Kano State

By Khaleed Suleiman Abdul

We thank Allah for a life well spent. Indeed, from Allah we come, and to him we shall return. Professor Musa Abdu Auyo’s death is undoubtedly one of the few transitions that shocked Bayero University Kano and the entire academic circle within and outside Nigeria. 

The Comrade, as we fondly called him, was an unrepentant freedom fighter and social justice crusader. His uncommon spirit of tolerance and forgiveness earned him popularity among different classes of people. In fact, he is a man of the people, and the turnout of people from all walks of life who paid their last respects during his internment testified to that.

My first close encounter with him was when he and a few other individuals helped me secure admission into Bayero University. That was about three decades ago, 1993 – 1994, to be precise. From then on, the relationship knew no boundary and continued to wax stronger until his death.

I always recall with joy how he facilitated the securing of admission for ten qualified candidates in different departments and faculties whose credentials were forwarded to him by my humble self.

His simplicity and sense of accommodation enabled him to act or respond with dispatch to any request I put before him, particularly on student admission or counselling issues.

He once said, “As a lecturer, I don’t have much financially to give, but when it comes to securing admission or imparting knowledge to people, I must do my best”.

Comrade was always ready and willing to help you irrespective of your tribe, religion, class, or age. He believed that society must change positively through education and the creation of public awareness. 

His exemplary, simple lifestyle contributed immensely to our conduct. 

He taught us the spirit of accountability, answerability, patriotism, and sympathy in the common person.

The late academic guru was bereaved by two wives and nine blessed and educated children. One of them is completing her PhD, and others have or are doing their master’s degree and undergraduate programs in different fields of human endeavour. May God Almighty protect and guide them, ameen.

Professor Musa Auyo graduated in library and information sciences from the prestigious Bayero University Kano, received a master’s degree in the same field from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and received a PhD from BUK. He has also been a professor from the same institution lately.

He was the Head of the Department of Library and Information Sciences, Dean of the faculty of education, Bayero University librarian, one-time pioneer librarian at Federal University Kafin Hausa, and, very recently, chairman of the Board College of Education, Gumel, Jigawa State.

Despite all these academic responsibilities, the late professor still found time to belong to associations within and outside the university walls. 

I remember as a student, whenever a symposium was organised, and comrade Auyo and the likes of Prof. Ibrahim Bello-Kano (IBK), late Auwalu Umar, and Auwalu Kawu of sociology were to make a presentation, the theatre always appeared too small to accommodate the mammoth crowd of students anxious to hear words of wisdom from the effervescent cum erudite scholar.

His belief in public education and enlightenment led him to champion the establishment of the Auyo Youth Association (AYA), Hadejia Youth Organization, and Literacy Club Society of Bayero University (LICSOBUK) in which I worked closely with him to champion the cause but was short-lived immediately after we graduated.

He was a great pillar, a beacon who nurtured and groomed students and intellectuals within and outside the campus. Some of his students today are professors doing well in their chosen professions. They include professors Abbas Mai Dabino and Baffa Abubakar, to mention a few.

I recall with pride how the late Professor Auyo, as a crusader of social justice and other sound-minded intellectuals in the Senate, saved many students from rustication for merely embarking on a lack of electricity and water protest in the new campus, where the Vice Chancellor insisted that the students must be punished. 

However, these noblemen, including the late professor, stood their ground to ensure no student fell prey to victimisation.

In conclusion, filling the vacuum created by your demise will be very difficult. Your contribution to education, community development, social justice, mentoring, and nurturing within the university perimeter and across society will remain indelible in our memory.

We pray to almighty God to grant you the highest level of Jannah, peace, and everlasting Rahma in your grave until we meet and part no more. Alhamdulillahi!

Khaleed Suleiman Abdul (Sardauna of Gwagwarwa) wrote via akhaleed431@gmail.com.

By Umar Fatima Shehu

The weather and environment have hindered people’s health due to rapid rainfall, dam overflow, bushy environment, and unclean water.

According to the Reliefweb report, some states in the northern part of Nigeria have been experiencing continuous rainfall, which has caused drainage blockages, floods, crop loss, and soil erosion in states such as Kano, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Jigawa.

KANO

Obstruction of drainages, a bushy environment, and unclean water are affecting the people’s health in Kano, as there are few drainage provisions. 

