Kano State

Najeeb Ibrahim

Peace is not just a state of mind which is personal but also that which could be an inter-personal, inter-communal, inter-regional, and global phenomenon.

Kano State is free from bandits and kidnappers in contrast to other northern states like Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kaduna. Thus, the state becomes an asylum for many people from different parts of Nigeria. A single issue that bedevils the tranquillity of the state is thuggery (dabanci).

Thuggery has been a threat to the people of Kano for an extended period. It costs many people’s lives and prompts the distraction of many properties. Recently, the abominable act has arisen, forcing people indoors before dusk.

In parts of Gwale local government, two warring parties from Hausawa quarters and their opponents in Kofar Naisa disrupt our peace. They have been fighting each other for a long time. Very recently, Hausawa thugs ventured into the community of Kofar Naisa around 1 am to take revenge for their brother, who was wounded by one of Naisa’s ruffians.

Police tried to quell the fight. They fired several tear gases. One of the tear gas canisters dropped fell in our neighbourhood. The family of the house, including children and a two-month-old baby, wept; the baby even fainted at night. Many car wind glasses were broken, several kiosks were burgled, and the thugs stole many things.

The Kano State police commissioner has been working hard to ensure that thugs and thuggery have no hidden place in the state. In the last two weeks, the commissioner announced some names of thugs’ leaders to surrender themselves. Otherwise, he resolved to fish them out by himself. We are deeply in debt to the enormous effort of the commissioner.

Civilians also have roles to play to surmount the situation in the state:

First, if anyone is known to be in the dirty business of thuggery, offer a piece of useful advice to him. Cite him some references with those who have long been in the messy business. Ask him whether they achieve anything worthwhile in life or not. Tell him soothingly that most end their lives in misery and sycophancy.

Second, if you have the means, help him go back to school. If it is a financial problem that refrains him from furthering his education and he decides to enrol into the school of thuggery, but apart from you, you are not financially stable to assist him, tell someone whom you know can hepl him. It says, “Knowledge is light, and it guides us to the right path”.

Also, avoid dissociating from him, and advise your friends not to do so. Many thugs decry dissociation from their friends; they neither talk to them nor invite them to events like wedding ceremonies and so on.

A similar case happened in Makasa quarters. A retired thug got frustrated by his friends. They dispersed and left him alone if he joined them in their setting place (majalisa). Nobody showed him an appreciation for his withdrawal from his former self.  He became incommunicado in his society.  In the end, anxiety and depression led him to murder himself.

Second, to last, form a youth organisation in your locality. Assemble at least once in a fortnight. Discuss your problems, and offer solutions and pieces of advice to yourselves. Let everyone feels at home with one another.

And finally, report any thugs’ meeting point you know to the police station near you. Do not hesitate. Because as long as thuggery persists in our society, our lives and properties will never be safe.

May Allah guide us to the right path and guide those who have already gone astray amin.

Najeeb Ibrahim wrote from Kano. He can be reached via inajeeb08@gmal.com.

By Mahmud Aminu Dambazau

One of the trending topics in the past weeks has been the increase in registration fees of students by Bayero University, Kano. Before that, the University of Maiduguri, Federal University Dutse, University of Uyo and several others had increased theirs, and of course, it was anticipated following the revelation from the federal government that it could no longer fund universities.

I am glad the state universities in Kano have not toed that path yet, as several state universities have followed suit or tried to. Engr Rabi’u Kwankwaso’s administration has, among its biggest achievements, sponsored thousands of students abroad and within the country for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. While such numbers were unprecedented and unmatched by any other state administration, there is a need to reflect, assess the previous intervention, and possibly look for alternative ways to achieve the same result without necessarily taking the same route.

Many students had dropped out of tertiary institutions even when they had a passion for the study and were lucky to pass all stages of admission simply because they could not afford the then registration fees. A day hardly passes during registrations by tertiary institutions without students begging for public support to pay their fees on radio programs in the state. Now that most of these institutions have increased their fees which are in most cases more than 100%, we are likely to have an influx of dropouts across the state. With few job opportunities and frustrations of a crumbled dream, such could threaten a volatile security situation. More students will benefit from a home-based scholarship, even if partly, than a foreign one.

Between 2011 to 2015, when Kwankwaso sent students abroad, a dollar was exchanged for less than ₦200. With the dollar now fluctuating around ₦800. It means what would be spent for a single student now would be more than what was paid for three students then; if they are to be sent to the same institutions, fees will remain unchanged. Is Kano generating at least three times what was developed during Senator Kwankwaso’s administration, even if other factors were to be constant?

