Alhaji Aminu Dantata

By Uzair Adam

The Vice-Chancellor of Northwest University, Kano, Professor Muktar Atiku Kurawa, has announced that the institution will host its second combined convocation ceremony from Friday, July 25 to Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Professor Kurawa described the event as a significant milestone in the university’s development.

He noted that the convocation would cover five academic sessions, from 2018/2019 to 2023/2024, and will include both undergraduate and postgraduate graduands.

The Daily Reality reports that this marks the first convocation for the university’s postgraduate students, following the commencement of its postgraduate programmes in 2021.

Highlighting the uniqueness of this year’s convocation, the Vice-Chancellor revealed that Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I, a retired Supreme Court Justice, will be installed as the new Chancellor of the university.

As part of the ceremony, the university will confer honorary doctorate degrees on notable Nigerians who have significantly contributed to its growth and progress.

Among them is Engineer Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State and founder of the university and its sister institution, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil.

Other recipients of the honorary doctorate include philanthropist Hajiya Maryam Sunusi Dantata, the late Alhaji Aminu Dantata (to be honoured posthumously), Alhaji Aliyu Sa’idu Bebeji, proprietor of Aliko Oil, and Alhaji Adamu Yahya (popularly known as A.Y Maikifi).

“These individuals have supported the university since inception and have been instrumental in promoting its mission. We obtained Senate approval to honour them accordingly,” Professor Kurawa stated.

A pre-convocation lecture is scheduled for Friday, July 25, at the university’s City Campus, to be delivered by Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission.

The event will be chaired by the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad.Speaking on institutional development, Professor Kurawa disclosed that the university has grown from five to nine faculties, with a tenth — the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies — currently under review by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Plans are also underway to establish a Faculty of Allied Health Sciences offering programs in Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Radiography, Physiotherapy, and related fields.

The Vice-Chancellor also confirmed that the university has reverted to its original name, Northwest University, Kano, following a bill signed by the Governor of Kano State on December 25, 2024.

Describing the institution as “first among equals,” Professor Kurawa emphasized that the university is progressing steadily and remains competitive nationally.

He added that the number of students to be convocated is yet to be finalized but assured that a breakdown by session will be released in due course.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has paid a courtesy visit to Professor S.A.S. Galadanci in Kano, describing the meeting as both inspirational and encouraging.

Ribadu, who was in the city to offer condolences to the Dantata family, took the opportunity to visit Prof. Galadanci, the second Nigerian ever appointed as Adviser on National Security—then known by that title.

In a post shared on his social media handle, Ribadu referred to Prof. Galadanci as a “pacesetter” in the field of national security and a father figure with longstanding ties to his family.

“I was humbled by his confidence in our modest efforts and his profuse prayers for me and our country,” Ribadu wrote.

The visit, he said, provided valuable lessons and motivation as he continues in his current role.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Renowned U.S.-based Islamic scholar Dr. Yasir Qadhi has paid a heartfelt tribute to Nigerian business mogul and philanthropist Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, who passed away at the age of 94.

In a message shared via his social media platforms, Dr. Qadhi described Dantata as “a shining star and a legendary icon” in Nigeria, praising his humility, honesty, and lifelong commitment to philanthropy.

“He was one of the most successful entrepreneurs and business tycoons in Africa,” Dr. Qadhi wrote. “Yet everyone knew him to be a humble and honest man… ever-ready to help others less fortunate, never greedy for more.”

Recalling a recent meeting with Dantata in Nigeria, Qadhi shared the late businessman’s parting words of wisdom: “Honesty! Always, be truthful and sincere, and leave the rest to Allah.”

Alhaji Dantata, who declined a political appointment, was never involved in a scandal and was laid to rest in the revered Baqi al-Gharqad cemetery in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

“Such men are very rare indeed,” Qadhi noted, praying for Allah’s mercy upon him and for his legacy to continue through his progeny.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Al-Qalam University Katsina has announced that thirteen of its academic programmes have received full accreditation status from the National Universities Commission (NUC), following a visitation in November 2024.

The accredited programmes span the Colleges of Humanities, Education, and Natural and Applied Sciences. 

According to a report released by the NUC, this development means that all degree programmes offered by the university now enjoy full accreditation.

The university expressed gratitude to the Katsina Islamic Foundation—its founders—as well as its Chancellor, Malam Aminu Alhassan Dantata, and members of the Board of Trustees and Governing Council for their support. 

The statement also appreciated the contributions of staff, students, and parents in achieving this milestone.

“This achievement reflects our collective dedication and the growing confidence in our institution,” the management said.

By Muhammad Sabiu

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has named Aliko Dangote, his uncle Aminu Dantata, and Abdulsamad Rabi’u to the state Zakkat and Hubsi Commission on Wednesday.

Zakkat means a Muslim’s obligation to donate a particular percentage of their wealth to charitable causes each year.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, made a declaration on the subject.
Dr AbdulMutallab Ahmed, commissioner I, and Dr Lawi Sheikh Atiq, commissioner II, are the Commission’s other members.

Following the approval of the Kano State Executive Council, the Board of Kano Zakkat and Hubsi Commission was reorganized, with Dr Ibrahim Mu’azzam Maibushira as Executive Chairman.

Representatives from the state’s five Emirate Councils, the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, as well as the Kurmi, Rimi, Kwari, and Singer markets, are among the other members.

The council also approved the formation of the Committee for Screening of International Islamic Organizations.

By Uzair Adam Imam

One of the renowned businessmen and philanthropists in Nigeria, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, has said that the current system of government has failed Nigeria.

Dantata stated this when he received a condolence visit by the Northern Elders Forum over the death of Sani Dangote and Othman Bashir Tofa.

He added that there is a need for a collaborative effort by the elders in order to bring to an end the disturbing multiple problems facing the country.

“You will agree with me that the Presidential system of government presently in operation has failed the nation; what we need now is to adopt the parliamentary system, which is less expensive,” he said.

Reports disclosed those on the entourage included General Sale Maina, Hakeem Baba Ahmed, President Coalition of Northern Groups, Nastura Shariff, Dr Sadiq Gombe, Hajiya Najaatu Mohammed, among others.

The Northern Elders Forum had also called on the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Deputy Governor Nasiru Gawuna, and Alhaji Yahya Hamma.