At Bayero University Kano, this closure has affected the flow of waste products from the hostel latrines. The male hostels (Aliko Dangote, El-El-Kamis) and some of the female hostels are affected by this issue, which is not harmful to the health of the students residing and passing along the building.

Due to unknown circumstances, the management of the university has not been providing sufficient water to the hostels, leading to students fetching water from unclean sources such as rainwater from the rooftop of the hostel building, broken pipes surrounded by stagnant water, etc.

The closure of drainages and bushy environment has led to too much stagnant water around the university. This water helps to generate more mosquitoes and reptiles. The high rate of students visiting the school clinically is evidence of a lack of environmental hygiene. Several students have been diagnosed with malaria, fever, typhoid, cough, etc.

BORNO

The ancient city of Borno, Maiduguri, was flooded due to the overflow of the Alau Dam in Konduga. This led to home loss, missing relatives, and destruction of amenities, including health facilities.

According to a report by the Nigeria Health Watch, over 400,000 people are displaced. The state is at a high risk of infectious disease outbreaks because of camp crowdness, lack of clean drinking water, unhygienic conditions, shortage of health facilities, etc.

According to Chachu Tadicha, deputy director of program operations/humanitarian at Save the Children,” the flood has posed a serious risk to food security because crops in the field have been severely damaged. With this, there will be an increasing rate of malnutrition.”

The flood has contaminated the environment with specks of dirt from the disposals and drainages, which has caused stagnant water to serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare stated, “Chlorine tablets, anti-malaria treatment, bednet, etc., are being sent from other states to Maiduguri to address the potential increase in malaria cases.”

WAKE UP CALL

Dams and riverbank overflow caused most flood incidents. The Federal and State governments should work to prevent the reoccurrence of such incidents again in the country by ensuring the appropriate use of signed bills for their purpose.

By Uzair Adam

A Kano State High Court has once again issued an order preventing the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, from carrying out renovations to the Nassarawa Mini Palace.

The legal action was initiated by the Kano State Government, the Attorney-General of Kano, and the Kano Emirate Council, who filed a motion through their counsel, Rilwanu Umar SAN, on September 12.

They requested the court to stop Ado-Bayero from making any changes to the palace located along State Road in Kano.

In her ruling, Justice Dije Abdu-Aboki, the Chief Judge of Kano State, found the applicants’ request valid, noting that the Emir had neither submitted a counter affidavit nor provided a written defense.

Abdu-Aboki referred the case to High Court 15 for further proceedings.

During the session, counsel for the applicants argued that Bayero had been removed from his position by the Kano State Emirate Council Repeal Law of 2024.

Despite being served on September 14, the respondent had not filed a response or appeared before the court.

The applicants also requested that the court declare the Nassarawa Mini Palace as the property of the Kano State Government and the Kano Emirate Council, not the personal property of Ado-Bayero.

Previously, on September 13, the court issued an Interim Injunction, preventing the Emir and his representatives from demolishing, renovating, or making any alterations to the palace until the case is resolved.

The court ordered that the status quo regarding the palace’s structure and design be maintained during the legal process.

By Bilal Muhammad Bello (BMB)

It is widely recognised across Kano State that the 44 LGA Day Technical Schools have been abandoned and remain under incomplete construction. These schools were established in 2012 during the second tenure of former Governor Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. 

The initial progress on these schools was swift under Kwankwaso’s administration. However, the subsequent government, led by former Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, halted the continuation of the project.

The abandonment of these schools has not only led to their physical decay but also created opportunities for theft and vandalism, with some individuals stealing materials from the school premises. The neglected sites have also become hubs for illicit activities, posing a threat to the safety and well-being of the surrounding communities.

It is crucial to bring this matter to the attention of His Excellency, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, the current Governor of Kano State. Your commitment to advancing education in both urban and rural areas, particularly through the construction of classroom blocks, the reduction of registration fees for higher education institutions, and the provision of postgraduate scholarships, is commendable and has garnered praise from Kano residents and visitors alike.

During your 2019 and 2023 gubernatorial campaigns, you pledged to resume work on the 44 LGA Day Technical Schools. I respectfully appeal to your administration to take swift action to complete these schools. By doing so, you will transform these temporary sites into permanent institutions, ensuring they fulfil their original purpose and preventing further loss of valuable materials.

