Jigawa State

Ramadan feeding: Misallocation of resources in Jigawa State

By Garba Sidi 

On Monday night, 27th January 2025, the Jigawa State Commissioner for Sports and Information announced to journalists that the State Executive Council approved the sum of ₦4.8 billion for the 2025 Ramadan Feeding Program.  

An estimated 2022 population survey indicated that Jigawa State has approximately 7,499,100 people, making it the eighth-largest state by population. Of this population, 45.2% are below the age of 15, while 49% are between 15 and 59. Females constitute the majority at 50.4%, compared to 49.6% males. Understanding these demographic trends is critical for addressing the state’s challenges.  

I oppose the State Council’s move because the state has many pressing issues that require far greater government attention than a Ramadan feeding program. These funds would be better spent addressing healthcare and education problems.  

According to the National Mass Education Programme Initiative (NMPI 2022), over half of the children (51.1%) aged 6–15 in Jigawa State do not attend school. Additionally, Jigawa is one of the poorest states in Nigeria, with a poverty rate of 87.02%, reflecting severe challenges across economic, health, and education sectors.  

To clarify the situation for Jigawa residents, we must examine how last year’s Ramadan feeding program was conducted. As the Commissioner for Sports and Information stated, the state government contributed 55% of the program’s funding, while local governments covered 45%.  

Jigawa has 27 local governments, each grappling with dozens of unresolved issues. Their grants are insufficient to address even a quarter of these problems, and their chairpersons have done little tangible work for the people’s well-being. If 45% of local government funds are diverted to Ramadan feeding, I doubt they will even have enough to pay workers’ salaries.  

Last year, 609 centres distributed food (Kosai [bean cake], Kunu [porridge], and Kolo rice) during Ramadan. This year, the government intends to increase the number of centres to 630, with each centre providing meals for 300 people daily. Multiplying 300 by 630 results in a total of 189,000 people fed each day. Over 20 days, this programme would reach 3,780,000 people.  

Let us compare this to the approximate population of each local government and the number of beneficiaries:  

Dutse 400,000  

Hadejia 350,000  

Kazaure  300,000  

Ringim 280,000  

Gumel  270,000  

Birnin Kudu 250,000  

Kafin Hausa 240,000  

Gwaram  230,000  

Jahun 220,000  

Gagarawa 210,000  

Maigatari 200,000  

Babura 190,000  

Guri 180,000  

Kiri Kasama 170,000  

Auyo 160,000  

Malam Madori 150,000  

Gwiwa 140,000  

Yankwashi 130,000  

Taura 120,000  

Roni 110,000  

Sule Tankarkar 100,000  

Garki 90,000  

Buji 80,000  

Kaugama 70,000  

Birniwa 60,000  

Kiri Kasamma 50,000  

Miga 40,000  

If this huge amount of money were budgeted for healthcare or education, all Jigawa residents would benefit. Everyone falls ill at some point, and education is essential for ensuring our children live as dignified humans—not animals.  

Garba Sidi wrote via sidihadejia@gmail.com.

Niger fuel tanker tragedy: A lesson yet to be learned

By Abubakar Musa Idris 

Tragedy struck again in Nigeria on Saturday as a devastating fuel tanker explosion claimed lives and left others injured, highlighting the alarming reoccurrence of such disasters.

Just last year, specifically on 15 October 2024, a fuel tanker in Majiya town, Jigawa State, erupted in flames after residents rushed out to scoop petrol from it. This tragic incident claimed the lives of over 150 people, leaving countless others injured and traumatised. Sadly, this year, we have witnessed another devastating fuel tanker accident in the Dikko area of Niger State, resulting in the loss of over 80 lives.

The frequency of these accidents raises a troubling question: Why do Nigerians continue to risk their lives by scooping fuel from tankers, despite the clear dangers? Is it a lack of awareness regarding the associated risks, or is it the harsh economic situation that compels people to take such drastic measures?

