Kano State

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

KANO — Nigeria has earned international recognition following the appointment of Professor Rabia Sa’id, a renowned physicist from Bayero University Kano, to a newly established United Nations independent scientific panel tasked with assessing the impacts of nuclear war.

The 21-member panel, constituted under UN Resolution 79/238, will provide a comprehensive scientific report on the consequences of nuclear conflict by 2027. The panel is part of a broader global initiative aimed at strengthening nuclear disarmament efforts and promoting peace through evidence-based research.

Professor Sa’id’s inclusion in the panel underscores Nigeria’s increasing influence in global peacebuilding, science diplomacy, and advocacy for nuclear non-proliferation. Her appointment is being hailed as a significant milestone for Nigerian science and for women in STEM across Africa.

A respected scholar and advocate for science education and sustainable development, Professor Sa’id brings to the panel a wealth of academic experience and a strong commitment to global security.

Her appointment has been widely celebrated within Nigeria’s academic and diplomatic communities as a positive step toward the country’s deeper engagement in global scientific and humanitarian initiatives.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State House of Assembly has refuted claims circulating online that it is planning to investigate the Chairperson of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Hajiya Sa’adatu Yusha’u, describing the reports as baseless and misleading.

This clarification was made in a statement issued by Kamaluddeen Shawai, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Assembly, on Thursday in Kano.

According to the statement, the reports alleged that the assembly had finalized plans to probe the ALGON Chair, who also doubles as the Chairperson of Tudun Wada Local Government Area, over alleged irregularities in land allocation.

Shawai emphasized that the Majority Leader of the House, Lawal Hussain-Dala, had not granted any interview or made any comments to any media outlet regarding such an investigation.

“The receipt of a petition by the Majority Leader from citizens does not translate to an endorsement of any investigation, nor does it constitute a decision or pronouncement by the House,” the statement read.

He condemned what he described as a deliberate misrepresentation of legislative procedures, insisting the report was aimed at damaging the reputation of the Majority Leader and the legislative body.

Shawai further explained that the assembly adheres strictly to constitutional provisions and due process in all its affairs.

He noted that any investigation must follow laid-down procedures, including offering all parties a fair hearing.

He also stressed that the assembly reserves the right to receive and evaluate petitions in line with the principles of transparency and the rule of law.

The House has therefore called on those behind the report, including media outlets, to retract the publication and issue a public apology within seven days or risk legal action.

By Muhammad Abubakar

In a landmark move set to reshape the future of Nigerian club football, Kano Pillars FC has announced a major sponsorship agreement with Radio France Internationale (RFI) Hausa. The partnership positions RFI Hausa as the club’s main sponsor for the upcoming season, marking a significant step in the club’s quest for revival and excellence.

The deal, unveiled by new General Manager and Nigerian football icon Ahmed Musa, includes full kit sponsorship for all Kano Pillars teams — from the senior side to junior categories such as U19, U15, and U13. RFI Hausa’s logo will feature prominently on the team’s jerseys and across all official branding.

Beyond financial support, RFI Hausa will equip the club with modern media tools, offer training for the club’s media department in professional video production, and develop a comprehensive communications strategy. The partnership also extends to media collaborations and the publication of content on RFI Hausa’s platforms.

“This marks a new dawn for Kano Pillars FC,” said Ahmed Musa. “We are committed to transparency, progress, and excellence. Brighter days filled with success and glory lie ahead for Sai Masu Gida.”

Joe Penney, Director of France Médias Monde Nigeria, expressed RFI Hausa’s enthusiasm about the collaboration. “We are proud to partner with such a beloved club. We believe in the team’s vision and will help push the club forward as much as possible.”

As Kano Pillars gears up for the new season, the club’s leadership and fan base hope that this partnership will not only bring success on the pitch but also elevate the club’s media presence and community impact.