I have friends that had graduated years back from private universities within the country who were also sponsored by the then administration but are unable to serve their country (NYSC) or secure employment with the government because the schools have not issued their original results to them due to inability of the successive administration to complete their payments. A relative of mine could only graduate from India because her father paid her outstanding fees.

I have heard different appeals from students sent to different countries but later abandoned after Kwankwaso’s tenure. Wouldn’t it be better to investigate and ensure all those previously sponsored thoroughly have successfully graduated and issued their original results and then devise a sustainable plan for similar future interventions even if it is to be continued?

The Kwankwaso administration established more than 20 different institutes, none of which are currently functioning. I am glad; HE Abba Kabir Yusuf had, among his first acts in government, visited the Reformatory Institute, Kiru and given directives for its revival, among others. To borrow the title of Prof. Isa Ali Pantami’s recent book, Skills Rather than Just Degrees, re-establishing these institutions will allow even those who have already acquired degrees to further polish them with relevant skills. Reviving them will certainly gulf millions if not billions. All other stages of education at the state are currently requiring urgent attention.

Recent pictures from the once glorious Science and Technical Schools Board schools are disturbing. Bringing back these institutes, Technical Schools; Schools for Arabic Studies; Adult and Nomadic schools, without doubt, are better avenues to invest rather than foreign scholarships.

Again, as an alternative to foreign scholarships, why not invest the money in needed infrastructures in our universities, get them the latest equipment and employ on contract foreign scholars while giving them specific targets to train a certain number of masters and PhD students? With that, a considerably greater number of students would benefit, meaning more research output, recognition, and higher ranking of the state universities and might even attract foreign students or grants.

Lastly and more importantly, there is a saying, thus, “Teach a man to fish rather than give him a fish”. Some months back, just before the elections, a friend of mine who graduated with a first-class degree from Bayero University, Kano, and a distinction during his masters at a university in India sponsored by the Kwankwasiyya Foundation appealed to his followers on Twitter to vote for the NNPP, at least so he and of course, others could further their studies once more, abroad. For him, it would be a PhD. There are currently multiple scholarship opportunities, such as the PTDF, especially for students with excellent results. There are even more opportunities from several universities, including some of the best universities in the world. In almost every instance, those who get such opportunities from Nigeria are usually from the southern part of the country, who are more informed and enlightened in aspects like this.

An association, Arewa Youth Mentorship Forum, comprising mainly academics that secured foreign scholarships, is mentoring the younger ones from the North. Luckily, many succeeded in securing scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. I came across a post on their Telegram group earlier this week where they provided a list of universities in the US that offer scholarships to even second-class lower and third-class graduates. If second-class and third-class graduates could get foreign scholarships, why should scarce resources be expended on sending those who could easily get such scholarships to institutions that even the government could probably not afford to send them?

If the Kano state government can utilise these opportunities and provide an avenue for these graduates to be mentored, trained and guided on securing foreign scholarships, more students would benefit. In contrast, the government can invest the scholarship money in other areas requiring more urgent attention.

Mahmud Aminu Dambazau can be contacted via madambazau@gmail.com.

Dear Sir,

As a concerned citizen from your senatorial district, I address you today with the utmost respect. You hold the unique distinction of being the first to represent the Kano senatorial district for a second term. However, it cannot be overlooked that your previous representation of the region fell short of expectations.

Despite the shortcomings, the good people of this region have rallied behind you. They have chosen to forgive your past mistakes and have granted you another chance to serve them. This presents you with a remarkable opportunity to accomplish two significant goals simultaneously.

It is imperative to reiterate that the people of this region will reward you based on your achievements. Two former governors have represented Kano senatorial district in the past. It is home to great political revolutionaries like Malam Aminu Kano and renowned figures in the world of business and economics, such as Aminu Dantata, Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Isyaku Rabiu, and countless other eminent technocrats. Representing this region is an arduous task that demands dedication and competence.

By providing effective representation, you can achieve the dual purpose of enhancing your political influence and better serving the people’s interests. It is crucial to recognise that your political success cannot solely rely on your godfather’s support; your achievements will serve as the yardstick by which your quality will be measured in the next election.

Kano Central belongs to all of us; now, the choice lies in your hands.

Yours sincerely,

Kamal Alkasim

Kano, Nigeria

Email: kamalalkasim17@gmail.com

By Uzair Adam Imam

A Federal High Court in Kano state has ordered the state Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and other respondents to jointly pay two brothers the sum of one million naira each for attempting to demolish their properties at Salanta quarters.

