Opinion

Governor Ganduje’s Free Primary Education Policy Laughable -Doguwa

Published

4 years ago

July 17, 2020

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).

Read also:The Role of Songs in Advertising a Politician: A Case Study of Kwankwaso’s Dawo- Dawo

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.

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.

Rea also:Chris Ngige: Seventeen years after abduction

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

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.

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

Related Topics:Doguwa Ganduje Kano Kwankwasi Nigeria

Up Next

How Northern Leaders Betrayed Late Dankabo

Don't Miss

Why EFCC’s chiefs are always booted out of office?

Click to comment

Opinion

Why They Are Afraid Of Ganduje

Published

9 hours ago

April 23, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

By Abubakar Umar

While preparing to pen this write up I just scrolled the news and read that the Kano High court that ordered the suspension of the APC National chairman Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje have vacated the order pending the determination of the suit on 30th April.

From the look of things and with his glowing political clout since he joined politics in the second Republic Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje the former Governor of Kano state is giving sleepless nights to many politicians particularly from his home state of Kano where the melting pot of Nigerian politics emanated from.

No vex his emergence as the National chairman of Nigerias ruling party has brought down the evil machinations of some politicians who sees Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as a stumbling block to their political ambition at the national stage .

The administrator cum politician as many people will attest to knew very well that interms of experience and political calculations he has no match especially from the North West political zone where the National chairman hails from .

They know very well that the national working committee of the party and President Asiwaju Bola Ahmad Tinubu have done the right calculation by placing an elder politician and a two term Governor of the most difficult state to Govern in the whole Nigeria as the chairman of the Nigerian ruling party.

They knew very well that his stature has made him one of the most visible and hardworking APC National chairman since its formation in the year 2013.

The conscripted script being played by agents of destabilzation in order to make the ruling party irrelevant can only be done if they try to use some political zealots with the aim of making the National Chairman look like someone who can not sail through their evil conspiracy .

It was understood that the only way the NNPP Governent in Kano will change it’s political nest is to cut down the tree that is supposed to give it a shade but instead of humbling themselves and submit themselves to the party’s National Secretariat in which Dr. Ganduje is the leader they starte beating about the bush like a child’s play.

Dr.Ganduje had since humbled them politically and by visiting the state on January 25 ,2024 to invite them to the ruling party without vengeance .

He extended the hand of friendship that politics is is the ability to make sacrifices and compromise .

It was that compromise and sacrifice that made some of his political foes make accomplishments they never dream to achieve but still they are not grateful with the his sacrifice and patience .

Today the courts have vindicated by Dr.Abdullahi Umar and the APC national stalwarts across the country who are comfortable with the leadership style of Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Opinion

Celebrating Emir Sulu -Gambari at 84

Published

1 day ago

April 22, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari ,Emir Of Ilorin

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

Today the highly revered Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu -Gambari CFR marks 84 years birthday.The former Jurist ascended the throne of his forefathers on Monday and he was also born on Monday. What a coincidence!

Being alive up to the age of 84 is a rare opportunity for anyone who really appreciate the homongous favour of the Almighty.The Chancellor of Bayero University Kano is an example of an Emir with a digital disposition and inclination.He believes so much in the progress of individuals and the entire Ilorin Emirate.

Dwelling so much about his career as a retired Justice of Court of Appeal may not be necessary as many are aware of it.The Emir stands out as a man who had made Ilorin as a City to move away from the old ways of doing things even in terms of education. He has encouraged scholarship in all ramifications. Be it in Islamic perspective and western education. Emir Sulu Gambari is the first University graduate to have ascended the throne in more two centuries of Ilorin Emirate history .

Before his ascension to the throne of his progenitors, Ilorin had a handful of professors but today they’re as many as possible.He has achieved a lot but you know traditionally such may not be made public.

