Kano State

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the merger of the state’s Ministry of Higher Education with the Ministry of Education in a move aimed at strengthening coordination and accelerating reforms in the education sector.

The decision was announced in a statement on Sunday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

According to the statement, the newly unified body will operate as the Ministry of Education, with a specialised Directorate of Higher Education established within the ministry to oversee tertiary education in the state. The directorate will be headed by a permanent secretary and supported by relevant personnel to ensure effective administration of higher education institutions.

The statement added that agencies previously under the Ministry of Higher Education, including the state Scholarship Board, will now be returned to the Ministry of Education. State-owned universities and other tertiary institutions will also be supervised by the Directorate of Higher Education under the restructured ministry.

The restructuring forms part of the government’s broader education sector reform agenda, which seeks to eliminate duplication of responsibilities, improve policy coordination across all levels of education, and reduce the cost of governance.

Governor Yusuf said the reform is intended to enhance efficiency, strengthen accountability, and improve the overall quality of education administration in the state.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to implementing comprehensive reforms that will revitalise the education sector and create better opportunities for the younger generation.

The Office of the Secretary to the State Government and the Office of the Head of Service have been directed to ensure the immediate and smooth realignment of the affected ministries and their departments.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Kano State Government has approved the early payment of March 2026 salaries to civil servants to enable them to prepare for the forthcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the Head of Service, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf directed the immediate release and payment of the salaries to all workers in the state civil service.

The Acting Head of Service, Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, said the directive was intended to help workers make adequate preparations for the Sallah festivities in a convenient and dignified manner.

She explained that the early payment reflects the administration’s commitment to the welfare of civil servants and its appreciation of their dedication and contributions to the development of the state.

Maimota also urged civil servants to utilise the gesture responsibly while continuing to demonstrate commitment, discipline and efficiency in the discharge of their duties for improved service delivery.

The state government further reaffirmed its resolve to sustain policies that promote workers’ welfare and enhance productivity within the civil service.

By Muhammad Isah Zng

For many students, gaining admission into a university marks the beginning of a hopeful journey toward a better future. For me, however, gaining admission to study Mass Communication at Bayero University, Kano (BUK) came with a difficult reality: I had no sponsor to support my education.

There was no one to take full responsibility for my expenses, including feeding and other basic needs. Yet despite this challenge, I refused to let my circumstances stop me from pursuing my dream. I held firmly to three principles that guided my journey throughout the university years: faith, hope, and hard work.

When I left home for BUK to begin my studies, I quickly realised that survival would require determination beyond the classroom. I had to find a way to support myself financially while keeping up with my academic responsibilities. Deep down, I knew that no one would suddenly come to rescue me from my situation. If I wanted to succeed, I had to depend on my own efforts.

With that understanding, I made a decision that would define my entire university experience. Every weekend, I would leave the university campus to work as a woodcutter. The job was physically demanding and exhausting, but it became my primary means of survival.

From my first year in university, I maintained this routine of attending lectures and focusing on my studies during the week, then travelling off campus on weekends to cut and process firewood for sale. The work was not easy, but it provided the little income I needed to sustain myself.

Over time, I found additional opportunities to work. During my second year at the university, I started working in two different locations outside BUK. I worked under individuals such as Dan Azumi and Alhaji Aminu Dorayi Babba. Through these jobs, I earned money that helped me meet my basic needs.

The income from the work was modest but meaningful. On average, I earn between ₦3,000 and ₦4,000. On better days, I could earn between ₦10,000 and ₦13,000. That money helped me buy food and other necessities. Sometimes, it even allowed me to support two of my friends who were also struggling to survive in school.

One remarkable thing about the work was its reliability. Whenever I went out to work, I was almost certain that I would return with something to eat. It taught me the dignity of labour and reminded me that no honest work should ever be looked down upon.

Although balancing academic studies with physical labour was challenging, I remained committed to completing my education. Each day of hard work reminded me that the sacrifices I was making were steps toward a brighter future.

