Opinion

Rationale Behind Queen Elizabeth Endorsment Of Ganduje’s Education Policy

Published

4 years ago

September 2, 2020

By Malam Muhammad Garba

Gearing up to the re-opening of schools as the wave of the COVID-19 pandemic gradually dies down, Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on Sunday, August 30, displayed his unwavering passion for good governance when he distributed over N880,922,432,38 to Community Promotion Council (CPC), across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state for the rehabilitation of primary schools. The CPC was mandated to ensure that the work is done within a period of three weeks.

During the elaborate ceremony held at the Indoor Sports Hall, Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, Ganduje who spoke before eminent dignitaries and stakeholders in the education sector who came from across the globe, assured that his administration would continue to finance education being the bedrock for societal development. He emphasized that, “it is because of the importance we attach to this sector that our budgetary provision for education is over 26 percent.”

Governor Ganduje’s Free Primary Education Policy Laughable -Doguwa

In that occasion, each Local Government branch of CPC received the sum of N20 Million for the renovation of selected primary schools across the state. There is no gainsaying the fact that the Ganduje’s administration has demonstrated the political will to ensure that every child in Kano state has unhindered access to basic education.

Queen Elizabeth hails the scenario duirng the distribution

This explians the reason why there is high level of community participation towards the development of education in the state, as good spirited Kano citizens who have the interest of the state at heart have continued to show support to Ganduje’s giant strides in the education sector.

Governor Ganduje’s zeal and passion to develop education in Kano state is highly showcased in the budgetary allocation in 2020 which is well over 26 percent, of which five percent of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and five percent of the Local Government statutory allocation are part of it.

More so, the entire size of the Education Trust Fund are judiciously being invested for what it is meant for. The Ganduje’s administration is making all this effort to ensure that the Kano child has quality education.

It is, however, important to note that education development is a must for the overall development of our state. The state government is also making good use of the Federal Statutory funds and other grants from development partners for the development of primary and basic education which has been long declared free and compulsory in the state.

One will, however, not be surprised at the avalanche of accolades and praises coming from notable world leaders who have sincerely hailed Ganduje’s giant strides in education sector. Apart from Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the Minister of Education, Prof. Adamu Adamu, who at different fora, in recent times, blew Ganduje’s trumpet over his uncommon achievements in education, several other world leaders and representatives of International NGOs and development partners, such as DFID, UNICEF, World Bank, among others, have also continued to show their appreciation and admiration to Ganduje’s style of leadership and dispensation of democratic dividends, overwhelmingly, in the education sector.

Indeed, Ganduje’s revolution in the basic and secondary school education sector has earned him commendations from all over the world. Countries such as the United Arab Emirates, France, United States of America (USA), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, among others have indicated their interest to work with Kano state government towards the success of this project.

No wonder that at the ceremony last Sunday, one of the foremost world leaders, the Queen of England, Elizabeth 11, commended Ganduje’s effort in education, describing the commitment as encouraging and commendable.The Queen who spoke through the representative of the Department for International Development (DFID), Nafisa Ado, said, “Kano is really doing well in protecting the rights of children with her free and compulsory primary and secondary education policy. On behalf of Her Majesty, the Queen of England, we are commending Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for investing rightly in education.

“We will consistently partner with the state government in this direction.

While we strengthen the capacity of our communities through our education and governance programs, we shall maintain our support to the state. The Queen of England will continue its support. From 31 August, the name DFID will be replaced by FCDO. That is the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.” and Queen Elizabeth tesitifies to that

Recall that in the first week of September last year, stakeholders in the basic education sector across the globe gathered at Coronation Hall, Kano Government House where the two-day Stakeholders Summit on Free and Compulsory Basic Education took place.Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Minister of Education, Prof. Adamu Adamu; former Minister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, top politicians, members of the diplomatic corps, foreign ambassadors and representatives of the international community were present at the epoch-making event, which kick-started the revolution being witnessed in the basic and primary education sector.

Few months ago, the funding component of the Free and Compulsory Basic and Secondary Education in the state was launched at the Sani Abacha Stadium Indoor Sports Hall. During that event, Ganduje distributed cash to over 110,000 schools across the state designed to enable them build capacity and

human resource development.

