Education

Former Commissioner for Education in Kano State, Hon. Muhammad Sanusi S. Kiru, has urged Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to adopt a collaborative and apolitical approach to safeguarding students amid rising security threats targeting schools across the country. In an open letter dated November 24, 2025, Kiru reminded the governor that the recent closure of 47 Federal Unity Colleges, as well as all public boarding schools in Katsina, Taraba, Kebbi, Niger, and several other states, mirrors the precautionary measures taken by Kano in November 2021. He explained that the 2021 decision followed intelligence reports indicating that armed groups were targeting vulnerable schools—particularly those along interstate highways, lacking perimeter fencing, or located in remote communities. According to him, the temporary closure ordered at the time was aimed solely at protecting students and school personnel. Kiru noted that security operations later disrupted several kidnapping networks in Kano, crediting the success of the measures to timely cooperation between the state government and security agencies. Read Also: Fidelity Foundation Enrols 25 Pupils as It Launches Campaign to Reduce Out-of-School Children Kiru Defends 2021 School Closures, Says Current Nationwide Shutdowns Validate Decision 112 Qur’anic Schools join formal education system in Katsina – UNICEF He argued that the fact that both federal and state governments are now applying similar protective measures is a validation of the approach previously taken in Kano. “Despite overwhelming evidence that the 2021 closures were a responsible response to an unprecedented security threat, members of the NNPP continue to misrepresent the decision as insensitive or sabotaging education,” Kiru stated, describing such criticisms as misleading and disrespectful to families whose children were shielded from danger. The former commissioner expressed concern over confirmed security threats in at least three local government areas in Kano, warning that the state must act urgently to avoid unnecessary risks to students. He appealed to Governor Yusuf not to allow political considerations to influence critical security decisions. “It is not too late to swallow your pride and follow the model used successfully by your colleagues elsewhere,” Kiru wrote. He added that parents are increasingly anxious and may begin withdrawing their children from boarding schools without a firm and compassionate government response. He reiterated that ensuring the safety of students should be above political rivalry, urging the governor to choose “the path of honour” by adopting decisive measures to secure learning environments across the state. Kiru reaffirmed that his call was motivated by concern for the wellbeing of students and the need to maintain public confidence in school safety.

Nigeria continues to grapple with one of the world’s most severe education crises, with an estimated 18.3 million out-of-school children, according to recent UNICEF reports. The situation is most pronounced in Northern Nigeria, where insecurity, poverty, and inadequate access to learning facilities have pushed thousands of children out of school. In response, the Fidelity Foundation, led by its Chairman, Ahmad Yusuf Tahir, has launched the first phase of its Operation Reduce Out-of-School Children Campaign—a long-term intervention aimed at enrolling, supporting, and sustaining vulnerable children, particularly orphans and those from disadvantaged homes. As part of the kickoff, the Foundation enrolled its first batch of 25 children into primary school at Special Primary School, Rijiyar Zaki in Kano State. The beneficiaries received full enrollment support, including uniforms, exercise books, pencils, and other basic learning materials. Speaking during the exercise, the Project Lead, Mukhtar Hassan Badamasi, said the initiative goes beyond enrollment, describing it as a comprehensive support system designed to give vulnerable children an equitable chance at education. He noted that the project reflects the Foundation’s commitment to empowerment and community development across Northern Nigeria. Read Also: Kiru Defends 2021 School Closures, Says Current Nationwide Shutdowns Validate Decision Also addressing journalists, Ibrahim Kabiru Ibrahim, a key stakeholder and education advocate, revealed that the Foundation has designed a five-year monitoring and sustainability plan to ensure the beneficiaries remain in school until graduation. He emphasized that many of the children are orphans or come from highly vulnerable households, making consistent follow-up essential. “We are not just enrolling children; we are committing to walk with them until they complete their primary education. No child should be left behind,” he stated. Fidelity Foundation continues to push community-driven solutions to the out-of-school children crisis through educational programs, scholarships, mentorship initiatives, and grassroots engagement. The enrollment of the first batch of beneficiaries marks a significant step toward reducing the number of out-of-school children—one community at a time. The Foundation expressed appreciation to volunteers, community leaders, teachers, and supporters who contributed to the successful launch of the campaign. For media inquiries, contact: 08069698422

A former Commissioner of Education in Kano State, Hon. Muhammad Sanusi S. Kiru, has defended the 2021 closure of selected schools in the state, saying recent nationwide shutdowns of schools due to escalating insecurity have vindicated the precautionary measures taken during his tenure. In a statement released on Saturday, Kiru recalled that the Kano State Government ordered the temporary closure of schools in early 2021 after security intelligence indicated that armed groups were targeting institutions located on interstate highways, lacking perimeter fencing, or situated in remote areas with delayed access for emergency response. He explained that the decision was aimed strictly at safeguarding students and staff, noting that the affected schools met specific risk criteria. According to him, the closures were followed by intensified security operations that disrupted several kidnapping networks at the time. Read Also: Former Education Commissioner Criticizes Relocation of GGSS Maikwatashi, Calls It a Misguided Decision Kiru praised security agencies in Kano for what he described as a highly cooperative working relationship during his tenure, urging the current administration to strengthen collaboration with security formations rather than “condemning them through cheap blackmail.” His comments come days after the Federal Government ordered the immediate shutdown of 47 Federal Unity Colleges across the country due to rising security threats. Katsina State also closed all public boarding schools following recent abductions, while other states have taken similar measures in response to heightened attacks on educational institutions. Kiru stated that these actions closely mirror the risk-based approach adopted in Kano in 2021, describing the alignment between federal and state decisions as “a clear endorsement” of the method used by the previous administration. He argued that the consistency of these measures across different levels of government shows that the earlier closures in Kano were professional, evidence-based, and timely. The former commissioner criticised the NNPP-led Kano State Government for what he described as the politicisation of past security decisions, urging it to “never again play politics with issues of safety.” He said repeated attempts to portray the 2021 closures as insensitive were misleading and disrespectful to families whose children may have been protected by the move. Kiru called on the present administration to review the security reports that informed the 2021 closures, retract what he termed “unfounded allegations,” and publicly acknowledge that the previous government’s actions were appropriate and life-saving. The statement was signed by Hon. Muhammad Sanusi S. Kiru, FCIA, who served as Kano State Commissioner of Education during the period in question.