The Historica Nigeria

2026

Bauchi, Education, News

Intervention Brings Relief to Struggling Bauchi Nomadic School

By Umar Idris Shuaibu Pupils of Kondawa Nomadic School in Jama’are Local Government Area of Bauchi State have received school uniforms, learning materials and additional teaching support following concerns over the deteriorating condition of the rural learning facility. The intervention was carried out on Thursday by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), which also recruited three teachers to address staffing shortages affecting the school. The initiative formed part of efforts aimed at improving access to education in hard-to-reach rural communities, particularly among Fulani nomadic populations. Speaking during the exercise, the Executive Director of CITAD, Y. Z. Ya’u, represented by Isah Garba, said the organisation considered education a critical tool for addressing social challenges and reducing vulnerability among children in underserved communities. According to him, encouraging enrolment and sustained attendance among nomadic pupils requires the provision of basic learning materials capable of easing the burden on parents. Read Also: Former APC National Chairman Ganduje Embarks on Hajj Pilgrimage CITAD Distributes School Materials to Nomadic Pupils in Kano, Urges Increased Govt Intervention Lere: A Historic Fulani Settlement and Cultural Crossroads in Kaduna “We supported the pupils with 100 school uniforms today as part of efforts to encourage learning and school attendance,” he said. Ya’u noted that lack of education continues to contribute to insecurity and social instability in many rural areas, stressing that investment in education remains essential to building peaceful and productive communities. He explained that the intervention at Kondawa Nomadic School was part of broader efforts to support rural and nomadic education across Northern Nigeria. The organisation, he said, had earlier intervened in Shara community in Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano State, where prolonged absence of a primary school reportedly prompted advocacy efforts that later contributed to the establishment of a public school in the area. He also referenced a recent intervention at Bakin Kamanda Nomadic School in Dansoshiya community of Kiru Local Government Area, where uniforms and learning materials were distributed to pupils. Speaking at the event, the Education Secretary of Jama’are Local Government Area, Malam Shuaibu Umar, described the intervention as timely and urged the newly recruited teachers to remain committed to their duties. “We task the newly recruited teachers to uphold their responsibilities and contribute effectively toward improving learning outcomes in the school,” he said. He commended the intervention for complementing government efforts toward improving education in nomadic communities, noting that the initiative would help strengthen enrolment and improve academic participation among children in the area. Also speaking, the Emir of Jama’are, Nuhu Ahmad Wabi, represented by the District Head of Gilar and Gongo, Alhaji Wada, praised the support for education within the emirate and other parts of Northern Nigeria. The traditional institution further called on local and international non-governmental organisations to expand educational and humanitarian interventions targeting rural communities. The school, established about eight years ago by the National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE), was designed to cater for more than 100 pupils but reportedly became largely non-functional due to severe infrastructural decay and shortage of teachers. Findings revealed that the school had been operating with only one teacher handling academic activities, while collapsed walls, damaged roofs, vandalised classrooms and overgrown surroundings had continued to discourage learning activities and force many pupils back into grazing and farming activities.