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria recorded over 300 fuel tanker accidents between 2020 and 2022. Alarmingly, the FRSC listed fuel tanker accidents as one of the leading causes of road crashes in 2020, resulting in more than 535 fatalities.

Experts attribute the persistence of fuel scooping to a combination of factors, including poverty, unemployment, and a lack of access to affordable fuel. “Many Nigerians are forced to scoop fuel due to economic necessity,” says Dr. Afolabi, a safety expert. “However, this practice is not only hazardous but also perpetuates a culture of recklessness.”

Regrettably, the recent fuel tanker accident in Nigeria is not an isolated incident. Just last year, a fuel tanker accident in Minna, Niger State, claimed the lives of over 50 individuals. In 2022, a fuel tanker crashed on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, resulting in 12 fatalities. Comparable incidents have taken place in Kaduna, leading to substantial loss of life and property. These recurring tragedies underscore the urgent need for action to tackle the root causes of fuel tanker accidents in Nigeria.

The dangers of fuel scooping are genuine and severe. The risks of explosions, fires, and spills are always present, and the consequences can be devastating.

The government and relevant stakeholders must take concrete steps to address this issue. One way to combat the menace of fuel scooping and ensure road safety is to launch targeted public education and awareness campaigns. 

 It is essential to launch targeted public education and awareness campaigns. These campaigns should concentrate on informing the public about the dangers of fuel scooping, the significance of road safety, and the repercussions of reckless behaviour. Raising awareness and fostering a culture of safety are vital steps towards reducing the frequency of fuel tanker accidents and saving lives.

Enhancing safety regulations is another critical strategy for preventing fuel scooping and ensuring accountability. Strengthening existing laws and regulations and enforcing stricter safety standards for fuel transportation, storage, and handling can help prevent accidents. This, in turn, reduces the risk of fuel tanker accidents and protects lives and property.

Investing in enhanced road infrastructure and fuel storage facilities is crucial for minimising the risk of accidents and spills. Upgrading roads to alleviate congestion and enhance safety, alongside constructing modern fuel storage facilities that comply with international safety standards, are vital measures to consider. Such investments not only mitigate the risk of fuel tanker accidents but also safeguard lives and property, whilst fostering economic growth and development.

As Nigerians mourn the lives lost in these tragic accidents, we must also recognize the need for collective action. The government, stakeholders, and individuals must join forces to address the root causes of fuel scooping and ensure a safer future for all Nigerians.

These fuel tanker tragedies represent more than just statistics; they serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of systemic failures. While immediate actions like public education and stricter regulations are crucial, the real test lies in Nigeria’s ability to create an environment where citizens no longer feel compelled to risk their lives for fuel. Until we achieve this fundamental change, we will continue to count losses instead of progress.

Abubakar Musa Idris is a PRNigeria fellow and wrote via abkidris99@gmail.com.

Fuel tanker explosion: One incident too many

By Salim Yunusa

Days ago, a fuel tanker explosion took the lives of over 70 people at the well-known Dikko Junction, located along the Kaduna-Abuja highway in Niger State. This incident follows closely after another fuel tanker explosion in Jigawa in October 2024, which resulted in the deaths of more than 200 people.

At this point, one begins to sound like a broken record: the recurring incessant pleas for regulation, caution, and prayers. Enough with the “Allah shi kare”, or the performative prayers for the deceased. It has to stop. Now.

In a country with barely motorable roads disguised as highways, these tankers—dangerously overloaded, evidently faulty, and disturbingly manned by the worst drivers—sway and saunter, damaging the roads and bridges due to overload, causing accidents, and, in recent times, overturning their contents, spilling highly inflammable fuel on the road. This leads to disastrous fire incidents, causing devastating loss of lives and properties.

What usually follows are photo ops by government officials who do little to nothing to prevent these incidents from reoccurring. These are followed by visits to the hospitals and donations of a paltry sum of money to the victims’ families. This has to stop. Now.

