Kano

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State Government has launched an innovative initiative to empower 45,000 girls through a groundbreaking N20,000 stipend programme. 

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf unveiled this initiative during a speech at Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary celebration held at the prestigious Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano. 

Governor Yusuf stated, “To support the girl-child education and encourage parents to send their daughters to school, we are issuing a stipend of 20,000 Naira to over 45,000 girl-child as a pilot scheme to support them to continue schooling. 

“We are also re-introducing the girl child school buses to transport them to and from schools.” 

This initiative represents a significant leap towards achieving gender equality in education within the state.

By providing financial assistance directly to families, the government aims to remove economic hurdles that often prevent girls from attending school.

The stipend not only promotes education but also empowers young girls to dream big and aspire for a better future. 

Furthermore, Governor Yusuf reiterated his administration’s commitment to nurturing academic excellence.

As a testament to this commitment, the government will sponsor 1001 first-class graduates for master’s degrees at renowned international universities.

This initiative not only supports high-level manpower development within the state but also strengthens Kano’s global presence in the academic arena.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Federal High Court in Gyadi-Gyadi, Kano, has fined the Kano State Government 30 billion Naira for the unauthorised demolition of shops within the historic Idi Mosque premises at Kofar Mata. 

The ruling, delivered by Justice Simon Ameboda, strongly condemned the government’s actions, labelling the demolition as an “illegal activity full of brutality and malice.” 

The court’s decision also mandated the state government to compensate the affected businessmen whose shops were razed to the ground.

Justice Ameboda emphasised the severity of the government’s offence against the less privileged members of the community, leading to the imposition of a significant fine. 

This substantial penalty serves as a stern warning against any future attempts by government entities to infringe upon the property rights of individuals and small businesses within the state. 

The ruling also included a restraining order, preventing the Kano Government from interfering with the lands and affairs of the shops, including reallocating them to other entities. 

The legal community and activists have applauded the court’s decision, highlighting its crucial role in ensuring accountability and justice, particularly for those who are economically vulnerable. 

The affected businessmen, their legal representatives, and the community have expressed relief and satisfaction with the court’s verdict, hoping that this landmark judgement will serve as a precedent, deterring any similar actions by government authorities in the future. 

By Uzair Adam Imam

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has expressed his deepest displeasure over the dilapidated conditions of Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, a government-owned and one of the busiest hospitals in the state.

The Governor showed dissatisfaction concerning the state of the facility when he led other top government functionaries on an unscheduled visit and on-the-spot assessment of the hospital over the weekend.

Sunusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the state’s Chief Press Secretary, made this disclosure in a statement he signed and made available to journalists on the weekend.

Dawakin-Tofa quoted the governor to have said, “As a teaching hospital for training medical professionals and provision of tertiary medical care, the hospital needs to be overhauled and expand its services, especially maternity services and care for the children.

“It is disheartening to meet the hospital that caters for the medical needs of thousands of patients daily in a condition uncomfortable for human inhabitation, a situation that needs to be checked and corrected,” Governor Yusuf stressed.

“I do instruct the management of the hospital to, as a matter of urgency, forward the request for rehabilitation and expansion of the hospital for immediate action to restore the lost glory of the gigantic health facility,” he added.

The Daily Reality, in an investigative report last year, recounted the monstrous condition of another state-owned hospital, Sir Muhammadu Sunusi Specialist Hospital, Yankaba, where patients were living miserably without water and light.

Our reporter visited the hospital and met some patients in dire situations, fighting excessive heat with their hand fans, which has thrown many of them into a dilemma.

The Daily Reality learned that all the taps in the hospital were not working, except one borehole, which the patients said works for less than one hour every day.

Recounting their experiences, some patient sitters complained that they used sachet water, alias pure water, to bathe, flush toilets, make ablutions and wash their dishes.

They also complained about the lack of electricity, which they said was responsible for many problems in the hospital.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has commended Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his prompt response in dismissing two of his aides following a disturbing incident involving a death threat against judges of the governorship tribunal and derogatory comments made about Vice President Khasim Shettima.

The incident unfolded on Thursday when the Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, addressed journalists during a special prayer session organized by NNPP supporters.

In a shocking statement, Kibiya issued a threat to the judges of the governorship tribunal, warning that anyone accepting a bribe to manipulate the judgement would face dire consequences.

Simultaneously, during the same prayer session, Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Sport, Yusuf Imam, known as Ogan Boye, made a series of derogatory remarks against Vice President Khasim Shettima concerning the impending gubernatorial tribunal judgement.

