Education

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.”