Many issues cause the loss of lives of this magnitude. We must address them through regulations and stringent fines for erring drivers and their employers. We must also properly deploy state and federal might in enforcing adequate commercial and residential setbacks from highways. We must embark on massive enlightenment and sensitisation against the dangers of highly inflammable substances and, above all, poverty, which would make one desperate enough to go scooping up spilt gas on a highway! 

Nonetheless, enforcement has to be done on people themselves because repeated tragedies don’t serve as lessons against future occurrences. People have to learn and understand that you run away from danger, not into it, for mere fuel scoops or to record yourself to get a few clicks on social media. This is where the National Orientation Agency comes into the picture, partnering with social media influencers, radio and TV stations, among other important stakeholders in the society, to enlighten and educate the public on the dangers surrounding looting of overturned items from trucks, be it Spaghetti, rice or fuel.

We must reconsider using pipelines to transport petroleum products in this country. The alarming number of tankers on our roads poses significant risks. Furthermore, it’s crucial to raise awareness that looting or stealing from accident scenes is a serious offence punishable by law and God.

It is tiring at this point: the rinse-and-repeat incidents, the performative grief, the prayers and promises to address issues—all to be forgotten in three business days. How many more people have to die before the government acts? Thoughts and prayers over unavoidable incidents are a most, but choosing thoughts and prayers over avoidable incidents is a clear choice. The government should act, and it should act now—swiftly, decisively.

May the Almighty save us from us and give us the strength to do the right thing–no matter whose ox is gored!

Salim Yunusa writes from Abuja, Nigeria, and can be reached via syunusa@gmail.com

Jigawa judiciary sacks three, forces judges to resign over misconduct

By Uzair Adam

The Jigawa State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken disciplinary action against several judicial staff for misconduct, including the dismissal of three officers, advising three Shari’a Court judges to resign, and reprimanding two others for dereliction of duty.

This was disclosed in a statement by Abbas Wangara, Director of Protocol and Publicity, Jigawa State Judiciary, on Sunday in Dutse.

According to the statement, the disciplinary measures were approved during the commission’s 178th meeting, held on January 7, following investigations into violations of judicial procedures and rules.

“In the outcome of the meeting signed by Auwalu Dan’Azumi, Secretary of the JSC, the commission received the report of an investigation committee from the High Court department in respect of two officers,” the statement said.

The affected officers, Iyal Ibrahim, a Higher Registrar on Grade Level 08, and Baffa Alhaji, a Principal Registrar on Grade Level 14, were found guilty of the illegal sale of two vehicles, exhibits of the Federal High Court, Dutse.

The commission terminated their appointments in line with Rule 5 (4) & (6) of the Jigawa State Judiciary Scheme of Service 2006 and Section 41 of the Judicial Service Commission Law, Cap. 20 Laws of Jigawa State 2012.

Additionally, the commission dismissed Abdu Aujara, a Chief Clerical Officer, for suppressing N965,000, a litigant’s deposit in a case of recovery filed by Ja’iz Bank before the Chief Magistrates Court Jahun. His dismissal was also in accordance with Section 41 of the Judicial Service Commission Law.

The commission further acted on reports from the Judiciary Public Complaint Committee (JPCC) against several Shari’a Court judges. One of them, Adamu Farin-Dutse, was accused of abusing judicial powers and misapplying the law.

Despite previous warnings, he was found liable for misconduct and advised to resign within two weeks.

Similarly, Muhammad Usman, another Shari’a Court judge, was accused of issuing a writ of possession before delivering judgment, thereby violating due process. He was also advised to resign within two weeks.

In another case, Judge Usman Zubair was found guilty of judicial irregularities, including mishandling inheritance cases and allowing unauthorized individuals to benefit from rulings.

He was similarly advised to resign. Two magistrates were reprimanded. Magistrate Munnir Abdullahi received a warning for improperly converting a civil matter to a criminal case and acting in a partisan manner.

Magistrate Yakubu Ibrahim was warned for abusing power and making derogatory remarks toward a litigant at Chief Magistrate Court Maigatari.

Wangara emphasized that these disciplinary actions reflect the commission’s commitment to ensuring a corruption-free judiciary and upholding professionalism and discipline among judicial staff.