Governor Ganduje also distributed 790 Digital Classroom All Inclusive Empowerment Solution and Tablets to 728 teachers, 39 Master Teachers, nine Senior Secondly School Officers and 14

Principal Officers. The programme

was aimed at capacity building towards free and compulsory education on School

Development Plan (SDP) and ICT appreciation for directors and zonal

education directors.

Moreso, the free and compulsory basic and secondary education policy has necessitated massive rehabilitation and construction of new class rooms, provision of instructional materials, training and restraining of teachers, provision of water, toilets and electricity in schools and strengthening of our Institutions quality assurance.

In line with the free and compulsory basic and secondary school education policy, Ganduje’s administration has commenced direct funding of primary and secondary schools numbering 1180 with a total students population of 834, 366 at a total cost of about N200 million per month or N2.4 billion per annum. Furthermore, Ganduje has budgeted N357 million to take care of free-feeding for pupils in primary four to six classes in all

primary schools across the state.

Similarly, government has provided school

uniforms to 779, 522 newly enrolled pupils (boys and girls) at the total cost of N381 million. Governor Ganduje flagged off the distribution of the school uniforms and other instructional materials at Mariri Special Primary School in Kumbotso Local Government Area last year. In a bid to reduce teaching deficiency in the education sector, the state government has engaged 3000 volunteer teachers to teach in the various public and Qu’ranic schools across the state.

The most beautiful aspect of Ganduje’s policy on free and compulsory basic education is the re-modeling of the Almajiri education system. About 650 special teachers have been recruited by the Ganduje’s administration to teach the Almajiris English, Mathematics and other conventional subjects even as they

continue with Quranic education. Today in Kano, Almajiris who hitherto flood the streets in tattered clothes are now provided with free school uniforms and instructional materials to learn in school just like their peers. This has not only solved the problem of nuisance constituted by the Almajiris when they roam the street begging during school hours, it will also change the worldviews of these hapless children and at the end, give them a sense of belonging in the society.

Already, Kano state government has commenced the streamlining of about 13, 619 Ouaranic schools with 2.5 million pupils across the state and integrate them into the free and compulsory education programme. The state government has also set up Quaranic and Islamiyyah Schools Management Board.

There is nogainsaying the fact that the implementation of free and compulsory basic and secondary education in the state for all children has reached commendable stage. Though very expensive, considering the huge amount of money involved, Ganduje believes that there is no better time to lay strong foundation for the future of Kano children, than now; and this must be done by ensuring that every Kano child has unhindered access to free and compulsory education.

This explains why he made it a cardinal aspect of his policy thrust in the Next Level agenda of his administration. During his inaugural speech on May 29, 2019, he promised Kano parents that they will no longer spend moneyon purchasing uniforms, learning materials, feeding during school hours and school fees for their children. All that they need to do is to encourage their children to go to school and learn. This promise has been fulfilled by Governor Ganduje.

Today in Kano, compulsory, free primary and bssic education policy has become a success story. Indeed, there is no better way to build a better future and ensure that tomorrow will be better than today for our children who are no doubt leaders of the generation to come, than to create a solid foundation that is built on the bedrock of quality and qualitative education policy that can stand the test of time. This is Ganduje’s goal—- a goal he is pursuing with passion, a goal he is getting. Now that this policy has received the blessings and commendation of the revered Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II, Governor Ganduje is encouraged to do, even more.

For Queen Elizabeth II that has been on the throne for long its a welcome development, Queen Elizabeth II will continue to prosper in her effort, Queen Elizabeth II

Garba is the Commissioner for Information, Kano State.

Opinion

Let President Tinubu Rename University of Lagos After Gowon, Not Abuja

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Adnan Mukhtar Tudun Wada

I was not happy when Northwest University Kano was renamed to Yusuf Maitama Sule University, as student leaders of that University then, we followed the interest of the students who were also not happy with the renaming at that time for one reason; the renaming was politically motivated, to hurt the founder of the institution Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. I was busy mobilising students to protest, the next day I was invited to the DSS for questions where I spent hours and all the people we were mobilising the protest together ran and dissociated themselves from it. I have no option but to plead with the DSS to release me, assuring them that not a single student would protest the government’s action.