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 Habib Sani Galadima

In 2021, I attended the wedding dinner of my friend Jamilu Ibrahim Lawan. I was seated close to the front, on a white plastic chair wrapped in gold fabric. Before me, the table was neatly set: a plate of Jollof rice, definitely not Nigerian, soft meat, and chilled drinks.

Then the emcee began his greeting: “Malam Alhaji Dr. Musa, Hajiya Barrister Halima, distinguished guests…” The crowd responded with approving nods. The roll call was not mere protocol. It was a performance of hierarchy, identity, and cultural choreography; compressed into names.

Last week, I was at another gathering with my brother. We both wore beads, but his was longer and more ornate. I casually called him by his marketplace nickname “Ustaz”. Minutes later, someone suggested he should lead the zuhr prayer. I cannot say the title alone earned him that role, but I am certain it tipped the scale. In Hausa society, a name does not just identify, it calibrates power. Every title is weighed by a specific cultural logic.

Whether it is ‘Malam’, ‘Alhaji’, ‘Ustaz’, ‘Engineer’, or ‘Sarki’, each one signals something; scholarship, pilgrimage, class, inheritance, or even self-promotion. To outsiders, they may sound interchangeable. To insiders, they map power, piety, education, and ambition.

Understanding Hausa titles is not about translating words. It is about interpreting what they signify, how they command trust, confer legitimacy, or inflate status.
Ask a Hausa child who taught them how to read Qur’an, and the answer is often the same: “Malam.” But today, that word travels far beyond the Tsangaya.

Originally from the Arabic ‘mu’allim’, meaning teacher, ‘Malam’ once marked someone rooted in Islamic knowledge, versed in tafsir, guardians of moral clarity, respected in both mosque and marketplace. A ‘Malam’ was more than a scholar. He was a compass.
Now the title is elastic. It applies to schoolteachers, lecturers, civil servants, even radio presenters with confident diction. In classrooms, it confers authority. In markets, it softens tone. Sometimes it is just what you call a man whose name you do not know. And on social media, Malam can shift from respect to ridicule, used to mock someone who parades borrowed wisdom.

This stretch reflects Hausa society’s deep reverence for learning, but also its evolving standards for what counts as knowledge. Malam no longer guarantees scholarship. It signals the appearance of learning, genuine or not.

Still, the word carries weight. It opens doors, commands silence, curates tone. Whether whispered by students or shouted from campaign stages, Malam remains a title that balances between reverence and performance. Between earned wisdom and social display.

Once upon a time, calling someone ‘Alhaji’ or ‘Malam’ was enough. Today, it is Alhaji Engr. (Dr.) Chief Sani, and the wedding card has not even listed his full name yet.
Across Northern Nigeria, title stacking has become a performance of prestige. What began as distinct acknowledgments of religious devotion (Alhaji), scholarly authority (Malam), or traditional office (Waziri, Sarki or Galadima) now mingle with Western academic and professional badges like Pharm., Barr., or Engr. One name carries five honorifics.

How did we go from single titles to full-length prefixes? The answer lies in both competition and code-switching. In a society where jobs are scarce and respect is fiercely guarded, titles become symbolic currency. They signal arrival. They fend off dismissal. A stacked name becomes shorthand for success, even when its credentials are uneven.

But it is more than vanity. Hausa speakers navigate overlapping systems of esteem; Islamic virtue, traditional nobility, colonial bureaucracy, and global credentialism. The title stack tries to contain them all: faith, lineage, modernity, merit, compressed into one string of prefixes.

The cost is semantic overload. At some point, ‘Dr. Alhaji Barr.’ says less about your knowledge than about your insecurity. It clutters public introductions and invites satire, as comedians mimic “Comrade Chief (Dr.) Honourable Mallam Digital Strategist…” to lampoon inflated self-worth.

Still, the inflation persists. Because in a culture where ‘girmamawa’ is armor, each new prefix feels like one more layer of protection.

In Hausa culture, titles matter. But girmamawa (respect) runs deeper.
An old man in a village, never called Alhaji or Malam, may command more silence in a gathering than someone with ten honorifics. Why? Because Hausa society has always known the difference between a name and a reputation.