Mai Martaba has provided purposeful and impactful leadership, this can be captured in the words of Abubakar Imam, the National Secretary of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union IEDPU thus:

“The Emir has always taken care of the welfare and wellbeing of the ordinary people of his Emirate in words and actions. For instance, he initiated a Fund through which money was raised to address the immediate needs of the downtrodden people and residents of the community. The Fund was chaired by the Danmansani of Ilorin, Engr Sulaiman Ayinde Yahaya Alapansanpa, FNSE, while the immediate past National President of IEDPU, Alhaji Aliyu Otta Uthman, fsi, was the Alternate Chairman. Over 15,000 individuals from all the nooks and crannies of Ilorin Emirate benefited from the Fund during the course of the perilous COVID-19 epidemic, which rocked the humanity about five years ago. It will also be recalled that the Emir purchased 400 bundles of corrugated iron sheet, which was distributed to the less privileged members of the community who were affected by a devastating rainstorm in 2021. The then IEDPU President was given the task of getting the item delivered at the footsteps of the victims of the natural disaster”

Before the coming of Emir of Ilorin, University of Ilorin was not a place an Ilorin indigene can gain admission into easily.In fact, only few had opportunity to school there at that time.But Emir Sulu -Gambari and other stakeholders ensured that an indigenous Vice Chancellor was giving opportunity to lead the Ivory tower for the first time,in person of Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem, the Talba of Ilorin Emirate .May Allah continue to grant Professor good health and plenty baraka. Professor Oba cannot even mention all those he has assisted, because the numbers are huge.

Today, there is fairness in the issue of admission into university of Ilorin.The standard was established by the administration of Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem and has been sustained by his successors.

Eminent sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate are already sending their warmest messages to the Emir.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has rejoiced with the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara state traditional rulers Council

The Emir, according to the Governor, “has remained a father to all while also deploying his rich experiences and networks to support not just the people of the Ilorin Emirate but also the people of the state as a whole.

The Governor prays to Allaah to give His Royal Highness good health and long life, and continue to uphold him upon goodness in his service to the people of the Emirate”

The Turaki of Ilorin Emirate and Senator representing Kwara Central senatorial district, Senator Saliu Mustapha has also congratulated the His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, on the occasion of his 84th birthday anniversary

Senator Mustapha described the revered Emir who is a retired eminent jurist as “an ambassador of peace with an admirable style of leadership”

He affirmed that since the respected monarch’s ascension to the throne of his forefathers in 1995 as the 11th Emir of Ilorin, he has brought a lot of development and glamour to the entire State.

While extolling the emir’s humility and modernized vision for his domain and the country at large, Senator Mustapha prays God Almighty to grant the royal father more years of worthy service to his people and humanity in good health.

Furthermore,Honourable Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency also greeted the Emir “His Royal Highness has exemplified wisdom, compassion, and integrity throughout his reign, serving as a beacon of hope for the people of Ilorin and beyond. His visionary leadership has brought about tremendous growth and development, with a keen focus on fostering unity and inclusivity amongst his subjects. His unwavering dedication to our collective well-being is a testament to his selflessness and genuine concern for his people”

Under his guidance, Ilorin has witnessed a remarkable transformation, with strides made in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and socio-economic development. His Royal Highness’s commitment to fostering a harmonious and prosperous society has played a pivotal role in shaping the Ilorin of today – a thriving community that takes pride in its rich cultural heritage while embracing the promise of a brighter future”

Similarly, A former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulwahab Oladimeji Issa has felicitated the Emir of Ilorin.He extolled the Emir thus,”his uncommon leadership qualities” and prayed that God grants him many more years of service to the people of Ilorin emirate and Nigeria.

“As you mark your 84th birthday anniversary which comes up today Monday, April 22nd, 2024, I write, on behalf of my family to extend warm felicitations to Your Highness.

“Only recently, you marked twenty-eight years of unquantified success on the throne as the Emir of Ilorin. Your uncommon leadership qualities and evident faith in the peace, unity, progress, and prosperity of the Ilorin emirate and beyond, have combined to make you one of the most highly respected monarchs in Nigeria today.

“As you continue to use your exalted throne to build bridges of friendship and harmony across Kwara state and the nation, it is my prayer that Almighty Allah grants you many more years of abounding health, prosperity, and enduring fulfillment,” he added.

