Kano State Government

By Ukasha  Kofarnassarawa 

Basic education in public schools in Kano State is approaching its graveyard, where it will be laid to rest sooner than expected. This is why a larger portion of the population manages to enrol their children in private schools. Only those who are economically gasping for breath can barely afford to send their kids to the rotten public school system. 

It has reached a stage where teachers and principals of public schools also send their children to private schools. Just as medical doctors who own private hospitals, many academics who earn a salary from the Ministry of Education also own private schools. The recent whistleblowing, led by Dan Bello, to expose the dysfunction of our public schools, is not surprising to those who have invested heavily in the state of our public schools. 

However, Dan Bello is only addressing one aspect of the problem, which is infrastructural decay. There are many other problems, including incompetent teachers, a lack of proper supervision, and the anti-intellectual behaviour of teachers who attend school at their convenience. You will hear a school teacher who is supposed to be in school from 7:30 am to 2 pm every working day say that he only comes to school twice a week. 

Whatever Dan Bello’s intention is in exposing the situation, I believe it’s for the betterment of the state, especially since the governor has started responding to the problem. 

We acknowledge how the previous administration abandoned public schools, sold their land to develop houses and build corner shops, and shut down many. However, this is not the time for blame games; it’s time to revive the state of our education. And that’s one of the reasons why the state indigenes voted them out and gave this administration the chance to govern.

As I extracted this from the Facebook page of the Director-General of the Kano Bureau of Statistics, he wrote: “The attached chart presents estimated statistics on the total number of public primary and secondary schools in Kano, excluding new ones currently under construction. There are approximately 9,136 public primary and secondary schools across the state. 

Based on assessments, if 70 per cent of these schools are dilapidated and require renovation, that would mean about 6,395 schools need repair. At a rate of 100 schools renovated per month, it would take approximately 64 months, or 5 years and 4 months, to fully address the problem. So, it is unrealistic to expect that all dilapidated schools can be fixed within such a short timeframe of two years.”

This chilled my blood and set me thinking about the quickest and most realistic way to revive our education. I arrived at the following conclusions:

Since it will take us approximately 5 years to address the infrastructural decay alone, how many years would it take us to address the human capital problem? To improve the situation, I propose the following:

1. The government should establish six mega schools (3 secondary schools and three primary schools) that are fully equipped. This can be developed within a one-year calendar (the NWU senate building was built in less than a year, so it’s feasible). Each school should accommodate at least 1,000 students and make it the standard, as Day Science, Dawakin Tofa, and Dawakin Kudu used to be. These schools have produced some of the best medical doctors, engineers, and teachers, who have made us proud, even on the international stage.

2. Employ well-trained teachers and develop a system that can measure their performance. Why do public school teachers who earn at least ₦70,000 (considering the minimum wage) fail to teach their students effectively, while those in private schools who earn ₦30,000 or less perform far better? It’s a supervisory issue. In private schools, teachers are monitored and appraised. Let’s inculcate this culture in the newly established schools.

3. There’s no such thing as free education in those schools! Let parents/guardians pay. At least the school can earn an income for maintenance. 

If this idea is fully implemented, by 2031, when we expect to have addressed the infrastructural decay as stated above, the state would have produced at least 5,000 high-quality graduates who can compete with their private counterparts.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Chief Magistrate Court No. 15 in Kano has ordered police to investigate Daily Nigerian publisher, Jafar Jafar, and a staff of the newspaper, Audu Umar, over allegations of criminal defamation against the Director General of Protocol, Government House, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo.

Rogo filed the case, accusing the duo of maliciously describing him as a “thieving aide” to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in two reports published on August 22 and 25, 2025. He argued that the stories, carried by Daily Nigerian, were deliberately crafted to tarnish his reputation and portray him as corrupt.

One of the reports, titled “Gov. Yusuf Defends Thieving Aide, Says Protocol Directorate Under Ganduje Spent N20 Billion in 3 Months”, and another alleging that anti-graft agencies traced ₦6.5 billion to his office, were cited as damaging to his image.

The complaint, filed under Sections 106 and 107 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2019, and Sections 114 and 393 of the Penal Code, seeks prosecution for defamation and breach of public peace.

Chief Magistrate Abdul’aziz M. Habib subsequently directed the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone One, to launch a full-scale investigation.

