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.
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“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.