Feature, National, News

Former APC National Chairman Ganduje Embarks on Hajj Pilgrimage

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress and Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has departed Nigeria for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. Dr. Ganduje, a former two-term governor of Kano State, travelled alongside members of his family, including his wife, Hafsat Abdullahi Ganduje, his daughter, Amina Ganduje, and his son, Umar Ganduje, popularly known as Engr. Abba Ganduje. The pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is expected to climax on May 26, 2026, corresponding with the 9th of Zul-Hijjah 1447AH, the sacred Day of Arafat regarded as the spiritual peak of the Hajj rites. Millions of Muslims from across the world are expected to converge on the holy cities of Mecca and Medina for the annual spiritual exercise. Read Also: How Abba Ganduje’s Empowerment, Solar Projects are Impacting Kano Communities 2027: Abba Bichi Clinches APC Sole Ticket for Bichi Federal Constituency Why PCACC is Investigating Kano’s Former Head of Service For Dr. Ganduje, whose public service career has spanned decades in governance, politics, and administration, the pilgrimage represents a period of spiritual reflection, prayers, and devotion. Political observers also note that he remains among prominent Nigerian political figures who chose to embark on the sacred journey despite ongoing political activities and party engagements across the country. Associates and supporters of the former Kano governor have continued to offer prayers for a successful pilgrimage, describing the journey as a moment of thanksgiving and supplication for peace, unity, and progress in Kano State and Nigeria at large. Prior to his departure, Dr. Ganduje remained active in public and community engagements, attending political, religious, and developmental activities within and outside Kano State. The annual Hajj pilgrimage continues to attract millions of faithful Muslims globally, serving as a symbol of unity, sacrifice, humility, and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah. As Dr. Ganduje and his family join other pilgrims from Nigeria and across the world in the holy land, prayers have continued to pour in for Allah’s acceptance of their acts of worship and their safe return home in peace and sound health.

National, News

Tinubu Denies Plan to Change Nigeria’s Name, Abolish Shari’a Law

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed reports alleging that his administration plans to change Nigeria’s name to the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Shari’a law in the northern region of the country. The Presidency, in a statement issued on Thursday by the President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, described the viral report as false and misleading. According to the statement, the report was fabricated by “desperate politicians” seeking to create tension, stir political crisis, and destabilise the country ahead of the 2027 general elections. “The Presidency wishes to inform Nigerians and state clearly that there is no truth to the viral fake story claiming that President Bola Tinubu seeks to carry out constitutional amendments that will change Nigeria’s name to the United States of Nigeria and abolish Sharia Law in the Northern region,” the statement read. Read Also: Ex-Okada Rider-Turned Lawmaker Loses APC Ticket in Kaduna Why PCACC is Investigating Kano’s Former Head of Service Meta Cuts 8,000 Jobs in Global Layoff Wave The Presidency also denied claims that Tinubu intended to forward a constitutional amendment bill allegedly code-named “Project True Federation” to the National Assembly before the elections. Onanuga stressed that constitutional amendments in Nigeria require extensive legislative procedures, including a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and approval by at least 24 State Houses of Assembly. He urged Nigerians to disregard the report entirely, describing those behind it as “agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder.” The statement added that President Tinubu remains focused on economic reforms and delivering democratic dividends to Nigerians rather than engaging in divisive political agendas. The Presidency further warned citizens to be cautious of fake and inflammatory reports as political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections begin to intensify.