Titles like Dr., Hajiya, Malam, or Waziri can open doors. They invite polite speech, they soften refusals, they protect ego. But respect is built slowly: through action, humility, and how one treats others when no one is watching.

People admire the man who settles disputes without shouting. The woman who feeds orphans without posting about it. The trader whose word is stronger than a receipt. These are the quiet architects of girmamawa.

The tension is real. A person can be called ‘Alhaji Barrister’ and still be mocked behind their back if they abuse power. On the other hand, someone with no title might be described as ‘mutumin kirki’ (a person of upright character) and be trusted with community secrets or village leadership.

Hausa proverbs capture this wisdom. One says, “A bin da ya fi ado, shi ne hali”, meaning, (character is greater than decoration).

The lesson is simple: titles may impress, but they cannot replace trust.

By Alhassan Hassan Salihu

The shocking surge of thuggery and phone snatching in Kano State has evolved into a grave crisis. This escalating violence threatens the safety, security, and well-being of residents, particularly in the metropolitan areas.  

Despite the overwhelming fear gripping communities, remaining silent is not an option; silence could very well mean becoming the next victim of these ruthless gangs preying on innocent people.

Kano’s Youth Violence

From the streets of Kurna to Dorayi, and Rijiyar Lemo to Gwagwarwa, chilling reports of violence have become commonplace. Street clashes, stabbings, daylight robberies, and innocent lives traumatised by gangs wielding machetes, stones, and knives have turned these areas into unsafe zones. 

The brutality of these gangs is more devastating. Social media platforms are inundated with graphic videos and images depicting these violent incidents. 

Terrified bystanders film young thugs attacking victims who resist having their phones snatched, with many victims bleeding from multiple stab wounds. 

These violent encounters are no longer isolated incidents but part of an alarming pattern that threatens the peace and stability of Kano.

A Personal Near-Miss in Dorayi

Just days ago, a student narrowly avoided becoming a victim during a routine trip from Zoo Road to Dorayi in a commercial tricycle (Keke Napep). 

Two young men suddenly jumped into the vehicle; one sat beside them, the other beside the rider. Despite explaining that it was a private drop-off, one of the youths became aggressive. 

Thankfully, the presence of a nearby police outpost likely deterred any violent intentions. They dropped off at a university gate without incident.

This encounter serves as a sobering reminder that violence can erupt anytime, anywhere. Such an incident was lucky, not guaranteed. For many others, it ends in tragedy.

Violence Spreads Beyond Kano

The wave of thuggery and phone snatching extends beyond Kano State. In neighbouring Kaduna, the tragic stabbing of a naval officer, Lieutenant Commander M. Buba, shocked the region. 

While changing a flat tyre in the Kawo area, he was attacked and stabbed in the chest after he refused to surrender his phone. Despite intervention by local vigilantes, he was pronounced dead on arrival at Manaal Hospital.

Authorities have since detained at least 13 suspects and initiated covert operations to dismantle gangs terrorising Kaduna’s streets. Yet the spread of this violence signals a regional issue that calls for coordinated responses beyond the borders of individual states.

 Tragic Loss of a Community Leader

Closer to home, Kano mourned the brutal murder of Alaramma Jabir Lawan Abdullahi, a respected Islamic teacher and tech expert. 

On the evening of May 17, 2025, near Gidan Sarki, he was attacked while travelling in a commercial tricycle amidst heavy traffic. When he resisted attempts to snatch his phone, he was stabbed multiple times by suspected thugs and left to die on the roadside.

This horrific act has ignited outrage across Kano. The fact that a well-known and respected educator could fall victim so brutally sends a clear message: no one is safe in the current climate of violence. 

Arrests Made, Yet Violence Continues

According to the Kano State Police Command, over 200 suspected thugs and phone snatchers have been arrested over the last six months. 