Meanwhile, Rogo has also filed a civil suit at the Kano State High Court demanding damages for defamation.

By Fatima Ishaq Muhammad 

Kano, the city of ancient walls, now bears a heavy burden of the haunting presence of women and children who line its streets, begging for survival. From Sabon Gari to Kofar Ruwa, from traffic lights to mosque entrances, their stretched palms have become a renowned yet disturbing sight, painting a picture of poverty, moral negligence, and broken systems.

What was first considered a social crack has now widened into a full-blown crisis. Most of these street beggars are displaced women, widows, divorcees, and children.

Some as young as four roam the streets daily in search of food, coins, or sympathy. For the women, it’s often the last resort after being abandoned or driven from rural homes. For the children, it’s a stolen childhood, spent in sun-scorched rags rather than classrooms.

The roots of this problem run deep, encompassing widespread poverty, displacement from conflicts in the Northeast, the collapse of social welfare structures, and the controversial Almajiri system, all of which contribute to the cycle. 

While religious and cultural values once nurtured compassion and communal responsibility, they have been distorted over time to excuse neglect and indifference.

Government efforts, while numerous in announcements, remain largely cosmetic. Street begging has been “banned” multiple times in Kano State, but the bans vanish as quickly as they are declared. 

Relocation schemes and rehabilitation centres are often poorly managed or underfunded, leading many beggars to eventually return to the streets, as it is the only place they know.

Even worse, some of these children are exploited, trafficked, or “hired” to pose as beggars in a growing underground network. Women, too, face harassment, sexual violence, and daily humiliation. 

The streets that should offer opportunity are now a stage for public suffering, and this suffering is becoming normalised.

The situation is more than a humanitarian concern; it is a social and security time bomb. The longer these vulnerable groups remain on the streets, the more likely they are to fall into crime, radicalisation, or permanent poverty. And as the city’s population grows, so does the danger of institutional failure.

But all hope is not lost. With the right political will, inclusive policies, and collaboration between government, religious institutions, and civil society, change is possible.

 Empowering women with skills and microloans, integrating Almajiri children into formal education, investing in social welfare, and offering proper shelter to displaced families are realistic solutions not just dreams.

Kano must reclaim its dignity. The crying voices on its streets are not just those of beggars; they are those of citizens, future leaders, mothers, and children with untapped potential. Ignoring them is no longer an option. As the city grows, so should its compassion and responsibility.

Until we act, the story of Kano will not be written in its history books or palaces, but on the tired faces of women and children who call its streets home.

Fatima Ishaq Muhammad wrote via fatimaishaq021@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf says his administration has fulfilled 85 per cent of the promises made to the people since assuming office, with just 15 per cent remaining as he begins the second half of his four-year tenure.

He made the declaration on Thursday in Kano during the swearing-in of his new Chief of Staff, Sulaiman Wali Sani; the Director General of the Special Services Directorate, Major General Sani Muhammad (rtd); and 11 newly appointed Special Advisers.

Speaking at the event, the governor said a recent internal assessment showed significant progress on his campaign agenda.

“I’m happy that last week, when I reviewed our polling points and campaign promises, I saw that we have executed 85% within two years,” Yusuf said. “What remains is 15%, and we still have about two years to complete it.”

He said the matter had been presented before the State Executive Council and assured the public that the remaining promises would be delivered in due time.

While assuring citizens of renewed efforts, Governor Yusuf said new initiatives would soon be introduced to further uplift the lives of Kano residents.

He stated, “We are bringing in new programmes and practices that will, by the grace of Allah SWT, positively impact the lives of the good people of the state. But we cannot do it alone—we must work together.”

He called on the newly sworn-in appointees to maintain transparency and accountability, urging them to offer sincere and constructive advice rather than conceal challenges.

“If there is any problem, don’t start investigating yourself or hiding it. Come straight and tell us what we need to know. That’s why you’re here,” Yusuf said.

The governor also reminded them of the weight of their responsibilities in managing public resources, urging caution and integrity.

“Ensure the judicious use of the limited resources entrusted to you by the people. You cannot afford to misstep,” he said.

Yusuf concluded by expressing confidence in the new officials, saying he was personally familiar with each of them and trusted their capabilities.

