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Opinion

Governor Ganduje’s Free Primary Education Policy Laughable -Doguwa

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6 years ago

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Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State

 

By Umar Haruna  Doguwa.

Governor of Kano State Dr. Abdullahi Umar  Ganduje doesn’t fulfill most of the promises taken during his inaugural speech.

“We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth and listen to the song of that siren till she transformed us into beasts “~ Patrick Henry

I was the pioneer elected All Progressives Congress (APC) party Chairman Kano State.

As Chairman, I organized, coordinated, and spearheaded the processes and campaigns that brought Governor Ganduje to power in 2015. It means I am well positioned to know all that has transpired before, during, and after his emergence as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and as Governor.

My reasons for writing this piece today, therefore are: First,

I am duty-bound to review and reflect on the promises and pledges we made to the good people of Kano State against the backdrop of darkness, occasioned by misgovernance enveloping Kano today.

Secondly, I write this as a True Muslim knowing fully well how all religions implore their followers to fulfill promises and pledges made by individuals or parties. Thirdly, my reason is to echo the silent screaming of the hapless majority bearing the brunt of inept leadership that in any case, they did not vote for.

At his inauguration for the first term of office as Governor, Ganduje uttered the following words: “I pledge to continue with the good works we started since the first tenure of our administration (1999-2003/2011-2015). There is no gainsaying that the APC as a party and we as contestants, in particular, gained tremendously from this colossal giant (Kwankwaso) whose monumental strides virtually obliterated the relevance of other parties in the State. I on behalf of all elected officeholders, therefore, assure you that we will continue to be good ambassadors of the Kwankwasiyya movement in the service of our dear State and the country at large”(Gov. Ganduje’s inaugural speech 2015, page 1 paragraphs 2).

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This was the first reassurance that Governor Ganduje gave to the good people of Kano State. This inaugural speech was the seal on all promises and pledges made by myself as chairman of the party (APC) and leader of the campaign tour on his behalf and Governor Ganduje (Then Deputy Governor and our party’s candidate) to Kano State electorates during our tour of the 44 Local Governments Area councils which was delivered a few minutes after he was administered to an OATH of office by the then Acting Chief Judge of the State with the    Holy Quran.

This was watched and witnessed by thousands of good people of Kano, including myself standing next to him on the podium. Born on 25th December 1949 (Officially, on Christmas day), Governor Ganduje must have known the gravity of making promises, pledges, and his subsequent physical swearing with the Holy Quran and its consequences before making it.

I am particularly craving the indulgence of Kano citizens and Nigerians, in general, to read and re-read that inaugural speech of Gov. Ganduje in 2015 to see for themselves the many mouth-watering promises and pledges it contains, especially on the continuation of the “Excellent works started under the able leadership of the indefatigable leader Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso during his first and second Tenure” as conspicuously stated by Gov. Ganduje in his inaugural speech 2015 page 2 paragraph 2. The Promises of which he (Gov. Ganduje) has the power and resources to execute (if he’s willing to) as the Chief Executive Officer of Kano State.

While reading and re-reading through the inaugural speech, one aspect that continuously caught my attention is Education. Obviously Education, because an ignorant man is doomed for poverty and the level of educational achievements made in the State by the Indefatigable Leader Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso who bequeathed enduring and effective structures, from basic to tertiary levels, built solidly to stand the test of time. The primary schools with well-structured schools feeding system that was envied by many States including the Federal Government, the two set of free uniforms to each primary schools pupil, the massive purchase of instructional materials, the thousands of additional new blocks built and equipped (an upstairs building that can be seen throughout the State known popularly as Kwankwassiya blocks), the regular training and re-training of teachers, the prompt payment of salaries on the 25th of every month, the recruitment of additional staff, the renovations of existing classroom blocks and offices through Community Re-orientation Committees (CRC), the re-introduction of boarding primary schools and the teacher: student ratio of 1:54 (source~Kano state school census data MOE 2014/2015) and many more.

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The secondary schools also enjoyed that excellent strides from Kwankwaso’s purposeful administration were he built and equipped 100 new laboratories to WAEC and NECO standard, built four (4) mega secondary schools, apart from the many junior and senior secondary schools built across the state. Additionally, he built houses for teachers in day secondary schools in most of the rural areas, provided a large number of long luxurious buses that constantly convey girls to and from schools, specifically to encourage girl-child education which was applauded by world-recognized NGO’s. Also, there were prompt payments of full salary every 25th day of the month, Car Loan for teachers, a teacher: student ratio of 1:31 in JSS and 1: 32 in SS( source ~ kano state school census data MOE 2014/2015) to mention just a few.