Kano, News

One Kano Agenda Backs New Security Initiative by Retired Officers in Kano

The Director General of One Kano Agenda, Amb. Abbas Yakasai, has commended the establishment of the Forum of Retired Security Personnel and Senior Civil Servants in Kano State, describing the initiative as timely and strategic in supporting ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property across the state. In a statement jointly signed by Amb. Abbas Yakasai and the Secretary-General of the group, Barr. Mukhtar Musa, the organization said the formation of the forum comes at a critical period when collective action, intelligence sharing, and community-based security solutions are increasingly needed to address emerging security challenges. The group noted that the coming together of experienced retired military officers, police personnel, Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, paramilitary officers, and seasoned civil servants would significantly strengthen Kano State’s security architecture. According to the statement, the wealth of experience, institutional knowledge, strategic understanding, and grassroots connections possessed by the retired officers and senior civil servants would greatly complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in maintaining peace, stability, and social harmony in Kano State. Read Also: Ex-Okada Rider-Turned Lawmaker Loses APC Ticket in Kaduna Meta Cuts 8,000 Jobs in Global Layoff Wave Why PCACC is Investigating Kano’s Former Head of Service “One Kano Agenda believes that Kano, being the commercial and cultural heartbeat of Northern Nigeria, requires sustained peace and stability, not only for its residents but also for the economic wellbeing of the region,” the statement read. The group further described the decision by the retired personnel to voluntarily contribute their expertise toward strengthening security coordination and community engagement as patriotic and highly commendable. While applauding the initiative, One Kano Agenda advised the forum to prioritize community engagement and grassroots sensitization in order to build public trust and encourage citizens’ participation in security matters. The organization also urged the forum to work closely with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, civil society organizations, and community associations in developing sustainable local security solutions. It further recommended that the forum should maintain a professional and non-partisan operational structure focused solely on the collective interest of Kano State and its people. The statement equally called for periodic security dialogues and stakeholder consultations aimed at assessing emerging threats and proposing practical policy recommendations to relevant government authorities. On youth-related concerns, One Kano Agenda emphasized the need for the forum to focus on youth empowerment, mentorship, and deradicalization programmes as part of efforts to address the root causes of insecurity. The group also stressed that collaboration with security agencies must operate strictly within the framework of the law, with full respect for human rights and civil liberties. One Kano Agenda reiterated its support for all genuine initiatives aimed at protecting the lives, dignity, and prosperity of the people of Kano State and called on citizens and stakeholders to support the forum in the collective interest of peace, development, and stability. The organization reiterated that securing Kano remains a shared responsibility, urging all well-meaning individuals to contribute positively toward sustaining peace in the state.

Kaduna, News, Politics

Ex-Okada Rider-Turned Lawmaker Loses APC Ticket in Kaduna

A former commercial motorcycle rider who rose to national prominence after winning a House of Representatives seat under the Labour Party in 2023, Donatus Mathew, has lost his bid to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections. Mathew, who represents Kaura Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, was among several lawmakers reportedly edged out during the APC primaries for the National Assembly. The lawmaker, popularly known as the “Okada rider lawmaker,” defected from the Labour Party to the APC in December 2024, citing internal crises within the opposition party and the need for political stability. However, during the APC primary election, Mathew reportedly polled 255 votes, losing to his rival who secured 1,085 votes. Mathew first gained national attention during the 2023 general elections when he defeated a four-term incumbent under the platform of the Labour Party, polling 10,508 votes against 10,297 votes scored by his closest opponent. Read Also: Reps Member Gagdi Fails to Secure APC Ticket for Third Term Why PCACC is Investigating Kano’s Former Head of Service 2027: Abba Bichi Clinches APC Sole Ticket for Bichi Federal Constituency His victory was widely celebrated as one of the major upsets of the election season and seen as a reflection of the grassroots-driven “Obi wave” that boosted the Labour Party across parts of the country. Born in 1988 in Kpak, Kagoro Chiefdom of Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Mathew attended LGEA Primary School in Kadarko, Saint Jani Seminary School, and Teachers’ College, Kagoro, before earning a degree in Philosophy from Saint Albert Institute. Before venturing into politics, he worked as a commercial motorcycle rider, a job he once said sustained him through periods of economic hardship and unemployment. “Before I became a councillor, I was an okada man. I used a bike to sustain myself, and I am proud of that. That is my humble beginning,” he had said in an interview. According to reports, several other former Labour Party lawmakers who defected to the APC also failed to secure return tickets during the primaries. Political observers say the outcome reflects the challenges defectors often face in navigating established party structures despite their electoral popularity.

