The Historica Nigeria

Author name: Umar Idris Shuaibu

Education, Gombe, News

Gombe Targets Stronger Basic Education as Governor Yahaya Inaugurates Taskforce

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has inaugurated a Taskforce on the Revitalization of Basic Education, with a mandate to develop practical and transformative strategies to strengthen foundational learning across the state. Speaking during the inauguration at the Government House, Governor Yahaya tasked the members to propose actionable measures to improve basic education performance, address shortages of qualified teachers, and tackle weak administrative structures. He recalled that upon assuming office in 2019, his administration declared a state of emergency in the education sector due to years of neglect, poor planning, and structural decay. He noted that despite significant progress, more work is needed to achieve educational excellence. The Governor highlighted key achievements, including the improvement of WAEC performance from 22 percent to over 70 percent in six and a half years — a development he described as proof of the administration’s commitment to quality education. He reaffirmed efforts to ensure students in Gombe continue to excel in both NECO and WAEC examinations. Read Also: Gombe Beneficiaries Hail Inuwa Yahaya’s Drive for Girl-Child Education On reducing the number of out-of-school children, Governor Yahaya stated that over 450,000 children were enrolled through the BESDA programme and support from development partners. He acknowledged migration challenges, especially with Gombe positioned at the center of the North-East, but assured sustained government support to keep children in school. He described the taskforce members as seasoned administrators and respected educationists, appointed based on professionalism and technical expertise rather than political affiliation. He urged them to embrace innovation, avoid bureaucratic delays, and produce a workable roadmap for basic education reform. Governor Yahaya reaffirmed that basic education, health, security, and agriculture remain the priority pillars of his administration. He also noted recent government investments, including ₦13.5 billion under AGILE for girl-child education, ₦1.5 billion for student scholarships, and ₦700 million in incentives to keep girls in school. Responding, Chairperson of the Taskforce and Commissioner for Education, Professor Aishatu Maigari, pledged that the committee would produce a revitalization blueprint that could serve as a model nationwide. She praised the Governor’s dedication, saying: “It takes courage for a leader to invest six years in education and still say, ‘Tell me what more I need to do.’” Professor Maigari added that Gombe was the first state to pay its UBEC counterpart funding for 2025 and that the Minister of Education recently acknowledged Governor Yahaya’s leadership in the sector. Other members of the taskforce include Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, OON; Mr. Mataimaki Tom Maiyashi; Engr. Dr. Muhammad Nuru Yakubu, OON; and Dr. Sadiq Abubakar Gombe. Professor Esrom Toro Jokthan, Executive Chairman of SUBEB, will serve as Secretary, while the Permanent Secretary, Special Services and Political Affairs, will serve as Assistant Secretary.

Kano, News

Dr. Ganduje Pays Condolence Visits to Grieving Families

The immediate past Governor of Kano State and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, has visited Kano on a condolence mission to sympathize with families who recently lost their loved ones. Dr. Ganduje began his visits at Fagge, where he condoled with the family of late Hajiya Sama, wife of Hon. Alibaba Fagge, a former Special Adviser on Religious Affairs. He proceeded to Gwammaja in Dala Local Government Area to commiserate with the family of late Alhaji Baba Sharubutu’s mother. Read Also: Yilwatda, Ganduje, Gbajabiamila, Barau Witness Defection of Two Kano NNPP Lawmakers to APC The condolence train moved next to Kofar Nassarawa, where he paid respects to the family of late Alhaji Umar Barau Mai Wake. Dr. Ganduje was accompanied by former Kano deputy governorship candidate, His Excellency Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, Member of the House of Representatives for Kano Municipal, Engr. Sagir Koki, Elder Alhaji Lawan Garba Funtua, and other notable personalities. Special prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to grant them eternal rest and give their families the fortitude to bear the loss.

Kano, News

NSE Kabuga Branch Inducts 132 Graduate Engineers, Pledges Support for Professional Growth

The Kabuga Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has inducted 132 new graduate engineers into its fold, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineering professionals. The induction ceremony took place today at the Convocation Arena of Bayero University Kano, attracting key stakeholders from across the engineering sector. Speaking after the event, Engr. Ibrahim Abdullahi Maimaje praised the Kabuga Branch for its consistent effort in mentoring young engineers, particularly those newly graduating from universities. Read Also: Engineers Urged to Harness Northwest Biomass as COREN Demands Certified Leadership He urged the inductees to remain steadfast in the ethics of the profession, emphasizing integrity, focus, and dedication as essential qualities for building trust and competence. “There is a need for the inductees to remain focused, dedicated, and truthful to their clients. These are core ethics they must always uphold,” he said. Engr. Maimaje noted that the branch’s commitment aligns with the larger mission of the NSE to develop skilled and responsible engineers capable of sustaining and advancing the profession. In his remarks, the newly elected 5th Chairman of the Kabuga Branch, Engr. Gambo Haruna Yunusa, assured members that his administration will prioritize welfare, capacity building, and professional growth. He unveiled plans to introduce new development programmes—especially around emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence—to equip members with cutting-edge skills for future challenges. Engr. Yunusa also pledged to double the branch’s membership through strategic outreach, strengthen mentoring activities for students and young engineers, and continue implementing community-benefiting engineering projects. “Our focus will be on members’ welfare, membership growth and participation, technical advancement, and capacity building,” he stated. The NSE Kabuga Branch reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young engineers while expanding its impact within both the profession and the wider community.