Today, Alhamdulillah, I have successfully completed my four-year programme at Bayero University, Kano. My graduation marks the end of one important chapter of my life and the beginning of another phase filled with new responsibilities and aspirations.

Through my story, I want to encourage young people, especially students facing financial hardship, not to lose hope. Many young people today feel discouraged when they encounter difficulties in pursuing their education. However, challenges should not define our limits; instead, they can inspire us to find creative ways to achieve our goals.

There is dignity in every form of honest work. Whether it is cutting wood, farming, trading, or doing any other job, what truly matters is the determination to move forward despite obstacles.

Life is not always easy for people who come from humble backgrounds. But it can still be meaningful and inspiring when we use our difficult situations as opportunities for growth. Hard work, patience, and faith can transform even the toughest circumstances into stepping stones toward success.

My journey from wood-cutting to earning a university degree is a testament to the power of perseverance. It is a reminder that with determination and self-belief, even the most challenging path can lead to success.

Muhammad Isa wrote via isahmuhammad571@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has warned members of the State Executive Council against acts of disloyalty and the leaking of government information.

The governor issued the warning on Thursday during the 38th State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Kano.

Governor Yusuf disclosed that some commissioners had resigned following recent political realignments within the state.

He said five commissioners had already stepped down from their positions and that he had accepted their resignations.

“I just want to inform members of the council that, following the political alignments, some commissioners have decided to resign,” the governor said.

“Of the total number, five of them have resigned, and I accepted their resignation. I therefore also wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours.”

The governor also urged the remaining members of the council to reaffirm their commitment to the administration and the ideals of their political party.

“To those that have decided to remain with us and align with the principles and philosophies of our party, I want to appeal to you to rededicate yourselves to the service of the present administration,” he said.

He stressed the need for unity among members of the government, noting that collective effort was necessary to deliver on the administration’s mandate to the people.

“I want you to know that we are still one party and we have to work together for the betterment of our people,” Yusuf added.

The governor further warned that the era of internal divisions, disloyalty and information leaks within the administration must come to an end.

“The era of rancour, the era of disloyalty, the era of leakage of information, and the era of coming in between one another is over,” he said.

He urged council members to remain focused and committed to their responsibilities, warning that anyone who goes against the principles of the administration would be removed.

“However, that does not mean that whoever goes contrary to the dictates and the principles of this administration will not be voted out,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, the state Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, was absent from the meeting.

Gwarzo has reportedly declined to join the All Progressives Congress alongside the governor and has also not resigned from his position.

By Ahmed Musa Husaini

I’m genuinely fascinated by the Aliko Dangote Skills Acquisition Center in Kano, not just because of how well-equipped it is, but also because of the quality and relevance of the courses it offers.

That center alone has the potential to, in the medium term, send 2,000 skilled Kano artisans to the European market every year. If this was the only thing Aliko Dangote ever did for Kano, I’d say he has paid his dues.

Jobs like electricians, welders, mechanics, plumbers, carpenters, scaffolders, excavator operators, bricklayers, fitters, solar installers, HVAC technicians, and instrumentation mechanics are in very high demand across Europe. And this isn’t a temporary trend – it’s structural – driven by aging populations and declining birth rates. That means the demand for these skilled workers is here to stay.

Currently, Europe faces an estimated shortage of about 5 million skilled artisans, with an additional 400,000 replacement jobs opening up every year due to retirements. In the UK alone, 10,500 new electricians are needed annually just to maintain the current workforce, yet only about 7,500 apprentices are produced, leaving a huge gap.

Countries like Germany and the Netherlands offer expedited visa pathways for skilled workers in these high-demand occupations, with competitive salaries often at par with mid-level professionals, in addition to strong labor protections and social security systems.

Many countries in the Global South are already positioning their citizens to take advantage of these opportunities. In 2024, Kenya signed a comprehensive migration and mobility partnership with Germany, creating legal pathways for skilled Kenyan workers. That same year, Senegal signed its skills partnership with Germany, and Tunisia followed with the Africa Skills for Germany (AS4G) program. Earlier this year, India signed a mobility pact aimed at aligning its national qualifications with European standards, enabling mutual recognition of apprenticeship certifications.

