Education

Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano In a major step toward advancing female entrepreneurship and self-reliance, TechnoServe, in collaboration with the Kano Science Schools Old Students Association (KASSOSA) and the Technology Incubation Center (TIC), has launched a six-month training programme for young girls graduated from girls’ science secondary schools in Kano State. The event, which marked the official flag-off of the initiative, was held at the New Government Science and Technical College (GSTC), Kano, where hundreds of participants gathered to begin their journey toward acquiring practical entrepreneurial and employability skills. Speaking during the launch, Maryam Haruna Danjuma, Enterprise Development Advisor on the SAY-WEE Project—Skilling on Adolescent and Young Women for Entrepreneurship and Employability—explained that the project, funded by UNICEF through support from FCDO, aims to empower young women with business and employment skills that will enable them to become self-reliant and economically active. “In today’s world, women constitute a larger portion of the population, and empowering them means empowering their families and communities. SAY-WEE is designed to give young women the confidence and tools to contribute meaningfully to national development,” she said. Read Also: Why Science College Dawakin Kudu Remains a Pride of Kano’s Educational Heritage 15% Ad-Valorem Import Duty on Petrol and Diesel: Balancing Protectionism and Public Interest FG Clarifies: English, Mathematics Still Compulsory for O’Level Students Maryam added that being in science should not limit one’s opportunities in entrepreneurship, encouraging participants to “grab and learn other skills even as you continue your studies.” She urged KASSOSA members and trainees to take attendance and punctuality seriously, noting that consistent participation would determine eligibility for participating in the robust Aftercare phase of the project — a stage designed to provide ongoing mentorship and guidance after the training. Earlier in his address, KASSOSA National President, Malam Balarabe Nuhu Jalla Danbatta, explained that the association’s move into entrepreneurship and capacity building as part of its broader vision to help members and students become productive citizens and economic contributors. He said, “We believe in the power of entrepreneurship to shape lives, build enterprises, and transform communities. That is why KASSOSA, TechnoServe, and TIC have come together — KASSOSA provides the platform, TIC trains, and TechnoServe empowers.” Jalla noted that this is not KASSOSA’s first intervention of its kind, recalling previous collaborations with the Technology Incubation Center that led to successful training and empowerment of young people across Kano. Representing TIC, Malam Baba Tata Azare urged the girls to take the training seriously, stressing that such an opportunity — facilitated by credible organizations — is one many would ordinarily have to pay for. The Chairman of the KASSOSA Entrepreneurship Committee, Malam Habibu Ahmadu, announced that over 1,000 young girls would undergo training across three designated centers in Kano Metropolis: Girls Secondary School Ja’oji, First Lady Science College, New Girls Science Secondary School, and New Science Secondary School Dala. He advised the participants to choose the centers closest to them and make the best use of the programme to complement their science education with entrepreneurship knowledge that can improve their livelihoods. A notable moment during the event came from Aisha Shehu Jakada, a past beneficiary of the KASSOSA Entrepreneurship Programme, who shared her success story and urged the new trainees to stay committed. “I started small, but today I can proudly say that what I learned from the KASSOSA entrepreneurship programme changed my life. I now run a small business that supports my education and family. I urge every participant here to take this opportunity seriously and become self-reliant,” she said. The event underscored KASSOSA’s continuous commitment to youth empowerment and female capacity building in Kano, as the partnership with TechnoServe and TIC seeks to promote inclusive economic growth and gender equity in the state.

The Management of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil, has dismissed what it described as spurious and unfounded allegations made by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), ADUSTECH branch, saying the claims were aimed at misleading the public about the progress recorded by the institution and the Kano State Government. In a statement signed by the Deputy Registrar and Head of Information, Media and Public Relations Unit, Abdullahi Datti Abdullahi, the University Management maintained that under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Musa Tukur Yakasai, significant strides have been made to enhance teaching and learning facilities, improve staff welfare, and upgrade infrastructure across the campus. “For the avoidance of doubt and contrary to ASUU’s claims, the University has renovated lecture theatres and classrooms, installed multimedia facilities, public address systems, and digital teaching aids to enhance lecture delivery,” the statement said. Read Also: Prof. Musa Tukur Yakasai Appointed Sarkin Kudun Gaya by Emir of Gaya ADUSTECH Senate Reappoints Deputy Vice Chancellors Northwest University Kano Appoints Professor Aisha Garba Habib as Acting Vice Chancellor The Management further noted that the University Library had been connected to fibre optic internet through Galaxy Backbone, while the Central Research Laboratory was equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and powered by solar energy to ensure uninterrupted operations. According to the statement, the administration also carries out annual renovations of both male and female hostels, focusing on improved sanitation and hygiene to create a more conducive living environment for students. On financial matters, ADUSTECH clarified that the Vice Chancellor inherited unaudited accounts for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022, which have since been audited and released to the public. “The 2023 accounts are currently with the External Auditors and will be made available once completed,” it added. Addressing the issue of the Budget Performance Report, the Management explained that the dissolution of the 5th Governing Council had temporarily affected the activities of the Budget Monitoring Committee. However, with the reconstitution of the 6th Council, the Committee had already reviewed the first and second quarters of 2025. On staffing concerns, the statement noted that the University inherited newly established academic departments that lacked sufficient personnel and teaching facilities. It said the Management submitted recruitment requests, which were partly approved by the government, contributing to the institution’s successful accreditation exercise conducted by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2023. The University also clarified that the conversion of certain non-indigenous academic staff to contract appointments was based on a government circular directing such adjustments. “The Ministry for Higher Education has already constituted a committee to review the matter, and the Management awaits its recommendations,” the statement added. Responding to allegations of power disconnection, the Management said no section of the University was ever disconnected. It explained that the rationalization of electricity supply was due to high costs associated with operating on Band ‘A’, which had pushed the University’s monthly electricity bill to about ₦60 million — an unsustainable figure. The statement also emphasized that upon assumption of office, the Yakasai-led administration inherited over ₦2 billion in staff entitlements, 80 percent of which have been settled by the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The payments included Consequential Adjustments, Earned Academic Allowances, Hazard Allowance, SIWES/TP/Fieldwork allowances, Family Air Tickets, and promotion arrears for professors. Furthermore, the Management disclosed that the University had forwarded the outstanding 25 and 35 percent salary increments for staff to the state government, which is currently receiving attention. The University commended Governor Yusuf for his unwavering commitment to education, citing the State of Emergency on Education, foreign scholarships for outstanding graduates, and allocation of over 30 percent of the state budget to education as evidence of his dedication to revitalizing the sector. Describing ASUU’s allegations as politically motivated, the Management recalled that one of the signatories to the union’s press statement had previously accused the state government of undermining education less than a year into its administration. “The University Management therefore calls on the general public to disregard the misleading allegations by the ADUSTECH branch of ASUU. Despite this misinformation, we remain focused on improving the welfare and living conditions of both staff and students,” the statement concluded.