In a court sitting on Friday, Justice Simon Amobeda described the attempt by the state government and its agents as an infringement to the applicants right to own immovable property as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution.

Justice Amobeda stated that the intrusion to the applicants’ properties around 11pm on 14th June, 2023, in an attempt to carry out demolition is clearly infringement to their private and family life as enshrined by the constitution.

He stated, “The Respondents are also ordered to remove the red signing marked: 14th June,/KN/ KNUPDA made by their staff or Agents on the Wall of the Applicant’s Properties situated at Salanta and to repaint the wall to the satisfaction of all respondents.”

Barrister Bashir Ibrahim, who filed the suit on behalf of the applicants, applauded the court judgement and described it as a landmark for protection of human rights.

However, also speaking with the journalists after the judgement, counsel to Kano State Government and other respondents, Barrister Musa Dahuru Muhd, said they would study the judgement and advise the Government on the next step.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved ten new degree programmes for Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano.

Professor Salisu Shehu, the university Vice Chancellor, disclosed the news of the NUC’s approval to the press Wednesday.

“10 new degree programmes approved for Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila,” Processor Shehu announced in a message seen by The Daily Reality.

According to him, the ten new programmes include; B.A Arabic, B.A Shari’a, B.A English language, B.A International Relations and B.A Peace and Conflict Resolution.

Other programmes are B.A Sociology, B.A Criminology and Security Studies, B.A Biotechnology and B.A Environmental Health and Community Health.

It was gathered that admissions into these programmes would be made against the 2023/2024 academic session using the 2023 UTM Jamb results.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kano State Govenor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has declared tomorrow Wednesday as a work-free day in commemoration of the 1445 Islamic new year.

A statement by the Commissioner of Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, disclosed this on Tuesday.

The statement read in part ‘’The Governor who congratulated Muslims around the world on the dawn of the new Islamic year, enjoined the civil servants and the people in the state to pray for peace and tranquility as well as economic development of our dear state and the country at large.’’

According to Dantiye, the govenor also called on the good people of Kano state to live in accordance with the teachings of prophet Muhammad (SAW).

He added that, “The Governor also called on people to live their lives based on the teachings of Islam and practice the virtues of kindness, love and tolerance as exemplified by our Holy prophet Muhammad peace be upon him.”

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Bayero University, Kano (BUK), in collaboration with the Civil Society Action Coalition for All (CSACEFA), organised a one-day capacity-building training on education budget tracking and analysis.

The event, titled “Education Budget Tracking and Analysis Tools”, took place at the Centre for Gender Studies, Bayero University, on Sunday.

One of the organisers, the President of the Kano State Accountability Forum on Education, Professor Muhammad Bello Shitu, said the purpose of the event was to enlight people on issues related to the education budget.

Professor Shitu stated that their intention was to help “the practitioners and civil society actors to have knowledge and skills of budget analysis as well as budget tracking.”

Also speaking after the event, Dr Auwal Halilu lamented the rising number of out-of-school children in Kano State in recent times.

He stated that “However, with the coming of the new government, which claims to top education on their priority list, we are hopeful that things will change,” he added.

Dr Halilu added that the issue of the rising number of out-of-school children in Kano state, which reached over 1.4 million, is alarming and should be addressed instantly.

The event had converged many educationalists, social and political analysts, as well as civil society activists who came from all walks of Kano to grace the event.

By Muhammad Muhammad Khalil

Since Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s dollar video surfaced on the internet, I have been keenly pursuing its happenings, from Ganduje’s fierce denial to the latest court order barring his arrest by the Kano Anti-Corruption Agency. I will highlight some critical lessons from this whole saga in this article.

1. Despite the former governor’s persistent efforts to dismiss the clip as bogus and doctored, many people still believe in its authenticity. In many people’s view, and thanks to the video, he is a greedy politician whose craze for money is beyond comparison.

Although Ganduje is ultra-rich, they say, he does not reject a fifty thousand naira kickback. Several stories are widely circulated demonstrating this. This shows us the importance of doing good and avoiding any act that can soil one’s reputation. Ganduje is Khadimul Islam to some people; to many others, he’s a dreadful, unrepentant bribe-taker.

2. The authentic or fabricated videos keep reminding us that what one holds hidden can be brought into the open and even grab the headlines. The fact that we do some terrible and disgusting things in the secrecy of our rooms shouldn’t make us feel we are wise; instead, we should never forget that nothing escapes the sight of Allah. The truth is that we sometimes fear creatures more than we fear the creator.