Back home, Nigeria is also part of the Global Skills Program in construction, designed to address labor shortages in Nigeria and Germany through a partnership involving the Nigeria College of Practical Skills Enugu, the International Center for Migration Policy and Development, and private firms from Germany and Austria.

Which brings me back to the Dangote Center.

As impressive as the facility is, I believe the biggest mistake Dangote made was handing over its management to the state government. Governments, especially in Nigeria, are notoriously poor at running institutions like this. At the outset, Dangote had pledged to hire expatriates to run the center and ensure its operations and curriculum remained globally competitive. It is obvious that the pledge never quite materialized.

Going forward, Dangote should take back management of the center through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, or hand it over to a competent private operator. It would be a tragedy of historic proportions if a facility with this much potential is allowed to waste.

Just imagine the impact: 2,000 highly skilled Kano-born artisans working in Europe, each earning  €35,000-€50,000 annually. The cumulative long-term impacts of the remittances alone would transform Kano’s economy, in addition to the new ventures, diaspora connections, and cultural exchanges that would follow. Now imagine scaling that number year after year for the next decade.

That’s not just a skills center, it has the potential to be Kano’s most important incubator of wealth if properly run.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The management of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila has rusticated nine students over their involvement in examination malpractice during the first semester examinations of the 2025/2026 academic session.

The decision was announced in a Special Bulletin issued by the university’s Registry following the approval of the institution’s Senate after reviewing reported cases of examination misconduct and plagiarism.

According to the bulletin, the affected students were found guilty of violating the university’s examination regulations. As a result, the Senate approved their rustication for one academic session as part of disciplinary measures to maintain academic integrity.

The university management said the action reflects its commitment to promoting honesty, discipline, and fairness within the academic environment.

It also reiterated that examination malpractice and all forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Students were therefore urged to strictly adhere to examination rules and regulations, with the management emphasising that integrity remains central to the institution’s mission of producing morally upright and academically sound graduates.

Members of the university community were advised to take note of the Senate’s decision and continue to uphold the core values of the institution.

By Tijjani Ahmad, PhD 

In Northern Nigeria’s academic landscape, few names resonate as profoundly as Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago’s. For those who pursued accounting and related disciplines from the mid-1990s onward, his name was not just familiar; it was synonymous with excellence, innovation, and unwavering commitment. 

A household figure whose books lined our shelves and whose insights shaped our minds, Prof. Dandago lived a life dedicated to paying his dues in every sphere he touched: academically, professionally, administratively, socially, and spiritually. 

Prof. Dandago’s academic journey spanned an impressive 36 years (since 1990), with 19 of those as a full professor, during which he poured his heart into teaching, supervision, and research. His classrooms were not mere lecture halls but crucibles of intellectual growth, where students emerged transformed. He authored numerous papers and books that became foundational texts, demystifying complex financial concepts and inspiring generations of accountants, managers, and scholars. 

At Bayero University, Kano (BUK) and beyond, his supervision of theses and dissertations was legendary, rigorous yet nurturing, always pushing mentees to reach their highest potential. Even in his final days, his contributions to knowledge remained undiminished, a reminder that true scholars never truly retire.

Professionally, Prof. Dandago’s influence extended far beyond academia. He was a pillar in Nigeria’s accounting bodies, serving with distinction at both national and district levels in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN). His expertise shaped policies, standards, and practices, ensuring ethical integrity in a field often tested by challenges. 

Administratively, he held pivotal roles, including as Commissioner of Finance in Kano State and as a member of the Tax Appeal Tribunal, where his decisions were marked by fairness, precision, and a deep sense of public duty. These positions were not stepping stones for personal gain but platforms for service, where he navigated fiscal complexities with the wisdom of a sage.

Yet, Prof. Dandago’s greatness was not confined to boardrooms or lecture podiums. Socially, he was a force for good, deeply invested in community service and mentorship. He guided countless young professionals, offering counsel that extended beyond careers into life itself. 