Former Commissioner of Education in Kano State, Muhammad Sanusi S. Kiru, has faulted the relocation of Government Girls’ Secondary School (GGSS) Maikwatashi to Kaura Goje, describing the move as poorly executed and politically insensitive. In an open letter addressed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kiru expressed deep concern over the manner in which the project was handled, accusing its handlers of “woeful inadequacy and inexperience” in managing such a sensitive educational matter. According to the former commissioner, the demolition of the old school before the completion of the new one has caused unnecessary disruptions to students, teachers, and the community. He argued that a proper relocation plan should have ensured that the new site was fully constructed, equipped, and ready before any movement occurred. Read Also: APC Chieftain Urges Kano Govt to Allow Court Decide N6.5bn Diversion Case “In my previous experience, particularly with the relocation of Jido Primary School, we ensured that the new facility was completed before transferring the students. This approach ensured a smooth transition and avoided disruptions to the learning process,” Kiru stated. He further condemned what he termed the unfair portrayal of the Sabon Gari community as a haven for criminals, saying such remarks were unjustified and could damage communal harmony. “The residents of Sabon Gari have made immense contributions to Kano State and were among your strongest supporters in the 2023 elections,” he noted. Kiru also raised alarm over the alleged sale of the old school’s land at about ₦100 million per plot, describing it as “a decision that deprived the state of valuable community assets.” He suggested that the land could have been better utilized for public facilities such as sports complexes or town halls. The former commissioner criticized a viral video by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Sunusi Surajo Kwankwaso, saying his comments worsened public outrage. He urged the governor to caution aides who are not directly involved in education from making unguarded statements on academic matters. While commending the current Commissioner for Education for maintaining neutrality, Kiru encouraged him to correct the lapses caused by the initial handling of the relocation. He urged the state government to learn from the experience and adopt a more thoughtful, inclusive, and sustainable approach to future education-related projects. “The handlers of the Maikwatashi project must take responsibility for their mistakes. Relocating after the completion of the new site would have protected the government’s image and avoided public criticism,” Kiru concluded.

The Parents Association of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, has condemned the actions of an unregistered member, Bashir Hussain Adamu, and his student niece over a disturbance at the entrance of an examination hall on October 24, describing their behavior as unacceptable and contrary to the institution’s values. In a statement signed by the association’s chairman, Alhaji Mustapha Balarabe, the group apologized to the university’s management and faculty, calling for disciplinary and legal measures against those responsible for the incident. “The behavior exhibited by Bashir Hussain Adamu and his student niece is utterly condemnable and falls short of the standards we uphold as parents and as an institution,” Balarabe said. Read Also: VAU Condemns Blackmail Attempt Against MAAUN Lecturer and Institution The incident reportedly led to a confrontation with a supervising faculty member after the pair attempted to gain unauthorized access to the exam hall. The association commended the university’s management for maintaining discipline, professionalism, and academic excellence, noting that MAAUN had consistently upheld moral and educational values since its founding. “Over the last decade, we have witnessed consistent growth, quality teaching, and integrity-driven leadership,” the statement added. It cautioned parents against interfering in academic procedures or accessing restricted areas, urging that all engagements be routed through the university’s administrative offices. The group also condemned a viral video allegedly recorded and shared by Adamu and his niece, describing it as a deliberate attempt to misrepresent facts and tarnish the image of the university and its staff. “Such acts are unacceptable and constitute an assault on the dignity of our educators,” the statement read, urging MAAUN to pursue legal action against those involved in the online blackmail. The association further advised the university to tighten campus security, criticizing personnel who allowed unauthorized access to the exam area. “Accountability must be enforced to prevent a recurrence,” it said. Reaffirming its support for MAAUN’s founder and president, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, the association praised his visionary leadership and contribution to higher education in Nigeria and Niger Republic. “Professor Gwarzo’s tireless efforts have transformed MAAUN into a globally respected institution that promotes integrity, innovation, and excellence,” the statement noted. The association concluded by pledging continued cooperation with the university to promote discipline and respect. “We humbly request the faculty and staff to accept our profound apologies for any distress caused,” Balarabe said. “The Parents Association remains steadfast in supporting MAAUN’s vision of academic excellence and moral development.”