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The tertiary education experienced a revolution, the conceptualization and actualization of two-state: owned universities; The Kano State University of Science and Technology Wudil and the Northwest University Kano, the establishment and maintenance of more than twenty additional new higher institutions; Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso College of Arts and Remedial Studies, Tudun Wada, College of Arts and Remedial Studies, Kunchi, Informatics Institute, Kura, Reformatory Institute, Kiru, Fisheries Institute, Bagauda, Horticulture Institute, Bagauda, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Madobi, to mention but a few. He also Sponsored Kano State indigenes to various private universities at home and abroad based purely on merit for undergraduate and postgraduate studies respectively, which eventually placed Kano State among the States with the highest number of Masters and Ph.D. holders now. He Improved infrastructure in all the existing tertiary institutions; Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta, Aminu Kano College of Legal and Islamic Studies Kano, Kano State Polytechnic, Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education Kumbotso, College of Arts and Remedial Studies, Kano. The MIDAS touch is verifiable. There was the prompt payment of Registration Fees for Kano State indigenes who got admission into the Nigerian Law Schools nationwide, least I forget, there was Total Free Education at all levels in the State.

Umar Haruna Doguwa

Umar Haruna Doguwa

The Above picture and many more are what His Excellency Governor  Abdullahi Umar Ganduje inherited on the 29th of May 2015 as Governor of Kano State in the Education sector alone and which he eloquently described in summary on page 2 of the inaugural speech as “excellent achievements”. These Achievements are what Governor Ganduje promised, pledged and sworn with the Holy Quran to continue with, listened to by the mammoth audience physically present and on the radio. He also was watched on YouTube, Television, Twitter, etc worldwide by millions of people interested in the development of Kano State. As the saying goes, promises and pledges are meant to be kept, because broken promises are like broken mirrors. They leave those who held to them bleeding and staring at broken images of themselves. They (Promises and pledges made during the campaign) must, therefore, be looked into in comparison with the sad story that obtains now.

“I pledge to continue with the good works”. Curiosity, I picked up my Oxford English Dictionary to find the real meaning of these words: used by a speaker to refer to himself or herself Pledge: (Noun) A solemn promise or undertaking. (Verb) Commit by solemn promise. Continue: To persist in an activity or process.

Good: Having the required qualities of high standards. Work: 1)A task or tasks to be undertaken. 2)A thing or things done or made, the result of an action.

After going through these definitions and knowing fully well what is obtained now in Kano State from primary to tertiary institutions- the near non- the existence of feeding program in primary schools, the cancellation of two sets of free uniforms to primary school pupils, the scarcity of instruction materials, the uncertainty of “full” salary even on the 30th of every month to teachers not to talk of car loans, the overcrowded classes with teacher: students ratio of 1:113 (Source ~KMOE Schools Census Data 2018). The epileptic services of school buses for girls where more than 60% of the vehicles were grounded over minor repairs, the overcrowded classes with teacher: students ratio of 1:52 for JSS and 1: 42 for SS (Source~ KMOE Schools CensusData 2018) which is below standard.

One may even be tempted to ask why am I using 2018 data when actually we are in 2020.

Well, that is the latest results available with the Government! I Seriously wonder which data do they use for planning!!!. The monumental disaster of closing established Schools e.g, School of Remedial Studies, Kunchi,  the Corporate Security Institute, Gabasawa, and many more.

Read also:BDC with links to Magu Transacted 500 Billion Naira

The cancellation of free education at all levels, in its place, announcing the free and compulsory education program for Primary schools only after amassing 15Billion Naira “Education Development Loan”. The Primary education that was made free and compulsory nationwide by Olusegun Obasanjo the then Head of State as far back as 1976 through UPE is now being made free again in 2020 (laughable). With all these in my mind, I begin to ask myself whether actually Governor Ganduje wanted to say in his inaugural speech (2015), “I pledge to DISCONTINUE the Good works”, Yes to discontinue, if not, how can an elderly man (71years old officially) fall short of keeping his promises and pledges made under oath willingly watched and listened to by millions worldwide, even as he has the means?

This I think, provides the missing link, as to why Kano people voted the way they did in the 2019 Governorship Election. This Government is not worth re-electing and the majority of Kano citizens did not re-elect it, but it was imposed on us and we are allowed to bear the cross of its emptiness, which Kano citizens saw right on time, accounting for why they refused to vote for it.