National, News

Why female graduates are dominating NYSC mobilisation – DG

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Y.D. Ahmed, has disclosed that female graduates have consistently outnumbered their male counterparts in NYSC mobilisation since 2020, describing the development as a major demographic shift in Nigeria’s education sector. Ahmed made the revelation during an appearance on News Night on Channels Television, noting that the trend marks a significant reversal in the history of the scheme established in 1973. “Since 2020 till date, consistently, the female gender has topped our mobilisation chart. We are producing more female graduates in Nigeria today than males,” he said. The NYSC boss attributed the development to the long-term impact of policies promoting girl-child education under global initiatives such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to him, the trend could reshape Nigeria’s future workforce and leadership structure, with more women likely to occupy positions of authority in government and the private sector in the coming years. Read Also: Why PCACC is Investigating Kano’s Former Head of Service Meta Cuts 8,000 Jobs in Global Layoff Wave Tinubu Appoints 39-Year-Old Professor as JAMB Registrar “What that tells us is that in years to come, we are going to have more females in places of authority or in government than males,” Ahmed stated. He urged employers and policymakers to begin preparing for the changing workforce dynamics by addressing workplace concerns affecting women, including maternity leave and career sustainability. Ahmed also revealed that the NYSC is transitioning fully into a Gen Z-driven era, noting that by the end of the year, the scheme would no longer be mobilising millennials. “We are now dealing with Gen Z corps members, and that is why we are engaging more on social media platforms like TikTok and others,” he added. On funding and youth empowerment, the DG highlighted the proposed NYSC Trust Fund Bill currently awaiting presidential assent, explaining that the initiative would provide financial support for corps members through startup grants and skills development programmes. He said the trust fund would help move the scheme beyond monthly allowances and create opportunities for corps members to access zero-interest funding for entrepreneurial ventures. Ahmed noted that as the NYSC prepares to mark its 53rd anniversary on May 22, the increasing number of female graduates reflects broader social and educational changes shaping the future of Nigeria.

Business, International

Meta Cuts 8,000 Jobs in Global Layoff Wave

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, has announced a major round of layoffs affecting about 8,000 employees globally, representing nearly 10 percent of its workforce. According to reports, the layoffs began on Wednesday and are expected to occur in phases across different regions and departments. Employees affected include workers in Meta’s integrity team, responsible for tackling harmful content and hate speech, as well as staff in cybersecurity and content design divisions. The company said workers in the United States would receive 16 weeks of severance pay, in addition to two extra weeks for every year spent with the company. Alongside the job cuts, Meta also disclosed plans to cancel the recruitment of about 6,000 new employees while reassigning nearly 7,000 workers to artificial intelligence (AI)-related operations. Read Also: New VC Unveils Plan to Modernise Curriculum, Introduce Tech-Driven Degrees The latest development comes amid reports of declining staff morale linked to the company’s growing focus on AI development and automation. According to reports, some workers raised concerns over an internal AI training programme that allegedly uses employee data to improve Meta’s AI models. More than 1,500 employees were said to have signed a petition opposing the initiative. Some employees also expressed fears that AI systems being developed by the company could eventually replace parts of the workforce. Meta Chief Executive Officer, Mark Zuckerberg, has continued to defend the company’s heavy investment in artificial intelligence, particularly through its “Meta Superintelligence” initiative. The company is reportedly projecting capital expenditures of between $125 billion and $145 billion this year, more than double its spending levels since 2025. The layoffs at Meta come amid a broader wave of job cuts across the global technology industry, with companies increasingly restructuring operations around AI technologies.

Education, National, News

Tinubu Appoints 39-Year-Old Professor as JAMB Registrar

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Segun Aina as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), succeeding Professor Is-haq Oloyede, whose two-term tenure is expected to expire on July 31, 2026. The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Professor Aina, a renowned academic and systems expert, is expected to bring his experience in examination systems, digital infrastructure, and institutional reform to the administration of the nation’s admission body. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent, as well as a Master’s degree in Internet Computing and Network Security and a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from Loughborough University, United Kingdom. Read Also: KSP Partners JOSTUM to Offer PGD Courses in Management, Social Sciences Why PCACC is Investigating Kano’s Former Head of Service Why Tinubu Created New Homeland Security Office Amid Rising Security Concerns Aina also completed the Senior Management Programme at the Lagos Business School. Currently a Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Aina reportedly began his relationship with JAMB during his National Youth Service, where he gained experience in admissions and examination processes. With over 15 years of professional experience, he has advised federal and state governments on digital transition, system design, and operational reforms. He has also served as a consultant to examination bodies including the National Examinations Council (NECO), the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), and several state ministries of education on issues relating to ICT systems and examination integrity. At 39, Aina became one of Nigeria’s youngest professors of Computer Engineering and is now set to become the youngest Registrar in the history of JAMB. He is a member of several professional bodies, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). President Tinubu expressed confidence that the new registrar would build on the achievements recorded by his predecessor and further strengthen the operations of the examination body.