The renaming has affected many students who are seeking admission abroad; it’s Northwest University on my transcript and Yusuf Maitama Sule University on my certificate. This is kinda confusing and not good at all.

Politicians should immortalise individuals in their new projects not existing ones. The renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University is not good for the university’s alumni.

The President should have found a new project or built a new University by naming it after the former Head of State.

I don’t support the idea of playing politics by renaming our universities and this happens mostly in Nigeria.

Imagine waking up renaming the University of Maiduguri to Mohammed Goni University, Yobe State University to Ibrahim Geidam University, the University of Ibadan to Abiola Ajimobi University, the University of Lagos to Lateef Jakande University.

It will be bad for the alumni of the aforementioned universities to come across this.

Why is this only happening in Africa? Look at Makerere University in Uganda, it was established in 1920 but despite Yoweri Mosevenni’s long reign; he didn’t for once attempt to change it to even his name for selfish reasons.

He didn’t think of renaming the Entebbe International Airport after him but in Nigeria, we have this culture of renaming everything after individuals.

If you want to be immortalised, leave a lasting legacy as Gowon did in establishing NYSC. That enough is Okay and better than naming an institution after him.

President Tinubu should have renamed the University of Lagos after Gowon, not Abuja. I’m sure his people will reject this not for any reason but because of the large number of people that will be affected by it.

The University of Abuja Alumni were all crying over this painful decision.

Opinion

Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya: Champion of Civil Society and Good Governance in Northern Nigeria

Published

5 days ago

December 16, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, is an influential Civil Society figure in Kano State and Northern Nigeria. He is currently serving as the Executive Director, Citizens for Development and Education (CDE), he has dedicated many years of his civil society activism as advocate for the promotion of democracy, good governance, anti-corruption, peace building and women empowerment

Amb. Waiya, holds number of academic qualifications, including a Higher National Diploma in Public Administration from Kano State Polytechnic, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Master’s in Public International Law at Maryam Abacha, American University, Maradi, and he is currently pursuing a doctor of philosophy at Skyline University, Kano in International Relations

In the course of his career, he held several positions and managed a number of projects. He served as the Director, Alhilal Foundation, from 2003 to 2007, an organization which focused on women empowerment, through basic literacy and skills acquisition. He later coordinated the North West Zonal Office of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Foundation. Amb. Ibrahim Waiya, led and coordinated a number of Local Government Councils Elections Observation missions across 19 Northern states.

In 2011, Waiya managed the Campaign against Drug Abuse under the auspices of Northern Youth Assembly, a youth driven platform with leadership structures in the Nineteen Northern States. He served as Secretary, for both, Kano State Stakeholders Committee on Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign and Kano State Stakeholders Committee on Anti-Child Abuse, a project which was coordinated by the office of the Special Adviser, Child Welfare and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. His involvement in election observation coordination missions and various public engagements, highlights his commitment to civic engagement towards community development, democracy and good governance

Waiya’s extensive experience includes free consultancy support services to numerous Government Ministries and Agencies such as: Kano State Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, Kano State Ministry for Community and Rural Development, office of the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State on Child Welfare, Ministry for Special duties, office of the special adviser, joint security services. He has facilitated numerous training workshops and seminars, impacting his knowledge, skills, experience on the community, particularly for community based organizations

In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed to several key positions, such as the President, of the Kano Civil Society Forum, Chairman of the Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks, Convener, Nigeria for Peace Project, Managing partner, United Nigeria Project, Head of Secretariat, Kano Peace Committee, Secretary General, National Action for Women Agenda,(NAWA), chairman, Board of Trustees, Northern Youth Assembly, (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) Fellow, Institute of Security and Strategic Studies, Fellow, Institute of International Peace and Secure Society, Fellow, Institute of Business Diplomacy and Financial Management, member, Commission of Inquiry on Missing persons, member, Implementation Committee, on the Recommendations of the Report of the Commission of inquiry on missing persons, member, Commission of Inquiry to investigate, various political violence and cases of missing persons, that occurred in the State from 2015 – 2023, member, Commission of inquiry to investigate protest, arson and destruction of public and private properties that occurred from 1st – 10th August, 2024 Amb. Waiya, served as Consultant on various government projects, such as: Kano State Security Trust Fund, Safe Corridor, Campaign against Drug Abuse, across the 44 Local Government Council Areas. Amb. Waiya”s active participation in peace building, policy advocacy and legislative reform has continued to impact positive change in Kano State, the North and Nigeria at large.