In March 2025 alone, the police paraded over 85 suspects from hotspots such as Kofar Ruwa, Dan’agundi, Zango, and Dorayi. Weapons, stolen phones, and illicit drugs were seized.

Despite these efforts, the menace persists, the gangs’ deep-rooted networks rapidly replenish lost members, highlighting the inadequacy of enforcement alone. 

Underlying socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment, widespread drug abuse, and poor educational opportunities, fuel the cycle of crime and violence.

Steps Taken, But More Must Be Done

The Kano State Government has made commendable strides in tackling this crisis. 

Rehabilitation centres in Kiru and Dorayi, alongside the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s (NDLEA) facility for addiction treatment, are important tools in combating the link between substance abuse and violent crime.

However, these centres require urgent expansion and increased funding to meet growing demand. With rising numbers of youths affected by drugs and crime, scaling rehabilitation services is essential, and more compulsory.

Need For Holistic Action

Security agencies cannot rely solely on arrests to solve such enduring crises, which require a community-based approach. 

Strengthening community policing, empowering neighbourhood vigilante groups, improving local surveillance, and fostering trust between residents and law enforcement are critical for restoring safety. Equally important is addressing the root causes of youth involvement in crime. 

The government must urgently invest in job creation schemes, vocational training centres, and youth empowerment initiatives such as sports and cultural programmes. 

Idle youth are more vulnerable to gang recruitment and drug addiction. Productive engagement is the key to prevention. Moreover, effective rehabilitation programmes and mental health support for addicted offenders must be prioritised. Without this, many youths will remain trapped in a vicious cycle of crime and incarceration.

Lastly, the justice system must be reformed to ensure quick and fair prosecution. Many arrested criminals return to the streets quickly due to weak legal follow-up, undermining deterrence and public confidence. Stronger, faster legal processes and appropriate sentencing are necessary to break the cycle, as it was previously demonstrated.

Conclusion

The menace of “fadan daba and phone snatching” in Kano has reached a tipping point. No one is immune, from students and traders to community leaders and law enforcement.

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 Hadiza Abdulkadir

A coalition of concerned citizens has issued a strong call to the Nigeria Police Force for an urgent investigation into what they describe as “premeditated acts of provocation and incitement” targeting the Kano Emirate.

The group, led by Secretary General Rabiu Matazu, alleges that recent unrest surrounding the annual Durbar celebrations was orchestrated by associates of the deposed Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero. According to the statement, supporters of the former Emir had publicly mobilised thugs via social media to gather at his Mandawari residence, which lies directly along the route of Emir Sanusi’s durbar procession.

The release also describes a separate incident involving Aminu Ado Bayero’s convoy, which reportedly passed in front of Gidan Rumfa — the official residence of the Emir — during a condolence visit. Eyewitnesses claim the convoy tore down official banners and damaged parts of the palace wall, while chanting threats against Emir Sanusi.

“This is not [a] mere coincidence,” the statement read. “These are coordinated efforts to provoke confrontation and destabilise the Emirate.”

In stark contrast, the statement commended Emir Sanusi II for what it described as a peaceful and respectful gesture during the Nasarawa Eid durbar, deliberately avoiding the Nasarawa Palace where Bayero is said to be “squatting.”

The group is demanding that the police investigate all aspects of the incidents, including social media incitement, acts of vandalism, and the role of any influential individuals behind the provocations. They emphasise that accountability should not be selective.

“Kano has suffered enough,” the statement concluded. “The people deserve peace, stability, and a police force that enforces the law without fear or favour.”

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the appointment of Dr. Suleiman Wali Sani as the new Chief of Staff, Government House, Kano.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Dr. Sani, a seasoned medical doctor, policy expert, and retired Permanent Secretary, brings over 40 years of public service experience to his new role.

Prior to this appointment, he served as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Civil Service Matters.

A graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with MBBS degrees, he also holds a diploma from Bayero University, Kano, and the prestigious mni certificate from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Sani held top-level administrative positions, including Director General in the Ministries of Health and Commerce, Executive Secretary, and Permanent Secretary in various government institutions.