He assured that the JSC would continue to take necessary measures to maintain standards and foster a fair working environment.

The commission reiterated its dedication to promoting a transparent and efficient judiciary in the state.

In defence of Sule Lamido and Nasir El-Rufa’i

By Saifullahi Attahir

In 1984, during the second term of former US President Bill Clinton as Governor of Arkansas, he was alarmed by a damning report on the decline in educational standards in the state. He, therefore, constituted a committee headed by his wife, Hillary Clinton, to go around the state and come up with resolutions on how to rescue the State Educational sector.

He introduced robust proposals, including more time for academic work, mobilising more funds, increasing the school year, special opportunities for gifted children, a maximum class size of twenty pupils up to third grade, and more recruitment of Mathematics, History, and Science teachers.

The most controversial proposal required all teachers and administrators to take and pass the National Teacher Examination. Even in the US, this proposal was met with backlash from interest groups and misinformed teachers that the governor was trying to hijack their means of livelihood. But in reality, there is no way that a reform in education can be successfully achieved without looking at the guardians of that knowledge.

 Teachers are the backbone of any school. No matter how beautiful the school building, how few students per class, or how good the curriculum, if the person imparting the knowledge is not well-prepared, problems will continue to arise.

In President Bill Clinton’s case, he recommended that teachers who failed be given free tuition to take regular courses and be able to take the test as many times as possible until certified to be able to teach.

This same scenario occurred during the tenure of two visionary governors in northern Nigeria. Former Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido used the same strategy to improve the state’s education, which was then on life support. I can count the number of primary school teachers I knew who were allowed to return to the College of Education (COE) Gumel to obtain an NCE Certificate fully funded by the state.

In the case of former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir Elrufa’i, we can remember the giant effort he tried to impose to rescue the educational sector in Kaduna. This included a massive purge of school teachers who could not pass their Aptitude test. The former governor was met with a heavy force of resentment and protest, including a mass media campaign in which he was simply trying to retrench workers from their source of livelihood.

These three cases were almost similar, although different States, different personalities, at different times, and nearly different approaches. But history will judge…

Saifullahi Attahir wrote via saifullahiattahir93@gmail.com.

Namadi’s SSA was wrong: A clarification concerning students’ allowances

By Isma’il Alkasim

Since the Jigawa State government announced a 100% increase in scholarship allowances for state students, it has served as a beacon of hope and high expectations. This timely intervention comes amid the economic hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and the subsequent increase in registration fees at tertiary institutions. 

The government emphasised that Governor Umar A. Namadi understands the challenges students face. To support their education, the state’s scholarship board was instructed to disburse scholarship payments before the start of each academic session. This directive has undoubtedly restored hope and brought joy to the students.

The State Executive Council approved a series of memos and tags to supplement the payment, but only to a few institutions. Although the state government boasts of having paid all students, over eighty percent of institutions have not received any payment from the board. We have repeatedly read that the government approved a substantial sum for the payment, but to no avail. This has engendered mistrust and left a deep scar in our memory, raising concerns that heartless and corrupt opportunists may have stolen the funds.

Moreover, in an interview with Radio Jigawa, the Senior Special Assistant on Students Matters to the Executive Governor of Jigawa State claimed that the government had given scholarship allowances to all Jigawa State students. This claim either demonstrates his inability to represent his office truthfully or suggests his complicity in misappropriating public funds intended for student support. 

Furthermore, to strike a balance and provide an honest treatment of this issue, we attempted to reach Ambassador Muhammad Salisu Seeker, the SSA, to clarify his ill-founded assertion. However, despite our numerous text messages, he arrogantly refused to answer our calls. He did not even have the courtesy to respond. This arrogance is unbecoming of a public servant who represents the government in students’ eyes. 

As a concerned student, I find the SSA’s claim offensive and insulting. To date, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria students have not received any payment from the Jigawa State Scholarship Board. The Senior Special Assistant has abused the trust bestowed on him by the Governor, demonstrating sheer incompetence and a monumental failure in public service.