The appointments come as part of a broader strategy to reposition the administration for greater results in its second half, with emphasis on consolidating achievements and fulfilling the remaining pledges.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has launched a full investigation into the tragic deaths of two students at Government Boarding Secondary School, Bichi, following reports of a violent assault by their fellow students.

The deceased, Hamza Idris-Tofawa and Umar Yusuf-Dungurawa, were allegedly attacked with locally made metal objects, known as “Gwale-Gwale,” in what was described as a form of punishment by senior students.

Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Makoda, through the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Bashir Baffa, directed an immediate and transparent probe into the incident, assuring the public that justice would be served.

“This is a sad and tragic event. The government is committed to a thorough and fair investigation to uncover the truth and ensure justice for everyone involved,” he said.

Preliminary findings suggest the students may have been punished by their seniors for an alleged offence, which ultimately led to their deaths.

During a visit to the school, the commissioner’s representative urged students to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to always report serious issues to school authorities.

“Always channel your complaints through the right authorities. Don’t take justice into your own hands,” he cautioned.

Makoda, on behalf of the state government, extended condolences to the families and prayed for the souls of the deceased, asking Allah to grant them Jannatul Firdaus.

Also commenting, the Director of the Senior Secondary School Management Board, Alhaji Abbas Abdullahi, condemned the incident and reminded students to act responsibly.

Meanwhile, relatives of the deceased called on the government to ensure accountability. Ibrahim Yusuf-Dungurawa, a family member, urged authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Similarly, Malam Idris Garba-Tofawa, father of one of the victims, accepted the tragedy as the will of God but appealed for stronger safeguards to prevent a recurrence.

The state government has vowed to exhaust all efforts in uncovering the full circumstances behind the students’ deaths.

Your Excellency,

We, the undersigned concerned applicants of the Kano State Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme 2025, wish to bring to your attention an issue that has caused great concern and uncertainty among many eligible indigenes of our dear state.

Following the screening exercise conducted by the Kano State Scholarship Board in January 2025, we were informed that nearly 4,000 candidates were confirmed eligible for the scholarship. The process was widely appreciated for its inclusivity across all fields of study.

However, it has come to our attention that the selection process for awardees has taken a one-sided turn. The Ministry for Higher Education has reportedly begun contacting selected candidates via phone calls; however, all those contacted so far are exclusively from STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Applicants from equally important fields, such as the Social Sciences, Management Sciences, Arts, and Humanities, have been completely left out.

Several applicants have verified with the callers that only STEM candidates are being considered. This development has caused confusion and concern among the rest of us who also performed excellently and are proud indigenes of Kano State. We believe this situation undermines the spirit of equity and fairness for which Your Excellency is known.

To seek clarification, we formed a committee and visited the Scholarship Board. We were directed to the Ministry for Higher Education, but unfortunately, our concerns were not addressed; we were only allowed to submit a letter to the ministry’s secretary.

Your Excellency, we respectfully appeal for your kind intervention in this matter. We believe that every qualified and hardworking indigene, regardless of their field of study, deserves a fair opportunity. If the current arrangement cannot accommodate all eligible applicants from abroad and domestic private universities, we request that consideration be given to sponsoring students to domestic public universities within Nigeria or providing automatic job placements within the state civil service. These would be a worthy recognition of our academic dedication and a meaningful investment in the future of Kano State.

We remain hopeful and confident that Your Excellency will act with your usual sense of justice, fairness, and compassion.

Yours respectfully,

Comrade Safiyanu Yunusa Musa Rijiyar Zaki, Chairman of the Concerned Applicants Committee

MJ Bashir, Vice Chairman

By Muhammad Sulaiman

In a major stride toward social justice and responsible governance, the Kano State Government has cleared ₦22 billion out of the ₦48 billion backlog owed to retired workers and families of deceased civil servants.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the release of the fourth tranche of ₦6 billion, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf described the payments as a milestone in his administration’s commitment to restoring dignity to pensioners and bereaved families.

“This settlement is part of our broader agenda to address long-standing liabilities and reposition Kano State as a model of responsible governance,” the governor said.

Governor Yusuf emphasised that the payments not only bring relief to affected families but also reaffirm his administration’s dedication to restoring trust in government institutions. He assured that the remaining ₦26 billion will be paid in subsequent tranches.