Barr. Suleiman Gezawa, Chairman of the NBA’s Kano branch, expressed his views on the matter in on Friday during an interview with a Nigerian online newspaper.

Gezawa called upon Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to take disciplinary action against Commissioner Kibiya, emphasising that the statements made did not represent the official stance of the state government.

In a swift response, the State Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, confirmed on Friday evening that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had terminated the appointments of Commissioner Adamu Aliyu Kibiya and Special Adviser Yusuf Imam.

Governor Yusuf also issued a directive, instructing all heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to confine their comments and interviews to their respective offices.

Chairman Gezawa of the Kano NBA applauded Governor Yusuf’s decisive actions, emphasising the importance of distancing the administration from the careless comments made by his aides.

Gezawa further called upon security agencies to launch an investigation into the death threat issued by Commissioner Kibiya, suggesting that there might be ulterior motives behind the threat.

The swift response by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has been described by many as a clear show of commitment to upholding the integrity of the judicial process and preserving the dignity of public office in Kano State.

By Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu

Sabon Gari Kano has always been a melting pot – drawing multiple nationalities and ethnicities who converge in the settlement and make it truly unique. Prof. Adamu Baikie’s “Sabongari: The Simmering Melting Pot of Kano State” is the latest addition to the literature on the area. Having grown up in the area, Prof. Baikie gives a unique ethnographic account of the place and its development.

More of a personal recollection from a resident, than a rigorous archival excavation of community history, Baikie’s Sabongari [sic – that is exactly how he spelt it throughout the book] provides additional fascinating information about other developments in Kano. In particular, Education, in which Prof Baikie also released a companion book, “Nigerian Education: Ivory Towers & Other Issues.” It’s a pity that the few pictures included in the Sabongari book did not come out too well, being black and white and blurry.

Prof. Baikie’s discourse on Sabon Gari (my preferred spelling) is similar to Neil Skinner’s “Alhaji Mahmudu Ƙoƙi – Kano Malam”, in which the subject provides a primary participant observer’s insight about the development of either events, or in this case, a community. It is truly fascinating.

There were, of course, other works on Sabon Gari Kano, long before this. The most monumental was Ahmed Bako’s “Sabon Gari Kano: A history of Immigrants and Inter-group Relations in the 20th century” (UDUS Press, 2006) and based on his groundbreaking PhD thesis, “A Socioeconomic History of Sabon Garni Kano, 1913-1989” submitted to Bayero University in 1990. Prof. Baikie approaches the study of Sabon Gari from the perspective of ‘son of the soil’ who lived in the neighborhood, playing footer, attending Church service there and interacting with the waves and waves of Nigerian and West African immigrants who settled in the borough as neighbors and friends.

Prof Adamu Baikie mentored both me and my father at various stages of our careers, so I certainly don’t mind plugging this wonderful memoir. This is not a review, as I am sure Dr Shamsuddeen Sani will be doing the honors soon enough [on Facebook]. It is just to let people know that the book, launched on 20th August 2023, is now available at Zamani Bookstore, Sabon Gari at the cost of ₦3,500. It is another addition to our understanding of the history of Kano.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

Bayero University Kano announced on Monday a final extension of the student registration exercise for the 2022–2023 academic session. 

This extension, contained in a statement signed by the university’s deputy registrar, Lamara Garba, comes after careful consideration of appeals from various stakeholders, including the governments of Kano and Jigawa states as well as student union bodies. 

The university’s management expressed its heartfelt appreciation to these stakeholders for their unwavering support, especially in covering the registration fees for indigent students. 

The extension of the registration period was approved during a meeting held on Monday, September 11, 2023. 

Students now have until the stroke of midnight on Saturday, September 30, 2023, to complete their registration. 

The university added that it is important to note that there will be no further extensions beyond this date and that any student who fails to register by the deadline will not be permitted to sit for the first semester examination of the 2022–2023 academic session.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Hon. Commissioner, Ministry for Higher Education, Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofarmata, orchestrated a significant medical outreach programme in Kofarmata, Kano, in a remarkable display of commitment to public welfare. 

The event, organised under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Executive Governor of Kano State, commemorated the Governor’s 100 days in office. 

The medical outreach, which took place over several days, brought essential healthcare services to approximately 3,000 residents from various parts of Kano.

This initiative aimed to address the healthcare needs of the community and ensure access to medical check-ups, diagnosis, and free medications. 

Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofarmata’s commitment to the welfare of the people was evident as a team of skilled healthcare professionals, nurses, and doctors offered their expertise to those in need.

The services provided ranged from general medical check-ups to comprehensive diagnoses, ensuring that individuals received the appropriate care and attention. 

Furthermore, the programme distributed free medications to those requiring treatment, thereby alleviating the financial burden on many residents who often struggle to access healthcare services. 

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Engausa Global Tech Hub, a prominent centre specialising in digital skills education conducted in the Hausa language, is excited to announce the commencement of enrollment for new students. 

The centre, in a statement via its Facebook handle, says it is gearing up to kick off fresh classes on Monday, September 11, 2023. 

Engausa Global Tech Hub is dedicated to empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in the digital age.

This opportunity is open to all, and the centre is committed to fostering inclusivity and providing access to quality education. 

For those interested in joining the upcoming classes or seeking more information, the process is made convenient through the EngausaHub.com website.   

Whether you prefer to register in person at the centre, located at Farmcentre, or through the Rijiyar Zaki centre, the institution ensures a hassle-free registration process. 

In addition to the online registration option, prospective students can contact the centre directly via phone at 07038224643 for any inquiries or assistance. 

Engausa Global Tech Hub acknowledges the importance of digital literacy and its role in youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) as outlined by UNESCO. 

By offering these digital skills classes, the centre aims to contribute to the advancement of these crucial objectives. 

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The Kano State Government has announced its ambitious plan to invest approximately N3.5 billion in providing foreign scholarships to 550 qualified students for postgraduate programmes abroad. 

Dr. Yusuf Kofar-Mata, the Commissioner for Higher Education in the state, revealed this significant initiative during a press briefing held on Friday in Kano, following the weekly state executive council meeting. 

According to Mr. Kofar-Mata, these 550 deserving students will have the opportunity to pursue their postgraduate studies at seven prestigious universities in India and Uganda.

This initiative aims to empower and equip these individuals with advanced knowledge and skills that will contribute to the development of the state. Out of a pool of 1,250 applicants, the government meticulously selected the beneficiaries.

Mr. Kofar-Mata emphasised that the selection process was conducted without any bias based on political affiliations, focusing solely on the candidates’ qualifications and their status as indigenous residents of Kano. 

In his statement, Mr. Kofar-Mata confirmed that the government is in the final stages of processing the necessary visas for the students.

He also shared that the students are expected to commence their journeys to their respective overseas universities by the end of this month. 

“We collected 1,250 applications for our postgraduate programs, and we have screened and come up with a list of 550 qualified indigenes of Kano who will be sponsored for postgraduate studies at various universities overseas,” Mr. Kofar-Mata stated.  

“We are in the process of authenticating all the documents of these students for visa preparation. We are hoping that by the end of this month, these students will start moving to their various destinations overseas for them to start their programmes in various fields.”

By Muhammadu Sabiu

The Khalifa Isyaku Rabi’u University, Kano, is gearing up for an exciting chapter in its academic journey as it announces the commencement of activities for the 2023/2024 academic session.

The announcement was made by Rabiu Ishaku Rabiu, the son of the university’s founder, shortly after the inauguration ceremony of the governing council.

Mr. Rabi’u conveyed that the university has meticulously prepared for a seamless inauguration in January 2023, ensuring that students can embark on their academic journeys without hindrance.

He raised concerns about the limited admission opportunities within Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, with only a fraction of admission seekers successfully securing spots each year.

Highlighting the urgency of the university’s establishment, Mr. Rabi’u referred to data from the World Bank indicating that a staggering 84.7% to 94.8% of candidates seeking admission in Nigeria were unable to secure places in existing institutions.

In 2018, the admission rate was reported as just 12.1%, underlining the pressing need for additional educational avenues.

“After obtaining the necessary licenses, inaugurating the board of trustees, and now the governing council, the management is in place, and the enrollment process is underway. We are fully funded and ready to hit the ground running,” Mr. Rabi’u affirmed.

“Our academic activities will commence by December/January, with all processes completed by the next month.”

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abdulrashid Garba, provided further insights into the institution’s readiness. He disclosed that discussions with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had been finalized.

While NUC initially approved 18 programs, two programs, LLB Shariah and Common Law, were temporarily put on hold due to specific requirements.

Prof. Garba commended the timely inauguration of the governing council, emphasizing its crucial role in supporting the management’s efforts to ensure a smooth takeoff.