Bilal Muhammad Bello (BMB) wrote from Mass Communication, Bayero University Kano.

By Engr. Alkasim Auwal

There was a time, not so long ago, when Kano stood tall as the industrial heart of Northern Nigeria. It was a vibrant, thriving city, neck and neck with Lagos, vying for economic supremacy in the country. Kano’s industries were buzzing, its economy flourishing, and its future seemed limitless. But today, that promise has faded. Kano has fallen behind — not just behind Lagos, but even smaller states like Ogun. How did we lose our way?

Nowadays, the only thing Kano can confidently claim is its large population. Economic stagnation, crumbling infrastructure, and leadership failures have become the sad reality of a state that once had so much potential. Since 1999, our leaders have come and gone — Kwankwaso, Shekarau, Ganduje, and now Abba — but none have been able to provide the clear vision and roadmap Kano so desperately needs. Their methods may have differed, but the results have been the same: little progress and missed opportunities.

Think about it — in 2024, we’re still talking about rehabilitating primary schools and constructing 5-kilometer roads. If we had a genuinely functional system, these tasks should be handled by local government chairmen, not state governors. We’re still facing water shortages, and our roads in the city and the rural areas remain in disrepair. These are problems that should have been fixed decades ago, yet here we are, still grappling with them.

Meanwhile, Lagos has moved forward. They now have a functioning metro train system, and traffic jams — once a defining feature of the city — have been significantly reduced. Lagos is not just growing; it’s thriving. It’s what happens when a state follows a clear and focused plan. While Kano should implement advanced transportation systems like Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) or Light Rail Transit (LRT), we’re still debating basic infrastructure. We should be pioneering new ventures like our state airline, much like Akwa Ibom did with Ibom Air. 

Then there’s agriculture. Kano is blessed with vast, fertile land that could revolutionise our economy. We could lead Nigeria in mechanised farming, feeding our state and the nation. Just look at what Niger State’s governor is doing with their agricultural reforms. Why aren’t we doing the same? Why are we letting such immense potential go to waste?

The neglect of Kano’s importance became painfully clear when the federal government launched CNG-free conversion centres in several states. Yet, Kano—the most populous state in Nigeria—wasn’t even considered. It’s a glaring omission that reflects how far we’ve fallen off the radar. Our leaders don’t seem to care. They’re more concerned with playing politics instead of pushing for development and innovation.

So, where did we get it wrong?

We got it wrong when we lost sight of long-term development, when our leaders prioritised political games over real progress, and when they abandoned the people’s needs for short-term gains. Kano’s downfall is not inevitable; it results from poor planning, lack of foresight, and a failure to act on the opportunities available.

The solution isn’t impossible. It requires leadership that listens to the people, plans for the future, and invests in infrastructure, education, and industries. Kano can rise again, but only if we recognise our mistakes and demand better from those who lead us. We need a vision for the future that builds on our strengths and addresses our weaknesses.

Until then, we will continue to watch as other states, big and small, leave us behind. Kano’s story doesn’t have to be one of decline. But to change the narrative, we need bold, forward-thinking leadership that understands the power of a clear and actionable blueprint for development. The choice is ours, and it starts now.

By Uzair Adam 

The Kano State High Court has adjourned a ruling on the ongoing dispute over renovations to the historic Nasarawa mini palace in Kano until October 10, 2024. 

The case, presided over by Chief Judge Justice Dije Aboki, involves an application seeking to halt the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from proceeding with modernisation plans for the palace.

The plaintiffs, which include the Kano State Government, the Attorney General, and the Kano Emirate Council, are pushing to preserve the palace’s original structure, arguing that renovations would compromise its cultural and historical significance. 

The Daily Reality reports that the Emir is the sole defendant in the case.

During the hearing, the plaintiff’s counsel, Habib Akilu, noted that the defendant’s legal team was absent and moved for an interlocutory injunction to prevent any renovation until the court delivered its final judgment.

The plaintiffs had previously secured an interim injunction on September 13, 2024, following the release of a proposed plan to modernise the palace. 

In support of the motion, a 33-paragraph affidavit deposed by the Matawallen Kano, Ibrahim Ahmed, emphasised the palace’s importance as a symbol of cultural heritage, warning that any changes could erase its architectural and historical integrity.