He also served as Chief Medical Director at both the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital and the Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital.

He has played a significant role in shaping health policies, civil service reforms, and social development in the state and beyond.

He has participated in over 40 state and national committees and has represented Nigeria in international medical and administrative engagements.

In a related development, Governor Yusuf has also approved the appointment of retired Major General Mohammed Sani as the new Director General of Special Services at the Government House.

A highly decorated infantry officer, Maj. Gen. Sani served in the Nigerian Army for over 35 years, holding several key command and staff positions.

He played critical roles in peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and national security operations before retiring.

The statement further noted that the decision to reinstate the Office of the Chief of Staff—scrapped in December 2024—is part of the governor’s broader effort to strengthen governance and improve service delivery in the state.

Both Dr. Sani and Maj. Gen. Sani are expected to assume duties immediately.

By Sani Surajo Abubakar

“Gurubi”, as he was fondly called by his colleagues, the teaching and non-teaching staff of Army Day Secondary School, Bukavu Barracks, Kano, remains a name that resonates in the ears of many who studied in the school in the late 80s, 90s, and years after.

Malam Garba Umar Saleh embodied the spirit of a true teacher. His commitment to education and passion for nurturing young minds were evident in every aspect of his work. 

It is with profound sadness that we reflect on the life and legacy of the late Malam Garba Umar Saleh, a dedicated teacher at Army Day Secondary School and other secondary schools. His passing left an indelible void in the lives of those who knew him, particularly his students, colleagues, and the broader community.

 He approached his role with diligence, patience, and kindness, making him a beloved figure in schools. His dedication to his students went beyond the classroom, as he often took extra time to mentor and guide them, both academically and morally.

The impact of Malam Garba Umar Saleh on his students cannot be overstated. He had a unique ability to make complex concepts accessible and engaging, inspiring a love for learning in countless young minds. His unwavering support and encouragement helped many students overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, and his influence will continue to shape the futures of those he taught.

His colleagues at the Army Day Secondary School and other Schools also held him in high regard. His collaborative spirit, professionalism, and positive attitude made him a valued member of the school community. He made significant contributions to the school’s mission, consistently striving for excellence and innovation in education.

While Malam Garba Umar Saleh is no longer with us, his legacy endures. The lessons he imparted, the values he instilled, and the love he showed to his students and colleagues will forever be remembered. His life serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of others.

As we remember Malam Garba Umar Saleh, we honour his memory by upholding the values he cherished: dedication, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. His story is a testament to the enduring power of education and the profound impact one teacher can have.

This tribute serves as a heartfelt acknowledgement of the remarkable life and contributions of Malam Garba Umar Saleh. May it inspire others to follow in his footsteps, dedicating themselves to the noble cause of education and service to humanity. 

A 1982 NCE graduate of the Advanced Teachers College Gumel, the deceased was employed as Master III by the then Kano State Ministry of Education and posted to Government Girls College (GGC) Dala as his first port of service.

In his quest for knowledge, the late Garba Umar Saleh enrolled in a degree programme at Bayero University Kano and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Education/English in 1989.

He spent most of his teaching years, spanning more than three decades, at GGC Dala, Army Day Secondary School (Boys), Bukavu Barracks, and Muhammad Vice Adamu Government Secondary School Kuka (MVAGSS), serving as a classroom teacher, Senior Master, and Vice Principal, respectively.

Towards the tail end of his service period, he was redeployed to the headquarters of the Kano State Senior Secondary Schools Management Board (KSSSSMB) as Deputy Director, Training and Recruitment, a position he held until his last breath, some weeks before his exit from the service. 

  May Almighty Allah, the most Exalted, grant his gentle and innocent soul rest in peace, and Jannatul Fiirdausi be his final abode, the fortitude and solace for all of us to bear the irreplaceable loss. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations? 

Sani was a student at Army Day Secondary School, Bukavu Barracks, Kano, and is currently on the Staff of the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs.