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.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

The Kano Road and Traffic Agency (KAROTA) has reportedly seized fake drugs worth N50 million in Kano.

A spokeswoman for the agency, Nabilusi Abubakar, revealed this in a statement on Saturday in Kano.

He said, “The vehicle with plate number MMR 153 XA conveying fake drugs was apprehended on Friday night around 9:00 p.m. at Murtala Muhammed Way.

“Some of [our] personnel said they suspected the driver was carrying fake drugs.

“Immediately the driver saw the personnel, he ran away which prompted them to search the vehicle.

“The drugs alleged to be fake were analgesic (pain killers), cough syrup and malaria drugs.”

He recalled that the managing director, KAROTA, Faisal Kabir as said the agency would not allow illegal drugs to be brought into the state.

“Anyone found wanting will be seriously dealt with,” he said.

Mr. Kabir appealed to the general public to desist from buying drugs from hawkers and unregistered agents to avoid negative effects.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

In the wake of ongoing economic challenges and the recent policy shift to remove petrol subsidies, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has taken a significant step to ease the financial burden on students and their families. 

Announcing the reduction in a Facebook post yesterday, Governor Yusuf wrote: “Earlier today, I had an important meeting with the heads of all state-owned tertiary institutions in Kano State, where I directed that tuition fee at the institutions be slashed by 50% with immediate effect. – AKY”.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf emphasised the importance of affordable education and the need to support the populace during these testing times. 

In a meeting held earlier today, he met with the heads of various state-owned tertiary institutions within Kano State. 

During the meeting, the governor directed that tuition fees be slashed by half, offering much-needed relief to students pursuing higher education. 

The decision comes as the economic challenges faced by citizens have been exacerbated by the removal of petrol subsidies, a move aimed at addressing fiscal concerns. 

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s decision to cut tuition fees reflects a commitment to alleviating financial pressures on families and promoting education accessibility. 

The tuition fee reduction is expected to positively impact thousands of students across Kano State, fostering an environment where higher education remains attainable despite economic constraints.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The Auren Zaurawa Mass Wedding Initiative will get N854 million from the Kano State Government. 

According to the government, this was approved on Wednesday at the state executive council meeting, looking at the nation’s economic situation. 

Abba Kabir Yusuf, the governor of the state, announced this on his verified X handle, formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday. 

He wrote, “Also from yesterday’s meeting. The Kano State Executive Council has approved the release of the sum of N854 million for the first phase of the Auren Zaurawa Mass Wedding Initiative. 

“And the sum of N700 Million for tuition fees of 7000 students of Bayero University Kano (BUK).” 

Recall that the governor also made an allocation for 7,000 native students at Bayero University Kano (BUK), who will receive N700 million to cover their tuition. 

By Muhammadu Sabiu  

In a bid to alleviate the financial burden on students and families in the face of ongoing economic challenges, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State announced a significant financial commitment on his verified Facebook page yesterday. 

The governor’s post highlighted the decision made by the Kano State Executive Council, under his leadership, to allocate approximately 700 million naira for the payment of school fees for about 7,000 students hailing from Kano State and enrolled at Bayero University Kano (BUK). 

The move is expected to provide crucial financial relief to families struggling to meet educational expenses during these trying times. 

Details regarding the distribution and disbursement of the funds will be communicated to the students and the public in the near future. 

This initiative is part of the state government’s continued efforts to support education and ensure that the youth have access to quality learning opportunities despite the current economic constraints. 

Education has been a cornerstone of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, and this latest move underscores his commitment to prioritising the welfare of students and their families. 

As the payment process unfolds, many are anticipating the positive impact this allocation will have on the lives of the students and their educational journeys. 

Recall that tuition fees at Bayero University have recently increased to an unprecedented high, which forced many students to drop out due to their inability to meet the payment.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, the vice chancellor of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has revealed that the university has implemented a job programme for students in which the university hired students to do some jobs for it in exchange for N15,000 per month. 

Delivering a speech over the weekend in Kano when he met a group from the university’s main campus and the Education Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ECAN), Adamu-Sagir said: “The university equally introduced a kind of job scheme for students, whereby they were engaged to render some services to the university, and they were paid N15,000 monthly.  

“This does not affect their normal learning because it does not take much of their time as some were to clean some surroundings or render certain minor service within the university and got paid at the end of the month.”

The Vice-Chancellor bemoaned the large expense of maintaining the institution in his remarks over the rise in registration fees, particularly the exorbitant cost of providing fuel. 

He disclosed that the monthly cost of power is approximately N35 million, and the cost of diesel for generator purchases is approximately N40 million. 

He also noted that with a student body of almost 45,000, including postgraduates, and a staff of over 5,000, both teaching and non-teaching, it was practically impossible to provide social services. As a result, the management was compelled to hike registration fees.