Finally, as a concerned citizen of Jigawa State, I call upon Governor Umar A. Namadi to investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure that anyone found guilty faces the full force of the law. I also urge him to address the misconduct of his Senior Special Assistant on Students Affairs, Amb Muhammad Salisu (Seeker), who has demonstrated a pattern of abusing his office through gross incompetence.

Isma’il Alkasim is a student at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. He writes from Garki Jigawa State and can be reached at kogasgarki@gmail.com.

Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad: Tribute to the Iron Lady

By Adamu Isah Babura

I want to congratulate Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad on her promotion to the exalted rank of Professor by the Governing Council of Bayero University, Kano.

Prof. Suwaiba is a pioneer. After 20 years in academia, she became the first female professor from Babura, Jigawa State. She progressed from Graduate Assistant to Professor, holding leadership roles like Head of the Science and Technical Education department and Director of the Gender Studies unit.

Her expertise extends beyond the university. She served as the Provost of Jigawa State College of Education. Currently, she holds the esteemed position of Minister of State for Education, Federal Republic of Nigeria, leveraging her vast experience to shape the country’s education landscape.

Prof. Suwaiba, the current Nigerian Minister of State for Education, is an exemplary academic and a shining star in the field of science education. Her unwavering dedication, unrelenting passion, and uncompromising commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the lives of countless students, colleagues, and the academic community at large.

As a renowned scholar, Professor’s contributions to her field of Science Education have been groundbreaking, insightful, and profoundly impactful. Her research has not only advanced our understanding of critical issues in the education sector but has also informed policies, practices, and innovation.

Prof. Suwaiba, a gifted teacher and mentor, inspires generations of students to pursue excellence and cultivate a love for learning. Her rare ability to connect with, listen to, and guide students nurtures their growth and earns her deep admiration and gratitude from all who learn from her.

Throughout her illustrious career at Bayero University, Kano, and outside, Professor Suwaiba has demonstrated remarkable leadership. She collaborates with colleagues, institutions, and communities to advance the cause of education, promote social justice, and foster a culture of inclusivity, equity, and excellence.

As we celebrate Prof. Suwaiba’s achievements at this incredible milestone, we honour her remarkable accomplishments,character, values, and unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in education. She is a true treasure, a beacon of hope, and an inspiration.

Adamu Isah Babura wrote from Bayero University, Kano, via adamubabura@gmail.com.

Governor Mallam Umar Namadi loses mother

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Governor of Jigawa State, Mallam Umar Namadi, mourns the loss of his mother, Hajiya Maryam Namadi Umar, who died in the early hours of Wednesday, December 25 2024.

The late Hajiya Maryam was a respected matriarch known for her compassion and dedication to her family and community. Her passing has left a significant void in the lives of her loved ones and the people of Jigawa State.

Under Islamic traditions, the burial rites are scheduled to take place later today at 4:30 PM in her hometown of Kafin Hausa. The family has called on well-wishers to join them in offering prayers for her eternal peace.

In a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, the Governor prayed for Allah’s mercy to grant his mother eternal rest in Jannah and comfort the bereaved family.

The people of Jigawa State stand united with the Governor in mourning, reflecting on the cherished memories and legacy of Hajiya Maryam Namadi Umar.

May her soul rest in peace.

Fueling social media firestorm: How a national tragedy turns into national hate

By Kabir Fagge Ali

As the country mourns the unfortunate and catastrophic tanker explosion that claimed over a hundred lives in Majia town, Taura local government, Jigawa State. The circumstances leading to this devastating event, and its unfolding discourse on digital space leave a bitter taste.

If past events of such nature didn’t serve as a pointer, one would have been forced to argue that the deleterious economic hardship Nigerians are currently undergoing played a significant factor in the circumstance warranting people to desperately attempt to scoop up fuel from a fallen tanker that is highly flammable. However, one cannot, in all honesty, overlook the impact of economic hardship instigated by the “so-called reform” of this administration.