Kano, News

Police Question Alwan Hassan Over Alleged $10m Bribery Claim Against Senate Leaders

The Police have interrogated Alwan Hassan over allegations that Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio and his Deputy, Barau I. Jibrin, received a $10 million bribe to stop the confirmation of Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Alwan, speaking in Kano last week, alleged that key players in the power sector bribed the two presiding officers to block Ramat’s confirmation. “As usual, Nigerians must enjoy the services they pay for. In doing that, the Gencos and Discos became jittery. There is a strong allegation that the Gencos and Discos, the players in the industry, bribed Akpabio and Barau $10 million to subvert his confirmation,” he claimed. Read Also: The Power of Innuendo: Inside Dan’uwa Rano’s “Letter of Malam Imalu” and the Role of Subtle Truth in Journalism Police sources confirmed that Alwan was invited to provide further details, including those involved and the circumstances of the alleged payment. “It is based on the allegation against the President of the Senate and his Deputy. Let him expatiate further on the allegations — who are the industry players; when and where the money was given? Let him furnish us with all this information,” the source said. The Senate had earlier dismissed the allegation as false and malicious. Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said the suspension of Ramat’s confirmation was due to several public and private petitions filed against him. “The Senate is statutorily bound to pause consideration of any nominee facing serious public petitions or controversies. Many nominees in the past have been stepped down for similar reasons. Mr. Ramat’s case is no exception,” he said. Adaramodu added that the National Assembly would not allow its integrity to be undermined. “We will engage Mr. Alwan in court to provide Nigerians with evidence to support his assertions,” he stated.

Kano, News

Kano Judiciary Gets New Acting Chief Registrar, Approves 30 Shari’a Court Judges

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed Hussein Hassan-Suleiman as the new acting Chief Registrar of the state High Court of Justice, following the retirement of Hajara Garba Ahmed on November 11, 2025. The announcement was made in a statement issued on Friday by the judiciary spokesperson, Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, who noted that the decision was reached during the Commission’s 87th meeting chaired by the Chief Judge, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki. Amina Albasu, Secretary of the Commission, said Suleiman, who previously served as Director of Public Prosecutions at the Ministry of Justice, was selected based on his “hard work, integrity, humility, and dedication to duty.” Read Also: Tinubu Reappoints Marwa as NDLEA Chairman for Second Term The Commission expressed confidence that he would uphold judicial values and discharge his duties with commitment. In the same meeting, the JSC approved the appointment of 30 new Shari’a Court Judges after they successfully passed examinations and interviews. The Commission also reviewed and approved the transfer of Magistrate Dayyabu Haruna from Kaduna State. He was subsequently sworn in by the Chief Judge. Meanwhile, the JSC considered a report from the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission on allegations involving judiciary staff member, Ado Koki, accused of collecting ₦39,000 for issuing three plain affidavits used in land documentation. Koki admitted receiving the money, claiming it was for newspaper publication and police report processing. Although he was not found generally derelict in duty, the Commission described his conduct as inappropriate. He was placed on half salary for three months and issued a strong warning. The JSC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance for misconduct and pledged continued commitment to integrity, accountability, and professionalism within the judiciary.

Economy, Kano, News

Governor Yusuf to Unveil Kano’s Landmark ₦1 Trillion 2026 Budget

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced that his administration is finalizing arrangements to present the state’s first-ever ₦1 trillion proposed budget for the 2026 financial year. This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa. Governor Yusuf disclosed this while declaring open the Second Special Executive Council Meeting convened to deliberate on the 2026 budget proposals ahead of its formal presentation to the Kano State House of Assembly next week. He explained that the historic budget size reflects his administration’s determination to consolidate ongoing infrastructure projects, continue urban renewal efforts, and deepen socio-economic development across the state. Read Also: Gaya Polytechnic Set to Take Off Soon – Governor Yusuf The Governor attributed the increase in the proposed budget to significant improvements in internally generated revenue (IGR) and the blocking of financial leakages within government systems. “Our administration has strengthened internal revenue mechanisms and sealed leakages, which now allows us to plan boldly for transformative projects in 2026,” he said. Governor Yusuf further stated that the 2026 budget will prioritize housing, agriculture, education, healthcare, and support for small and medium enterprises—key sectors expected to stimulate economic growth and create sustainable livelihoods for the people of Kano State. Once concluded, the proposed budget—exceeding ₦1 trillion—will be transmitted to the Kano State House of Assembly for legislative consideration and approval. The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that every sector receives adequate support to deliver quality services to citizens. If presented, it will mark the first time any northern state in Nigeria has proposed a trillion-naira budget.