His actions spoke volumes – quiet acts of kindness, support for the underprivileged, and a commitment to uplifting Northern Nigeria’s youth. Spiritually, he lived as a devout Muslim, his faith evident in his humility, generosity, and moral compass. He was a man who walked his talk, drawing from Islamic principles to foster harmony and ethical living in all he did.

My own path with Prof. Dandago began indirectly, through whispers of his reputation. As a student at ABU, I first encountered his name in the books that formed the backbone of our curriculum and in the glowing accounts from our seniors at BUK, who spoke of him with reverence. Little did I know our worlds would intersect so meaningfully. 

Our first direct meeting came in 2011 during my MBA program, when he was assigned to teach Financial and Management Accounting alongside the late Prof. Mohammed Liman, another erudite scholar we lost just last August. Their tandem was a masterclass in itself, blending rigour with inspiration.

Two years later, in 2013, fate brought us together again at Universiti Utara Malaysia, where his presence felt like a continuation of that earlier guidance. From that point onward, Prof. Dandago became more than a teacher; he was a constant in my journey, following my progress with genuine interest. 

Our paths crossed repeatedly—in projects, fora, committees—each encounter enriching me with wisdom. Whether through his direct words, sharp and insightful, or through the subtle power of his example, no one left his company unchanged. He was the true definition of a professor: not just a dispenser of facts, but a cultivator of minds and spirits.

Prof. Dandago’s life was a symphony of service, where every note contributed to a greater harmony. In a world often driven by self-interest, he stood as a paragon of selflessness, reminding us that true success lies in what we give, not what we gain. 

As we gather to honour his memory, his burial today echoes the profound impact he had, crowds drawn not by obligation, but by love and respect for a life well-lived.

May Allah (SWT) grant him eternal peace, forgive his shortcomings, and admit him into Jannatul Firdaus, the highest paradise. 

Adieu Prof.! Sai mun zo.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State House of Assembly has formally commenced the impeachment process against Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo by serving him a notice to respond to allegations that could warrant his removal.

At a special plenary session on Thursday, the notice, read before the House, contained charges of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.

Addressing journalists after the session, House Majority Leader Lawal Hussaini Yangurasa confirmed that he presented the notice, which was signed by 38 members of the House.

He explained that following the service of the notice, the deputy governor is expected to respond within two weeks, after which the House will review his defence before deciding whether to proceed with the impeachment process.

Details later….

By Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu

In Kano today, politics is no longer whispered in corridors; it is argued loudly in markets, mosques and on social media timelines. Since Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s reported decision to part ways with the NNPP, the city has become a theatre of competing loyalties, sharp sarcasm and deeper constitutional questions. Supporters have reduced complex political choices into street labels—Abba’s camp being teased as ’yan a ci dadi lafiya, while the Kwankwasiyya faithful wear wuya ba ta kisa as a badge of honour. Beneath the banter, however, lies a serious national issue: who truly owns a political mandate?

Governor Abba Yusuf did not emerge from a vacuum. His ascent to the Kano Government House was inseparable from the Kwankwasiyya political machinery, a movement painstakingly built by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso over two decades. From red caps to ideological messaging, the movement transcended party platforms and became a political identity. In the 2023 elections, many voters did not merely vote for a party; they voted for Kwankwasiyya as a symbol of continuity, defiance and populist appeal.

Yet, Abba Yusuf is no ceremonial beneficiary. He contested, won, survived legal battles and now governs with all the constitutional powers vested in an elected governor. His mandate, in law, is personal. Once sworn in, no political godfather—however influential—can legally issue directives from outside the Government House. This is where the tension lies: the clash between moral ownership of political capital and constitutional authority of office.

Those derisively tagged ’yan aci dadi lafiya by opponents argue that governance is about pragmatism, access to power and delivering dividends to the people. From their perspective, a sitting governor must build alliances beyond sentiment, protect his administration and ensure stability. Politics, they insist, is not a monastic vow of hardship but a strategic exercise in survival and results.