While the explosion was a profound tragedy, what followed on social media turned a devastating accident into a platform for spreading hate. Netizens took to various platforms to condole, analyze, obfuscate, sympathize, and attack the dead in a typical Nigerian fashion of ethnicizing, religionizing, politicizing and regionalizing events. What should have been a space for empathy, turned into a hub for anger, with users blaming specific ethnic groups for what they called “ignorance” and “greed.” 

The horrific event became weaponized by those seeking to stoke division and deepen the fractures within Nigerian society. One @AdemolaSola38048 on X wrote, “E no go better for their dead body”, another, @Peterojueromi posted “Well, I no pity them sha, na their stupidity kill dem”.  How does a tragedy of this magnitude turn into an avenue for deriding others?

Instead of offering sympathy or proposing solutions, many used the incident as an opportunity to fuel long-standing ethnic, regional, and religious tensions. Blame was cast on entire communities for the reckless actions of a few, with harsh, derogatory terms being used to describe those who were simply trying to survive in an environment where economic opportunities are scarce.

Speaking on this incident, the former Head of the Department of Mass Communication at Skyline University, Nigeria, and an expert on hate speech and digital media, Mr. Abdulhameed Olaitan Ridwanullah noted that “social media is like a two-edged sword. It can draw the attention of relevant rescue teams and government agencies to the event and at the same time serves as an accelerant for the societal divide”.    

He warns:

“From the Nigerian experience, one shouldn’t be surprised that even in tragedy, some Nigerians cannot conceal the hate in their hearts. With social media in the hands of some of the worst among us, and the anonymity and herd mentality that comes with it, it is not surprising to read comments on social media space that shouldn’t have made it out of the thought process of whoever posted them.”

Mr. Ridwanullah added that “in the wake of national disasters like this, it is not surprising that some elements of division will weaponize such a tragedy”. He emphasized that it is important for Nigeria to look into legislation on digital media that will not only guarantee freedoms provided by digital platforms but ensure the sanity of the digital space.

“At this critical time in our digital journey, scholars should start looking beyond the usability of these platforms but understanding how their affordance reflects on our society. This kind of event and the rhetoric we saw on X underscores the importance of my research on nexus between online hate speech and offline hate crime” he surmised.

It is time for social media platforms to step up and recognize their role in monitoring and curbing the spread of hate speech. At the same time, it is also up to users to approach these platforms with responsibility and empathy. While frustrations with governance, inequality, and resource scarcity are real, targeting those who suffer the most with hateful rhetoric is not the solution.

The Jigawa tanker explosion should serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the dangers of living in a world where safety nets are often nonexistent. But more importantly, it should remind us that in moments of tragedy, we should seek to uplift each other rather than tear each other down.

As Nigeria continues to navigate complex social, ethnic, and economic challenges, we must remember that unity, empathy, and constructive dialogue are far more powerful than any message of hate.

Kabir Fagge Ali, is a Writer with PRNigeria center and write via faggekabir29@gmail.com.

Prodigal Daughter – Now, proudly my Boss: Dr Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, Minister of State, Education

By Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu

It is not often that one gets the rare opportunity to witness the birth of a star. I count myself to be privileged to have done so. 

In 1980, I started my employment as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Education at Bayero University, Kano. As was the case at the time, I was allocated a housing apartment on Zoo Road. Two of my neighbors were Isma’ila Abubakar Tsiga and Sa’idu Ahmad Babura. I was a bachelor, and both had families who treated me with the utmost respect despite the age gap. Both were older than me, and both became my lifelong friends. So much so that they opened up the doors of their homes and minds to me and got me deeply involved in literature (they were both in the Department of English BUK). If you are looking for the precise moment the seeds of my literary tree were watered, it was on Zoo Road. 

In 1981, Sa’idu’s wife gave birth to a stunningly beautiful baby girl and was named Suwaiba. I remember holding her in my hands and saying the prayers I could for her long life and prosperity. We later went to the naming ceremony in Baɓura —it was the first time I was in the town, and the serenity of the place struck me.