Education, Kano, News

Gaya Polytechnic Set to Take Off Soon – Governor Yusuf

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to establishing a Polytechnic in Gaya Local Government Area as part of efforts to expand access to technical and vocational education in the state. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday, the governor disclosed this while flagging off the second batch of the 1,001 Foreign and Domestic Postgraduate Scholarship Programme at the Government House, Kano. Governor Yusuf said the planned Polytechnic is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening technical and vocational education, noting the critical role of skills acquisition and innovation in job creation and economic growth. Read Also: Northwest University Kano Appoints Professor Aisha Garba Habib as Acting Vice Chancellor He stated that once operational, the institution will provide young people in Gaya and surrounding communities with the opportunity to acquire quality education and practical training that will prepare them for decent employment or entrepreneurship. The governor added that the Polytechnic will also serve as a training hub for artisans and craftsmen seeking to upgrade their skills and obtain formal qualifications, thereby contributing to the state’s socio-economic development. He reaffirmed that the State Government is working to ensure all necessary arrangements are finalised for the smooth take-off of the institution within the shortest possible time. Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that the establishment of the Gaya Polytechnic will significantly boost the local economy through job creation, increased business activities, reduced rural-urban migration, and enhanced inclusive development.

National, News

IGP Approves Posting of New DIG in Charge of Finance and Administration

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has approved the posting of a new Deputy Inspector-General of Police to head the Department of Finance and Administration. The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin. According to the statement, the newly appointed DIG takes over from DIG Sahabo Abubakar Yahaya, who recently retired after over three decades of distinguished and meritorious service. Read Also: Kogi Police Command Hosts Dinner for National Defence College Study Team Before the elevation, the officer served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja. Hundeyin said the senior officer had demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and dedication to duty in his previous assignments. The IGP, while congratulating him on the new responsibility, expressed confidence in his ability to strengthen key administrative operations within the Force. “The posting is in line with the IGP’s commitment to repositioning the Force for greater efficiency and effectiveness in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities,” the statement added. Hundeyin further noted that the Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to ensure the safety and security of all citizens through strategic leadership placements and performance excellence.

Humanitarian, News

ICRC Raises Alarm Over Attacks on Healthcare in Northwest Nigeria

​The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has sounded the alarm over escalating attacks targeting healthcare facilities and personnel across Nigeria’s Northwest region. ​Roger Alhaddad, the Head of Sub-Delegation for the ICRC in Kano, revealed this critical concern during a media roundtable in the city. ​Alhaddad stated that recent incidents in states like Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina painfully illustrate that health personnel are being attacked in the line of duty. Read Also: Stakeholders Meet in Kano to Address Health Workers’ Attitude Towards Immunization ​He emphasized that the roundtable was timely, coming “when violence and insecurity continue to place enormous strain on healthcare delivery in parts of Nigeria, particularly in the North West. Every day, doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers, and other health workers risk their lives to save others. Yet, they too often become targets of violence, intimidation, or abduction. Health facilities have been looted, destroyed, or abandoned.” ​A report captured how 64 percent of health workers experienced violence mostly in emergency units in Nigeria in 2024. This occurs against a backdrop of over 1,000 attacks on healthcare facilities, staff, and ambulances reported in Gaza since October 2023. ​The ICRC head noted that beyond the immediate loss, these attacks have a severe ripple effect, denying thousands of people essential care and further weakening an already fragile health system, ultimately leading to disability, disease, and deaths. ​This global concern gave rise to the ICRC’s Healthcare in Danger (HCiD) initiative, which aims to ensure that health workers, facilities, and patients are respected and protected during armed conflict and other emergencies.

International, News

AU Chairperson Says No Evidence of Targeted Christian Killings in Northern Nigeria

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Youssouf, has said there is no evidence to support claims of targeted killings of Christians in northern Nigeria, insisting that the security situation in the region cannot be described as genocide. Speaking with journalists at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Youssouf warned that narratives portraying events in northern Nigeria as “Christian genocide” oversimplify a complex and evolving security landscape. According to him, Muslims were among the earliest and most affected victims of the Boko Haram insurgency. “The first victims of Boko Haram are Muslims, not Christians. And I’m saying it with documented references,” he said. Read Also: Trump’s Adviser Dismisses Allegations of Christian Genocide in Nigeria Youssouf cautioned against the use of what he called “easy words” to describe a multifaceted crisis, noting that the AU has consistently maintained in its reports and communiqués that there is no genocide taking place in northern Nigeria. “The complexity of the northern part of Nigeria should not be taken that easily,” he said. “The African continent is very complex… that is why the AU Commission is very clear about that. We would like to stress again that there is no genocide in northern Nigeria.” Claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria have circulated widely in international media and across social platforms, particularly among some political figures in the United States. In response to these claims, a group of US lawmakers recently urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take diplomatic action over what they described as “systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians” in the country. Following the lawmakers’ petition, US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern (CPC)” over alleged Christian persecution, warning that the Nigerian government could lose US aid if it failed to address the issue. The federal government has repeatedly dismissed the allegations. However, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) maintains that Christian communities in several regions of the country continue to suffer recurrent and deadly attacks.

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