more with Israel diplomatically. Observers suggest the strike actions test if citizen and labour moral pressure can influence the government to curb arms exports and transit.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a significant gesture of goodwill, the European-American University (EAU) has formally extended an offer to award genuine honorary degrees to Nigerian celebrities, including popular Hausa singer Dauda Kahutu Rarara, who were recently victimised by fraudsters.

This development follows a widely publicised incident in Abuja, where impostors falsely claiming to represent the university organised a sham ceremony and presented fake honorary degrees.

In an official statement, the university confirmed it has reported the fraudulent event to the Nigerian Police for investigation. The EAU stated it believes the recipients, who also include Alhaji Ahmed Saleh jnr, Mustapha Abdullahi Bujawa, and Tarela Boroh, were “innocent victims” who acted in good faith.

The university has now invited the individuals to contact its Nigerian representative, Professor Luke Okojie, to begin a proper validation process. Subject to their consent and a review of their credentials by the university’s Honorary Degrees Committee, they will be awarded legitimate degrees at the EAU’s official Nigerian convocation this November.

The university explicitly stated that no fees will be required throughout the process, a point emphasised to distance its legitimate operations from the actions of the scammers.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Hisbah Board says it has stopped a human trafficking attempt involving four women who were to be moved from Kano to Lagos, Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana before being smuggled to Saudi Arabia.

Deputy Commander-General of Hisbah, Dr. Mujahideen Aminudeen, confirmed the operation in a statement on Monday.

He said Hisbah operatives intercepted the traffickers on Sunday along Zaria Road.

The prime suspect, Bashir Sani Ibrahim, was arrested by Hisbah personnel, Muhammadul Bashir.

The victims include Harira Muhammad, 30, from Jigawa; Sailuba Ibrahim, 30, and Rakiya Umar, 30, both from Kano; and Hadiza Muhammad, 35, from Yobe.

According to Dr. Aminudeen, each of the women had already paid N2 million, with an agreement to pay another N1.5 million when their visas were processed.

“Altogether, each one was expected to pay 3.5 million,” he said.

He warned Nigerians against falling for such schemes.

“People are deceived and their money is taken. When they arrive abroad, they don’t know whose hands they will fall into.

“Some are forced into prostitution, others into drug trafficking. Many regret the decision for the rest of their lives,” he cautioned.

Dr. Aminudeen advised that such huge sums could be used to start businesses at home. “If you have N2 million or N3.5 million, that is enough capital for a legitimate trade,” he said.

He added that Hisbah has handed over the suspects and the victims’ documents to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation.

By Anwar Usman

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has promised to implement the findings of the Fact-Finding Committee on Incessant Attacks, Killings and Destruction in the state in the last 20 years.

Gov Mutfwang had, in May 2025, inaugurated a 10-member panel to unravel the causes of the incessant violence in the state since 2001.

The committee had on Wednesday submitted the report of their findings to the governor, where they revealed that over 11, 000 people were killed in two decades of crisis in the state.

The ten-member pannel also revealed that no fewer than 420 communities across 13 local government areas had been attacked between 2001 and 2025.

The governor, commenting on the report while hosting members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors at the Government House Jos, assured that the government would ensure justice for the victims.

Muftwang, who vowed to implement the recommendations of the report, also promised to submit it to President Bola Tinubu.

By Muhammad Abubakar

In a historic diplomatic shift, the governments of Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom have formally recognised the State of Palestine. The announcement, made in a joint statement on Sunday, marks a significant moment in international support for Palestinian statehood.

Leaders of the three countries said the recognition was aimed at advancing a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, reaffirming their commitment to a two-state solution. They urged both Israel and Palestine to return to negotiations and called for an immediate halt to violence in the region.

The move has been welcomed by Palestinian officials, who described it as a “courageous step towards justice and self-determination.” However, Israel has expressed strong opposition, warning that such recognition could undermine peace efforts.

The decision by three of the world’s most influential Western nations is expected to increase pressure on other countries to follow suit, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the global stage.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State Police Command has apprehended two men linked to a case of armed robbery and attempted murder that took place in Lagos State.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Saturday.

According to him, “The Kano State Police Command has achieved a significant breakthrough in a recent case of armed robbery and attempted murder, thanks to its robust intelligence and community collaboration.

“On September 11, 2025, the command’s tactical operatives, acting on intelligence, arrested two suspects at Na’ibawa Quarters, Kano. They are: Mathew Adewole, 25, of Na’ibawa Quarters, and Mukhtar Muhammad, 31, of Unguwa Uku Quarters, Kano.”

Haruna explained that during questioning, one of the suspects, Adewole, admitted to attacking a Lagos resident identified as Lil-Kesh at Bera Estate, Chevron, on August 19, 2025. The victim reportedly suffered severe injuries, including a deep cut on the neck.

“The suspect forced the victim to transfer N2,120,000 from his account via mobile phone to Mukhtar Muhammad’s account,” the police spokesman added.

He further stated that in compliance with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Command had been intensifying its intelligence operations while also strengthening community policing and security partnerships to counter criminal groups.

The suspects have since been transferred to the Lagos State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, praised the officers for their professionalism and acknowledged the support of residents.

He assured the public that the police would continue to work with other security agencies to sustain safety across the state.

“The command remains committed to maintaining law and order, working closely with other security agencies and stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to combating crime,” the statement noted.

Armed robbery has continued to pose a major security challenge in Nigeria, often cutting across state borders.

The Kano Command had earlier reported the arrest of three suspected robbers linked to a case in Abuja where a stolen vehicle was recovered.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid a glowing tribute to his wife, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as she marks her 65th birthday today.

In a heartfelt message, the President described the First Lady as “the love of my life” and praised her for being a steadfast partner through years of struggle, political exile, and leadership.

“You are more than my wife. You are my confidant, counsellor, and the steady flame illuminating my path,” Tinubu wrote, noting that their children and grandchildren see in her a model of compassion and faith, while Nigerians recognise her as a symbol of strength and grace.

The President lauded Mrs Tinubu’s quiet sacrifices, describing her as someone who has served Nigeria not from the podium but from the heart of their home.

“As your husband, I thank God for your life, health, and unwavering love. As your President, I salute you as the First Lady whose warmth and empathy continue to touch millions of lives,” he stated.

Tinubu concluded with a personal message of love and gratitude, calling her presence in his life a “treasure.”

The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, a former senator, is marking her milestone birthday with prayers and family celebrations.