That child soon bloomed into an undergraduate B.Sc. Ed Chemistry student. Incredibly brilliant and emerging at the top of her class. There were no surprises there – she and her other siblings were simply at the top of their class wherever they found themselves due to the incredibly liberal but supportive family atmosphere that pervades the house. Although there was firmness, for instance, she wanted to study medicine after high school, but her dad insisted on her studying education. She came to me crying to intervene. I tried, but he was adamant it has to be education. After going back and forth, we decided she should obey her father and study education. She agreed but vowed to return to school to study Medicine after she had finished her Education. 

I can easily sympathise in reverse. My father wanted me to study medicine, but I didn’t! So, I ended up in Science Education—just like Suwaiba. Look where she is—following parental counsel, she was blessed to be at the top of the game. Oh, she decided not to come back for Medicine after all—education was just too good. 

Employing her in 2005 after she graduated from the Department of Education under the able leadership of (now) Prof. Abdulrashid Garba, the current Vice-Chancellor of Khalifa Isyaku Rabi’u University (KHAIRUN), was a boon to the Department. She was quickly the hardest-working staff member, always eager to be part of a team and often taking leadership control if the ship seemed rudderless. 

In 2007, the University created the Science and Technical Education Department. I, together with Suwaiba, (now) Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas (current Vice-Chancellor, Bayero University Kano), and a few others, were deployed to the new Department. She started her Master’s degree under my supervision. I could barely keep up with her ballistic enthusiasm, a trait she inherited from her father, Prof. Sa’id Ahmad Babura. 

As my “daughter” (her reference to me has always been “Baba Abdalla”, endearing me further to the family), she became my protégé. I became her Head of Department from 2010 to 2013, and we got heavily involved in NGO activities in teacher training, for she is highly dedicated to teacher education. She spent 15 years in international NGO activities in improving teacher education programs. 

She finished her Master’s degree in record time and almost immediately rolled over to a PhD, but this time at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, finishing in 2014. She was the first female from Jigawa State to obtain a PhD in the rare field of Science Education. Her Google Scholar profile profiles her impressive research in Chemistry Education, Science Education, and Gender Studies. Her ResearchGate profile highlights one of the first experimental uses of AI ChatGPT in Organic Chemistry Classrooms, demonstrating her future-oriented focus on embracing AI in high school education. 

In every workshop setting, I would just sit down and watch her proudly as she explained the various teaching techniques to Kano and Jigawa States teachers. She developed a series of teacher training modules for international NGOs used in teacher training refresher programs. When she finished her doctoral studies in 2014, I had already migrated to the Department of Mass Communication in October 2012. She was visibly unhappy about my moving away because we taught a course on the Philosophy of Science together, which she really enjoyed. I assured her I would always be around the corner. 

Administratively, she also earned her laurels. From 2018 to 2020, she became the first female to become the Head of Science Education, then Sub-Dean Academics in the Faculty of Education, and eventually Associate Professor of Chemistry Education. Due to her brilliant performances, she was appointed Director of the Center for Gender Studies from 2020 to 2024, a position she impressively held, forming a womanist rather than feminist focus on gender issues, especially education, in a traditional society. She was mentored by Prof. Ruqayyah Ahmed Rufa’i, the former Honorable Minister of Education (2010-2013), also from Jigawa State. Bayero University remains proud of its women Education Ministers –all from the same State!

From there, she became the Provost of Jigawa State College of Islamic and Legal Studies, Ringim, in March 2024. In October 2024, she was nominated as the Minister of State for Education. 

At 43, she is young. That’s for sure. That is also her biggest advantage. She promises a fresh breath of future learning with her demonstrable competencies in field-tested qualitative research, Artificial Intelligence, and a focus on scientific learning among young people, particularly young girls. 

I am proud of Suwaiba as a daughter. Proud of her as a colleague. Proud of her as a protégé. As the recently appointed Minister of State, Education, I am proud of her as my boss. Allah Ya ƙara basira da albarka, amin.