Opinion

“I Transition to PR and Digital Marketing to Transform Brands Globally” – Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah

Published

6 days ago

December 15, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

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As 2024 comes to a close, Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah reflects on his journey from journalism to public relations (PR) and digital marketing. With over a decade of experience in media and communications, Ibrahim’s transition was fueled by a desire to empower businesses—starting with Northern Nigeria but extending globally—to build impactful narratives and achieve sustainable growth.

“Every brand, regardless of location, deserves access to the tools and expertise needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced world,” Ibrahim says. “My goal has always been to bridge the gap in strategic communication, ensuring that no business is left behind.”

From Journalism to Strategic Communication

Ibrahim’s illustrious journalism career spans over a decade, during which he served as a Senior Reporter at TVC News, covering critical developments, including the Kano State Government House for three successive administrations. His work involved breaking major news stories, producing multimedia content, and engaging audiences through digital platforms.

“I’ve always been passionate about communication, but I realized I wanted to do more than report stories—I wanted to help brands craft their own,” Ibrahim shares. “That’s what led me to pivot into PR and digital marketing.”

To equip himself for this new journey, Ibrahim pursued advanced studies, earning a Master’s in Communication Studies and a Master’s in Public Relations from Bayero University, Kano. He further honed his expertise with a Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing from the London School of Business Administration and a Master Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Digital Marketing Skills Institute. These credentials underscore his commitment to mastering the art of strategic communication.

Empowering Brands Through Ayrah Media Concept

As the CEO of Ayrah Media Concept (AMC), Ibrahim leads a PR and creative agency that provides businesses with tailored solutions, including PR consulting, social media management, corporate campaigns, and digital marketing.

“My vision is to empower brands to connect with their audiences, tell compelling stories, and achieve global relevance,” Ibrahim explains. “Through AMC, we’re showing businesses—whether in Northern Nigeria or beyond—that they can reach new heights with the right strategies.”

In 2024, AMC worked on several impactful campaigns, including Ibrahim’s role as a Lead Consultant for the WOFAN-ICON2 project in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, where he developed and executed PR and communication strategies to amplify the project’s impact.

Changing Perceptions and Building Bridges

Transitioning into PR and digital marketing came with challenges, including shifting perceptions about its value.

“Many businesses see PR and digital marketing as optional rather than essential,” Ibrahim says. “But the results are transformative. Strategic communication is not just about visibility; it’s about building trust, credibility, and lasting connections with your audience.”

This philosophy drives Ibrahim’s approach, ensuring that businesses of all sizes—whether local startups or established corporations—can access high-quality PR and marketing services.

Looking Ahead

Ibrahim’s vision for the future extends far beyond regional boundaries. While his roots and passion lie in Northern Nigeria, his focus is on creating strategies that resonate globally.

“Brands in Kano, Lagos, Abuja, or even New York share a common goal: to connect with people and make an impact,” he says. “My mission is to ensure that every business, regardless of size or location, has the tools and strategies to achieve that.”

In 2025, Ibrahim plans to document his professional journey in a book that will explore his experiences as a journalist and PR expert, offering insights into the evolving landscape of communication and its role in business success.

A Message of Gratitude

As he reflects on the year, Ibrahim expresses his gratitude to those who have supported his journey. “I’m incredibly thankful to my mentors, collaborators, and clients who have believed in my vision. Together, we’ve shown that impactful communication has the power to transform lives and businesses.”

With a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah is poised to lead the way in redefining PR and digital marketing, not just in Nigeria but across the globe.