Justice Aboki has ordered that all relevant court processes be posted publicly to keep all parties informed.

By Uzair Adam 

“I have not been paid for over six months now. I have two wives and ten children. I had to feed them with sicklepod (Tafasa in Hausa) for breakfast before I left home this morning,” said Malam Muntari Yakub (not his real name), an employee of the Refuse Management and Sanitation Board (REMASAB), in a shaky and traumatised tone.

Malam Yakubu’s experience is similar to that of many REMASAB staff who have not received their salaries for over six months due to outstanding debts owed by the Kano State government. 

The situation has made life even more difficult for them amid the soaring economic crisis in the country.

The workers, whose duties include sweeping streets and evacuating refuse, told our reporter that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s current administration has paid them only four times since he took office more than a year ago.

They lamented that their situation had worsened due to the nine months of unpaid salaries they were still owed from the previous administration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who left office in 2023.

Yakubu recounted his distressing experience amidst the salary stoppage and the threat of hunger, “I am not a rabbit, and none of my family members are, but we eat sicklepod (Tafasa) to stave off hunger and avoid death. I had to gather some this morning for breakfast before leaving home.”

“Our salary is just ten thousand naira. You can imagine what we can buy with this meagre amount, especially with the rising cost of food. Despite struggling with this small amount, the government has left us stranded without pay for over six months,” Malam Yakubu said.

Another worker, who requested anonymity, revealed how his wife left him due to the enormous debt he had accumulated and his inability to provide for his family since his salary was stopped, exacerbated by the current economic situation in the country.

He said, “It is painful to say that my wife left me because of this situation I am in today. No matter how small the salary, it’s better to cover some of your family’s needs than none at all. After she left, the landlord also evicted me because I couldn’t pay the rent.”

The man added that despite the demanding nature of their job, most of them have to walk to their assigned streets to work, and no equipment is provided for them.

Buy your own equipment or quit the job

The workers who spoke to our reporter alleged that, despite several months of unpaid salaries, no equipment is provided for them. When they complained, their supervisors threatened them, saying they should either buy the equipment themselves or quit if they couldn’t afford it.

Another worker, who preferred to remain unnamed, said, “I had to borrow money to buy this broom you see in my hand. When I complained, my supervisor told me to buy it myself or stay home until REMASAB provides one.”

A woman with small children at home under her care said the situation at REMASAB is shocking, especially considering that one has to buy a broom. “This worsens our debt because we have to borrow money to eat and buy brooms,” she added.

Confusion over new workers receiving salaries

However, there is confusion among the workers following reports that new employees hired by Governor Yusuf after he assumed office in 2023 have been receiving their salaries.

The workers complained that despite the outstanding salary debt owed to them by the Kano State government, the new workers are paid every month, making them wonder if they are still considered employees.

“The new workers are also working with us. We call them ‘Askarawan Kwankwasiya,’ and you will see them wearing red caps or hijabs. We were shocked when we learned they are being paid monthly because we thought we might all have been sacked,” they said.

Workers remind Governor Yusuf of his promises

The workers passionately pleaded with Governor Yusuf to come to their aid, as they also had families who depended on them. 

They reminded the governor of his promises: “When he first came into power, there were rumours that we were all sacked. 

But the governor called us to a meeting at the Coronation Hall of the Government House. He told us that he had not sacked us. 

He promised to resolve our issues and said we would soon be paid. He told us that if the accountant had not travelled out of the country, we would have received our salaries that month.

“However, months later, we have yet to receive any payment. We don’t know if the accountant is still out of town. 

“We want to call on the governor to remember his promises, including doubling our salaries, and come to our rescue.”

When contacted about the situation, Ahmadu Haruna Danzago, the Managing Director of REMASAB, declined to comment, stating he was not the appropriate person to address the inquiries. 

“You should contact the Director of Operations, as he is responsible for answering these questions,” Danzago said.

Workers undergoing biometric 

Addressing the questions, Ibrahim Nasir, the Director of Operations at REMASAB, responded to some concerns.

He clarified that the organisation is currently working to resolve issues that have led to delays in worker payments. 

Nasir explained that a new biometric system had been introduced to centralise monthly salaries, but some workers had difficulties completing the biometric process. 