“No pensioner or bereaved family will be left behind,” he declared.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a significant move to fulfill pre-election commitments and address long-standing welfare concerns, Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the disbursement of over Six Billion Naira (₦6,000,000,000) to retired civil servants.

This marks the governor’s fourth major pension payment initiative since taking office.

The payment, described by the state government as a “restoration of dignity,” targets pensioners who served Kano and Nigeria diligently but faced years of neglect and hardship under previous administrations.

Governor Yusuf stated that the gesture underscores his administration’s commitment to justice and compassion for those who built the state “with their strength and intellect.”

At a ceremony overseeing the disbursement, officials highlighted the critical timing of the support amid Nigeria’s severe cost-of-living crisis.

Many beneficiaries had reportedly endured years without income or stable employment, with some battling illness or struggling to support dependents.

The state government stated that the funds offer “a beacon of new life and a foundation to rebuild dreams.

“Beyond the financial relief, the payment aims to formally recognize the retirees’ contributions and restore their sense of value after retiring “with integrity.”

Governor Yusuf’s administration framed the ₦6bn payout as evidence of prioritizing worker welfare, contrasting it with the perceived inaction of past governments.

“What others couldn’t achieve in eight years, we have accomplished in just two,” a government statement noted, positioning the fourth installment as proof that Governor Yusuf’s government “has not forgotten its contributors.”

The administration reaffirmed its pledge to continue supporting retirees and upholding social contracts with the people of Kano State.

By Anwar Usman

The Kano State government has ordered a temporary stoppage of the importation of metal scraps and waste materials from the Northeastern states, especially those ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency.

The order is contained in a press statement by Muhammad Dahir Idris, the Director of Public Relations and Enlightenment of the ministry, which was made available to journalists.

According to the statement, the commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, AVM Ibrahim Umaru (Rtd), gave the directive on Wednesday during a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Scraps and Waste Dealers, Employers of Nigeria.

Umaru said the order was due to the recent bomb explosion at the warehouse of such scrap materials along the Western Bypass Road and the Kofar Ruwa, which resulted in the loss of lives and properties.

He urged members of the association to take preventive measures aimed at preventing such occurrences and ensure that explosives are not present in scrap materials before they are imported into the state.

“As Kano State will continue to protect your interest and your business, you should come up with a written policy and plans that will boost your business,” the commissioner urged the association.

On his part, the Regional President of the association, Aminu Hassan, informed the commissioner that his association had already ceased purchasing scrap and waste materials from states affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast.

He assured Umaru that they would continue to be law-abiding business partners, just as he emphasised the need for the Kano State government to support them in improving their businesses.

The president further outlined some challenges bedevilling the association, including the inflow of underage children as scavengers, even as he readily disassociated the group from any form of involvement in the use of children as scavengers in the business.

However, he blamed the parents or guardians of such children and wards for their poor moral upbringing.

Hassan assured the commissioner that his association would not relent in its efforts to prevent the future occurrence of such incidents.

By Uzair Adam 

The Gaya Emirate Council in Kano State has withdrawn the traditional title of Wazirin Gaya from Alhaji Usman Alhaji, a former Secretary to the State Government during the administration of ex-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The Daily Reality gathered that, although the council did not give detailed reasons, the decision may be linked to Alhaji’s recent public criticism of the Abba Kabir Yusuf-led government over alleged excessive borrowing, claims the government has since refuted.

In an official letter addressed to the former titleholder, the Secretary of the Gaya Emirate Council, Alhaji Bello Halilu, stated that the title was withdrawn due to “certain unavoidable circumstances,” adding that the decision takes immediate effect.

“The Council deeply appreciates the contributions and commitment of Alhaji Usman Alhaji during his period of service as Wazirin Gaya,” the letter read in part.

It further acknowledged his support for the traditional institution and his role in promoting the Emirate’s cultural heritage, stressing the council’s resolve to uphold the sanctity and integrity of traditional titles.

The public was urged to take note of the development.

Alhaji, who also serves as the National President of APC Patriotic Volunteers, had recently challenged the Kano State government to account for a $6.6 million external loan allegedly obtained between June and December 2023, according to figures from the Debt Management Office (DMO).

He also accused the administration of mismanaging N5 billion in ecological funds and rated the government’s performance poorly over the past two years.