 

Umar Haruna Doguwa is a Former Chairman of APC in Kano

Thursday, July 15, 2020

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Opinion

Fifty Years, Four Terms. A Life Of Enterprise, Scholarship And Public Service-By Abbas Tajuddin

Published

16 hours ago

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September 9, 2026

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Today, I celebrate my colleague and friend, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, as he attains the golden milestone of 50.

Turning 50 is more than a birthday; it is a moment to pause, reflect and appreciate a journey already rich in accomplishment, service and impact.

Over four terms in the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin has brought to our legislative enterprise a rare combination of intellectual depth, business experience, courage and an unmistakable independence of mind. From his leadership of key committees, including Finance, Appropriations, Land Transport, Foreign Affairs, and Housing and Habitat, his contributions have reflected a strong grasp of public finance and a broad understanding of national affairs.

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He is, without doubt, one of the sharpest minds in our Parliament. His academic accomplishments, including two PhDs and an MBA, his experience in business and academia, his executive education at leading institutions, and his service at the Federal Housing Authority have all contributed to the distinctive perspective he brings to public service.

But beyond the degrees, positions and accomplishments is a man who has never been afraid to speak his mind.

Abdulmumin is forthright. He is courageous. He is independent-minded. And he is never one to hide his convictions.

In a Parliament, such voices matter. A healthy legislature must have room for principled disagreement, robust debate and legislators willing to speak for what they believe is right and in the interest of their constituents.

As you celebrate 50, dear Abdulmumin, I celebrate not only the milestones behind you but also the possibilities ahead.

On behalf of the leadership and the entire membership of the House of Representatives, I wish you good health, renewed strength, greater accomplishments and many more years of impactful service to your constituents and our dear nation.

May the next chapter be even greater than the first five decades.

Happy 50th Birthday, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa.

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Opinion

A FRIEND’S LETTER TO ABDULMUMIN AT FIFTY

Published

1 day ago

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September 8, 2026

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By Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed, OON

There is a particular privilege in knowing someone before the world decided who they were going to be; before the titles, the cameras, the offices and the public arguments. I have had that privilege with Abdulmumin Jibrin.

I knew Abdulmumin long before most people knew him as they do today, before the National Assembly and before the many chapters of public life that have since defined his name. So, as he turns fifty, I find myself writing not about the Honourable Member for Kiru and Bebeji, but about my friend, my older brother and school father. That distinction has always mattered.

I remember someone whose mind never seemed to rest. Chairman, as we fondly call him, could take an idea everyone else had accepted, turn it around repeatedly, question it from every direction and continue long after the rest of us had become tired of the conversation. I used to tease him about it, and sometimes I still do. But over the years, I have come to understand that this intellectual restlessness is at the very centre of who he is.

It explains the businessman, the teacher, the politician and the scholar who earned a PhD in International Relations and, years later, returned to Bayero University Kano for another in Economics. Chairman has never believed that learning has an end point. He is always searching for the next question and, inevitably, the better answer.

Yet, for all his accomplishments, what I value most about him is something much simpler: his loyalty. He remembers people. He remembers friendships, kindnesses and those who stood with him when there was little to gain from doing so. Beneath the forcefulness that people see in public is a tenderness and generosity that those who know him closely understand very well.

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I have also had the privilege of seeing him through both triumph and adversity. His political journey has had its share of difficult seasons, some of them difficult enough to discourage almost anyone. But Chairman has an extraordinary capacity to return. He reflects, recalibrates and rises again. Not because the fall did not hurt, but because he has always believed that a difficult chapter does not have to be the end of the story.

Perhaps that is one of the most important lessons of his first fifty years. We are not measured by never falling. We are measured by what we learn from the fall and whether we find the courage to rise again.

Another quality I have come to admire is his ability to create room for other people to grow. He does not merely occupy spaces; he opens conversations, shares ideas and encourages those around him to think beyond their immediate circumstances. Many people have benefited from his advice, introductions, encouragement and willingness to challenge them to become better versions of themselves. That influence may not always be visible, but it is one of the lasting marks a person leaves on the lives of others.

He also possesses a rare ability to remain connected to his roots while engaging confidently with the wider world. Whether in the classroom, the boardroom, the political arena or among friends, he carries with him a strong sense of identity and responsibility. His journey has taken him through different institutions and experiences, but it has not separated him from the people, values and community that shaped him. That balance is not easy to maintain, and it is one of the reasons his story continues to resonate with many people.