Hajiya Arinola Lawal also felicitates Emir of Ilorin on 84th birthday anniversary,
“I extend my warmest wishes and heartfelt prayers to His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Emir of Ilorin, on the occasion of his birthday

I beseech Allah to grant His Royal Highness a long and prosperous reign on the throne of his fathers, filled with peace, stability, and blessings for the Ilorin Emirate”

Meanwhile, LT Col Ramat Suleiman also joined the league of prominent Ilorin Emirate sons and daughters to celebrate the Emir Sulu -Gambari at 84.She described the Emir as a father to all and a lover of peace.The first Ilorin Emirate woman to have attained the rank of LT Col in the military extolled the Emir as a leader with great vision and prayed to Allah to grant him good health and more years ahead on the throne of his forefathers.

Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem,Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, Honourable Moshood Mustapha,Former Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Hajiya Tundun Alanamu, Barrister Oba Magaji and others have also greeted the Emir at 84.

By way of conclusion,without mincing words Ilorin Emirate has witnessed tremendous transformation under the leadership of Emir Sulu -Gambari in all facets of the Emirate since his ascension in 1995.I wish the Emir a prosperous, healthy and pious 84th birthday anniversary and more years ahead Insha Allah.

Sheeeehuuuu.Walahu ya’simuka minna nas

abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.com

Opinion

For Adamu A Zango:Simple Solution To Your Compounded Problems

Published

3 days ago

April 21, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Adam A Zango

Tijjani Muhammad Musa

I usually don’t like writing on celebrities except if the issue borders on religious matters. Even so, it’s not any trivial matter that makes my ink flow. For me, talking to stars is like calling on someone who has taken a turn.

But once in a while, I do make an exception when it comes to situations that need prompt intervention towards saving a soul that’s heading to the edge of the abyss. I have succeeded on one or two cases though. AlhamdulilLaah

And lately, with so much misfortunes befalling guys in the Arewa entertainment industry, most especially Kannywood, one can’t help but smell the unpleasant stench in the air, and thus whiff the hand to ward it off.

This brings us to the latest trending issue of Adamu A Zango’s depression crisis. Those concerned about him have been raising alarm on social media of an impending doom that could likely befall him if he is not counselled on time.

Well, it’s that serious. Many say he needs help urgently and beg those who can to approach him and save actor cum musical icon from himself. Those close to him should as a matter of urgency do. For us from afar, we can only submit thus:

The perfect solution to Adamu A. Zango’s problem and dilemma much as some wouldn’t want to hear it can be found in the Holy Qur’an Surah Al-Anbiya (21) verses 83-84 where Allaah SWT Says:

83. And (remember) Ayyûb (Job), when he cried to his Lord: “Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy.”

84. So We answered his call, and We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost) and the like thereof along with them as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all those who worship us.

Again relate to the same Surah Q21:87-88 which brings forth how Yunus AS was able to free himself from utter hopelessness into Allaah’s Grace and Mercy. Note the Promise of Allaah SWT to grant others who worship Him similar grace if they should repeat same du’a.

So Adamu, first you must prepare your mind by connecting to your Lord, sincerely seeking His Graceful intervention in your matters. How? Sincere repentance is key and subsequently seek for forgiveness for all your bad deeds.

Next abstain from all acts of disobedience to Allaah. Thereafter, perform 2 raka’at of Salah, after which you should engage in DhikrAllaah, reciting the du’a of Ayub AS in Q21:83 and Yunus AS in Q21:87

Finally, form the habit of reciting the Qur’an and listening to it on a regular basis. Always perform your 5 daily obligatory prayers in congregation and keep off anybody or anything that will constitute a distraction to your focus on your developing a close relationship with your Lord Allaah AWJ.

If you can take these few simple, but highly challenging steps and implement them in your life, it is a guarantee that you will be free from all these stresses and distresses to a life of unprecedented peace bi iznilLaah..

But as a Kannywood and Hausa music celebrity, this solution though simple as it may seem might be the most difficult thing for you to adopt. And I believe you know why. And that sadly is where the problem truly lies.

Unless one is ready to embrace a change of lifestyle from his or her norm to Allaah’s laid out norms, things in life will keep challenging their peace and tranquility of the person.

Hope this helps .

Tijjani Muhammad Musa is the chairman Association of Nigerian Authors Kano branch