3. The same Ganduje who defied and has little or no respect for court orders is now desperately struggling to be shielded by the court orders he used to flout in broad daylight. Power is intoxicating.

4. Journalists who have the itch to blow the whistle on people in power should realise the danger of their boldness and prepare for what might trail their decision to speak out against corruption and corrupt politicians. It can cost one his dear life.

I don’t know if President Muhammad Buhari’s administration did anything to protect journalist Jaafar Jaafar from the threat to his life that forced him to seek asylum in the UK. The Buhari Mai Gaskiya claimed to have placed fighting corruption atop his priority. Wonder shall never end.

Muhammad Muhammad Khalil wrote from Kano. He can be reached via muhdmuhdkhalil@gmail.com.

By Sulaiman Maijama’a

In recent times, the most vicious of all vices in our society is phone snatching. This dastardly act is perpetrated by gangs of youth of 15 to 25 years who carry weapons and terrorise people. Sometimes, these youth injure their victims or even stab them to death.

This evil act usually is plotted and carried out at night, but sometimes, in broad daylight, the youth disguise themselves as tricycle operators and unleash their cruelty against people. There is hardly a week that would pass on without a report of a victim of phone snatching.

This activity becomes a nightmare for people and poses a great threat to the freedom of movement of innocent citizens, making it difficult for them to go about their everyday business, especially at night, without the fear of being attacked by phone snatchers.

It is common knowledge that phone snatching continues to be pervasive in different states of the North. It assumes a higher degree in states like Kano, Bauchi, Plateau, and Gombe.

The nefarious activity can be directly or indirectly attributed to a lack of proper parental care and broken homes. The youth who lack good parental care or come from broken homes usually move with the wrong people, and their movements are not queried or followed up, thus having the freedom to do anything without being probed.

Peer pressure is another cause of youth involvement in social vices. The youth who spend more time with their friends easily get influenced due to their weak nature and tender age.

Youth have a high level of curiosity to learn, have fun and practice new things, thus making them deviate. And as the saying goes, “Show me your friends, and I will tell you who you are” The significance of friends and how they influence lives is so enormous that many youths were conscripted into phone snatching.

Parents’ negligence also makes the wards turn to their friends for love, emotions, care, and advice, who can lure them into deadly acts. An abandoned child can look up to their friends for love and affection. Some maids, house helpers, and family members who are always around children without parents can introduce these vices to them.

Not only that, but unemployment has also added intensity to immorality that graduates to this monster called phone snatching that threatens the social well-being of the people. 

According to the report by a Global consulting firm KPMG, titled “Global Economic Outlook”, Nigeria’s unemployment rate was projected to rise further to 40.6 per cent this year. This revelation is alarming and must be uppermost in the mind of every responsible citizen. “An idle mind”, as an adage says, “is a devil’s workshop”.

Drug abuse is another social determinant. Despite the pronouncements of the efforts by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to curb the menace, the percentage of drug abusers is on the rise, and they quickly and freely access the hard drugs of their choice. This allows the youth to be intoxicated before they carry out their devilish act of phone snatching.

It is pertinent that all stakeholders should rise against social vices. Youth that engage in these dangerous acts need help, advice and rehabilitation for the addicted ones.

Parents need to know their children’s friends, status, and other people the children associate with. This is majorly the role parents should play in their children’s lives. Mothers should, in particular, be close to their children. Close monitoring and time should be given to children by parents. Children should be taught the moral values that might help shape their cognitive abilities.

The media ought to be playing their roles of education and information by organising forums to enlighten people about the dangers associated with social vices. Similarly, they should be playing surveillance by warning early on of any potential danger.

Security operatives, government and all stakeholders must be active and alert to caution, rehabilitate or punish (where necessary) any person seen as a threat to others.

All hands must be on deck to combat the menace of phone snatching in our societies.

Maijama’a wrote from the Faculty of Communication, Bayero University, Kano. He can be contacted via sulaimanmaija@gmail.com.

The Daily Reality (TDR) online newspaper management is pleased to announce the opening of its Endowment Fund Program and invites eligible and interested applicants to apply.

In light of the recent rise in registration fees at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), TDR plans to offer a grant to students who have had their articles published on the platform as a way of support.

Thus, if you are a BUK student and have your article published by TDR, please, contact us via contact@dailyrealityng.com or thedailyrealitynews@gmail.com. Please, submit proof of your student status at BUK, such as a copy of your ID or admission letter, along with the title of your article. The application closes on July 16, 2023, at 11:59 pm.

Please, join us in supporting young people’s education. Every contribution counts.

Sincerely yours,

TDR Editorial Team