At fifty, therefore, I am less interested in counting Abdulmumin’s offices, businesses, degrees or political accomplishments. I think instead of the full measure of the man I have known: the businessman who understood risk, the scholar who never stopped learning, the politician who survived both victory and defeat, and the friend who still remembers to call.

Fifty is a beautiful milestone. It gives a man enough road behind him to understand the journey, and, God willing, enough road ahead to decide what he wants the rest of that journey to mean.

My Chairman, I hope the years ahead bring a little more patience to your restlessness and a little more peace to your ambition. Build more. Give more. Mentor more. Forgive quickly, as you have always somehow managed to do. And worry less about who receives the credit. History has its own way of separating noise from substance.

Happy fiftieth birthday, Sir. May the years ahead bring you more wisdom than ambition, more peace than pressure, more purpose than applause, and many more opportunities to give than reasons to receive.

Congrats.

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Opinion

All Hail The 17th Emir Of Gumel, His Royal Highness, Dr. Lawan Ahmed Mohammed-DIG

Published

3 days ago

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September 7, 2026

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By DIG Mohammed Usaini Gumel (Rtd)

With profound submission to the will of Almighty Allah, I extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of our revered Emir, His Royal Highness Dr Ahmad Muhammad Sani II, (CON).

His distinguished reign was marked by wisdom, humility, justice, peace and devoted service to his people. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, illuminate his grave, admit him into Aljannatul Firdaus and grant him eternal rest. Ameen.

As we mourn his passing, we thank Almighty Allah for the peaceful succession to the revered throne of Gumel. It is therefore with great joy and respect that I congratulate His Royal Highness, Lawan Ahmed Mohammed, PhD, on his ascension as the 17th Emir of Gumel.
Your Royal Highness’s ascension to the throne of Gumel, continues the sacred trust entrusted to the custodians of this ancient throne.

There is no doubt that enduring traditions of unity, dignity, courage and service, has been established and preserved by the forbears, as your late father has strengthened them, through compassionate and principled leadership.

We are confident that your knowledge, experience and understanding of both our traditions and the modern world will guide the Gumel Emirate towards greater progress. We look forward to your leadership to consolidate peace and unity, preserve our cultural heritage, uphold justice and consultation, and promote development in education, agriculture, commerce, healthcare, technology, youth empowerment and community security.

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This is a time for every son and daughter of the Gumel Emirate to unite in common purpose. The strength and stability of the throne depend on the cooperation of the Royal Family, traditional titleholders, District and Village Heads, religious leaders, elders, elected representatives, professionals, farmers, traders, women, youth and all our communities, should rally round the new Emir for the common purpose of peace, unity, progress and socio-economic development of the Gumel Emirate.

At this time, our loyalty must be expressed through respect for the traditional institution, responsible conduct, sincere counsel and a shared commitment to the Emirate’s peace and development.

In a period like this we must accept to preserve the legacy of our ancestors and predecessors while building a Gumel Emirate that is peaceful, united, secure, educated, economically vibrant and responsive to every community.

Indeed, a leader serves as the heartbeat of a community. You are the heartbeat of the Gumel Emirate. The Gumel Emirate is lucky to have you as our 17th Emir, because you are such a figure, embodying wisdom, unity, and deep compassion for all residents. This tribute reflects on a legacy defined by tireless service, demonstrating how true leadership transcends mere titles to become a guiding light for generations to come.

Kindness often acts as the strongest bridge between a ruler and the people. We can only expect that this your distinguished reign as the 17th Emir of Gumel shall prioritize the well-being of the vulnerable, ensuring that voices which were often unheard find support within the palace walls.

Your Royal Highness, historical records frequently highlight leaders like the late Emir, who gained fame for generosity of spirit. I am happy to embrace the fact that you shall exhibit actions that prove authority is most effective when it is paired with genuine care for the common person.

The Gumel Emirate is lucky for the fact that beyond local boundaries, you are a master of diplomacy and peace. It’s a fact that conflicts are natural parts of human society, yet you are among the wise leaders who know how to navigate these challenges without bloodshed.

May Almighty Allah grant Your Royal Highness wisdom in judgment, patience in adversity, courage in leadership and sound health throughout your reign. May He protect you, guide your decisions and bless you with sincere, loyal and trustworthy advisers and reign, strengthen our unity, preserve our honour and bring enduring peace, progress and shared prosperity to the entire Gumel Emirate. Amin.

DIG Mohammed Usaini Gumel (Rtd) writes from his Gumel home, Jigawa State.

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