On the other side stand the wuya bata ƙi sa faithful—Kwankwasiyya loyalists who believe political struggle must be endured to preserve ideology. To them, Abba Yusuf’s move is not strategy but betrayal. They see it as an attempt to reap the fruits of a movement while discarding its architect. In their view, suffering with the movement, even outside power, is preferable to comfort without loyalty.

This divide exposes a recurring Nigerian dilemma: the uneasy relationship between political movements and the individuals they propel into office. From Awolowo’s disciples to Aregbesola’s rupture with Tinubu, Nigerian politics is littered with fallouts between founders and beneficiaries. Kano’s current drama is simply the latest chapter.

Kwankwaso’s influence in Kano politics is undeniable. Beyond elections, he represents a moral compass for millions who see him as a symbol of resistance against elite dominance. His supporters’ anger is therefore not merely partisan; it is emotional and ideological. To them, Abba Yusuf’s political identity was inseparable from Kwankwaso’s shadow.

However, governance demands autonomy. A governor who appears perpetually tethered to an external authority risks administrative paralysis and legitimacy questions. Abba Yusuf’s defenders argue that Kano cannot be governed from outside its constitutional structures. They insist that the electorate voted not just for Kwankwaso’s endorsement but for Abba Yusuf’s promise to lead.

The real casualty in this contest, unfortunately, risks being governance itself. When political energy is consumed by loyalty tests and factional supremacy, policy focus suffers. Kano’s challenges—urban congestion, youth unemployment, educational deficits, and security concerns—require a governor fully immersed in administration, not in constant political firefighting.

There is also the electoral implication. While Kwankwasiyya remains a formidable grassroots force, incumbency is a powerful weapon. State resources, visibility, and administrative control can quickly reshape political narratives. The assumption that loyalty automatically translates into electoral dominance may underestimate the pragmatism of Nigerian voters, especially when power dynamics shift.

Yet, Abba Yusuf’s path is equally fraught. Detaching from a movement that delivered his victory carries political costs. Kano’s electorate is emotionally invested, and symbols matter. If his administration fails to convincingly outperform expectations, the narrative of ingratitude could harden into electoral punishment.

Ultimately, this is not just a Kano story; it is a Nigerian one. It forces a national reflection on whether mandates belong to parties, movements, godfathers or the individuals elected by the people. The Constitution is clear, but politics rarely is.

Perhaps the wisest outcome lies not in triumph or humiliation but in recalibration. Political movements must learn to institutionalise beyond personalities, while elected officials must acknowledge the moral debts that brought them to power. Neither absolute loyalty nor total independence offers a sustainable path.

As the dust settles, the sarcasm of ’yan a ci dadi lafiya and wuya ba ta kisa may fade, but the questions will linger. In Nigeria’s democracy, mandate is both a legal instrument and a moral contract. Kano’s unfolding drama reminds us that ignoring either side of that equation comes at a cost—sometimes higher than any political suffering.

Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu is a journalist and syndicate writer based in Abuja

By Hadiza Abdulkadir 

I am speaking out as a concerned sister after my younger brother from Kano, Nigeria, Ismail, was repeatedly contacted on TikTok by individuals claiming to be football agents.

They asked about his football journey and promised trials in another state where “European agents” would scout talented players. However, there was one condition: he had to pay for the registration form.

When I advised Ismail to ask what the form looked like, the so-called agent sent a blurry screenshot of a flashy, unprofessional document with no official logo, no verified organisation, and no connection to recognised bodies like the Nigeria Football Federation or FIFA. That was a big red flag.

According to people with deep knowledge about scouting, real agents do not randomly scout players on TikTok and demand upfront payments. Thankfully, Ismail asked questions before making any decision and did not send any money.

Many young footballers dream of playing professionally, and scammers are exploiting that dream. Parents and players must verify every claim, research every agent, and never pay fees without confirmed legitimacy.

Patience and due diligence can protect young talents from becoming victims. Beware.

Hadiza is Nigerian but writes from Cologne, Germany. She can be contacted via hadiza225@gmail.com.