Regarding the alleged outstanding debt of seven months, Nasir disputed this claim, stating, “They owe us only three months, not seven. 

Some workers were previously disengaged but were later reinstated by the Kano State Government.”

Nasir indicated he was unaware of the allegations that workers were compelled to buy their own materials. 

He explained, “We typically purchase materials in bulk, and we have recently exhausted our stock. We are in the process of providing a new supply of materials.”

By Uzair Adam 

Following allegations of fraudulent activities, the Kano State Judicial Service Commission has suspended two Sharia Court registrars, Jamilu Ibrahim and Zubairu Sulaiman.

This was disclosed in a statement released by the Spokesman of the Kano Judiciary, Baba Jibo Ibrahim, on Friday. 

The commission took disciplinary action during its 75th meeting held on September 12, 2024.

According to the statement, the investigation revealed that Jamilu Ibrahim was involved in a fraudulent transaction linked to the illegal sale of two plots of land through a writ of possession. 

The investigative committee recommended his dismissal, but the commission opted for an indefinite suspension without pay, pending the outcome of his trial at a Magistrate Court.

Additionally, the investigation found that Zubairu Sulaiman, Registrar of the Upper Sharia Court, received one million naira into his personal account as a commission from the sale of the land. 

Consequently, the Judicial Service Commission has suspended him for four months without pay.

The statement reiterated the commission’s commitment to enforcing disciplinary measures against staff involved in misconduct, particularly those in judicial roles, to protect the integrity and accountability of the judiciary while maintaining public confidence.

By Bilal Muhammad Bello

Sir, as a concerned indigenous person of the Kumbotso Local Government Area, I am writing this letter to remind you of a project that your administration has abandoned.

Your Excellency, I want to commend you for the unparalleled projects you have bequeathed in Kano State, especially in road construction in urban and rural areas. Not to mention other roads that are still under construction. The public, inhabitants of Kano State and visitors to the state can testify to your good work.

Today, the Kano metropolis has roads built with green verges, pedestrian walkways, drainage systems, street lights, and an underpass, all thanks to the development of your orientation.

Sir, the people of Zawachiki Diga, Yankusa, Rinjin Wanzamai, Gadama, and Kumbotso Township in Kumbotso Local Government Area want to draw your attention to the reconstruction of Kumbotso Road from Zawachiki Diga—Kumbotso Township to Zaria Road.

As we all know, the road network contributes immensely to Kano state taxation because of the Challawa Industrial area and the socio-economic development of the area.

It is also important to draw the governor’s attention to the silent neglect of the construction of Sabuwar Gandu—Danmaliki to Kumbotso Township Road, which has stopped. 

Therefore, I wish to appeal to the governor to do something about these roads so as to bring succour to our people whose economic activities, livelihoods, and related developmental issues have been hampered by their deplorable state.

I respectfully appeal to your administration to revive these projects and alleviate the hardships faced by our people.

Bilal Muhammad Bello (BMB) is a student of Mass Communication department, Bayero University Kano.

By Nasidi Ibrahim Saal

The Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE) Kano chapter conducted its Annual General Meeting and elected new executives, as enshrined by its laws. 

The chairman is expected to have two years in office, while the other exco members have one year, with the exclusion of Office 1 as a permanent seat constitutionally reserved for the outgoing chairman.

The chairman of the Election, Engr Balarabe Inuwa Abdullahi, while addressing the media at the venue (Ministry of Works Kano state), stated that the election was conducted successfully.

The newly elected offices are chairman, vice chairman, secretary, assistant secretary, and financial secretary are:

Engr. Usman Hamza Ibrahim

Engr. Asma’u Ja’afar Baba

Engr. Mudashir Sunmonu

Engr. Auwal Rabiu

Engr. Ramadan Nura Abdullahi,

Engr Muhammad Mukhtar Sakurai and Engr Dr Umma Abdullahi occupied the treasurer and technical secretary positions, respectively.

The outgoing chairman, Engr Lawan Usman Isah, thanks the electoral committee and the outgoing exco for their diligent work discharging their duties.

The occasion was graced with the esteemed presence of dignitaries, including the Representative of the National Chairman of NIMechE, Engr George,Engr Prof.A A Adamu, and Engr Dr.Aminu Sabo.