Education, Kano, News

Rector Charges Kano Polytechnic Freshers on Integrity, Hard Work

Kano State Polytechnic has matriculated over 5,000 newly admitted students for the 2025/2026 academic session during a colourful ceremony held on Wednesday at the institution. The Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Abubakar Umar Farouk, FCA, who was represented by the Director of Academic Planning, Research and Innovation, Engr. Dr. Comrade Ibrahim Usman Aikawa, welcomed the students and urged them to uphold the institution’s core values of integrity, discipline, excellence, innovation, and humanity. This was contained in a statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs of the institution, Auwal Ismail Bagwai. The Rector encouraged the students to remain focused on their studies, manage their time effectively, and participate in extracurricular activities capable of developing their leadership and creative abilities. Read Also: Kano Declares Id-el-Kabir Holiday for Schools KSP Partners JOSTUM to Offer PGD Courses in Management, Social Sciences Kaduna Polytechnic Has Shaped Industries, Public Service — Gov Uba Sani Following the administration of the matriculation oath, the Registrar of the Polytechnic, Mukhtar Ibrahim Bello, Falakin Kano, congratulated the students and advised them to serve as worthy ambassadors of the institution. A presentation on examination rules and regulations was delivered by the Deputy Registrar, Exams and Records, Fatima Bala Ahmad, represented by the Director of Quality Assurance, Dr. Ahmad Zubairu Chedi. He warned students against involvement in examination malpractice and urged them to remain law-abiding throughout their academic journey and beyond. Also speaking, the Deputy Registrar, Student Affairs, Sadiq Imam Wali, represented by the Students Affairs Officer of the School of Management Studies, Comrade Abdulmajid Bn Tukur, presented a paper on the institution’s dress code. He stressed the importance of decent dressing, noting that students represent not only themselves but also their families, communities, and the institution. The Chairman of the Convention and Matriculation Committee, Malam Sulaiman Hashim Rano, congratulated the new students on joining the Polytechnic community and appreciated members of the committee and the management for their support towards the successful conduct of the ceremony.

Kano, News, Religious

Kano Hisbah Elevates 44 LG Commanders

The Kano State Hisbah Board has promoted 44 Local Government Commanders across the state as part of efforts to strengthen the operations of the board. This was contained in a statement issued by the Board’s spokesperson, Auwalu Ado Sheshe, following the promotion ceremony held on Wednesday at the Hisbah headquarters in Kano. Speaking during the event, the Commander General of the Board, Sheikh Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, said the promotion was based on dedication, commitment, and hard work demonstrated by the officers in the discharge of their duties. Read Also: Why PCACC is Investigating Kano’s Former Head of Service Kn-CoP, BOOST Project Advocate Gender Inclusion in Immunisation During Visit to Kano Women Affairs Ministry How Abba Ganduje’s Empowerment, Solar Projects are Impacting Kano Communities He urged the newly promoted commanders to redouble their efforts and justify the confidence reposed in them through improved service delivery and professionalism. The affected officers, who previously held the rank of Assistant Superintendent, were elevated to the rank of Superintendent. Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, Superintendent Hamidan Tanko Alaska, Commander of Municipal Local Government and Chairman of the Forum of the 44 Local Government Hisbah Commanders, expressed appreciation to the leadership of the board for the recognition. He described the promotion as timely and well deserved, assuring that the officers would continue to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism and dedication. Hamidan also advised the officers to avoid acts capable of tarnishing the image and reputation of the board.  

Scroll to Top