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Kano Governor Accuses Former Leadership Of YUMSUK Of Partisanship

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5 years ago

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“During the past administration of Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano, (YUMSUK) the institution was so polarized and so politicized and the leadership of the University then, did not have the interest of the state at heart.

There was a time when we allocated One Hundred Million Naira (N100m) for the institution, but it took the leadership of the university 3 months to come forward and collect it.”

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano made the above lamentation, listing reasons why YUMSUK was unnecessarily slow in development, during the past administration of the university, before the advent of the current Vice Chancellor, Professor Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa.

Kano Seals Private Hospital for attending to severe COVID-19 cases

That was disclosed during a courtesy visit by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Kurawa and the management of the university, to Governor Ganduje amid State Executive Council meeting, held at Africa House, Government House, Kano, Wednesday.

“With the new Vice Chancellor in place”, he clearly stated that, “…business will not be as usual.” Which indicates the confidence the governor reposed in Prof. Kurawa and his style of leadership. After face lifting the State Polytechnic, when he (Kurawa) was the Rector.

“The past administration of the university was not interested in moving the university forward. An action which put the University at a disadvantaged position. It sometime took a complete year without any communication from the university authority to government.

How then could we be able to know what was militating against its progress, without any communication from the authority concerned? he asked rhetorically.

Governor Ganduje promised that, “We will try our best to complete the abandoned buildings of Faculty of Science and that of Arts and Humanities. Apart from this, our administration will look into your concern for having an effective and workable MBBS programme In Sha Allah.”

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“On the issue of staffing, I assure you that we will look into that also. Since we really understand that, the new Vice Chancellor, Professor Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa has the university and the development of the state at heart,” he appreciated.

The nonchalant attitude of the past administration, according to the governor, in managing the affairs of the university, many benefits that were hitherto meant for the institution, were unnecessarily missed.

Lamenting further how, the then leadership of the university acted with no interest towards the development of the state, governor Ganduje said, “During the Convocation ceremony of the University, the then leadership invited the then Emir of Kano only, abandoning other newly created and backed by Law, First Class Emirs.

Which impliedly meant ignoring what the state did for the overall development of the state. What we were saying was, dont politicize academic environment. But when that happened, we now said, okay as politicians, who were also academics in the past, we said that could not happen before our eyes. We said it was impossible.”

He continued “We then invited all other 4 newly created First Class Emirs, who came to the Convocation. Their presence took the University by surprise and as a result, the Emir of Kano made a U-turn. Knowing fully that he wouldn’t have fertile ground to castigate federal and state governments.”

Governor further revealed that, he had an opportunity to contact Minister of Education, Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and that of Tertiary Education Trust Fund( TETFUND), “…they all gave us their words about the possibility of establishing Federal Polytechnic in Kano state.”

He also reveals that, the proposed Yusuf Maitama Sule Centre For Research and Democracy would be under the university, adding that, “…we even requested the family of the late elder statesman, the late Danmasani of Kano, Yusuf Maitama Sule, to provide us with things that could give clear depiction of the late father.”

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor commended governor’s commitment in prompting education sector and his political will, at all times, in making sure that the state excel in the area of education, like other areas.

“During my days as the Rector of Kano State Polytechnic, which you appointed me Sir, Your Excellency, you did all that was necessary to push for the development of the institution. Many programmes got accredited, we got additional courses with full accreditation, new structures were put in place, the list goes on and on,” he commended.

Prof Kurawa appreciated that, it was the first time in Kano, when a serving Rector, was also appointed as a Vice Chancellor. “This shows your deeply rooted interest in pushing the state forward.”

In a statement by Abba Anwar the Governor’s Chief press secretary said , on behalf of the management of the university, commended the governor, also for displaying genuine interest in reshaping and refocusing the university, emphasising that, “We are all aware and confident that you will look into our requests for moving the university forward.”

 

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Ganduje Hints at Reconciling with Kwankwaso

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13 hours ago

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January 28, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has extended an olive branch to his longtime political rival, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday, Ganduje expressed a desire to mend fences and reunite for the progress of Kano State.

“I am hopeful that very soon we will reconcile with Kwankwaso so we can move forward together. We have shared a political camp in the past and remain brothers,” Ganduje stated.

Emphasizing a departure from past rivalries, he noted that current political realignments in Kano have ushered in a new era of cooperation focused on governance rather than conflict.

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“With the present realignment, the politics of rivalry in Kano may be over. Our priority now is delivering good governance to our people,” Ganduje explained. “If Governor Abba Yusuf succeeds, we all succeed—and if we succeed, he also succeeds. It is vital for all of us to understand this so that the government can thrive.”

Ganduje, drawing from his experience as former APC National Chairman, added that his tenure provided him with deep insight into party operations and conflict resolution mechanisms.

When questioned on whether Governor Abba Yusuf would receive an automatic ticket in future elections, Ganduje acknowledged party conventions while underscoring adherence to established rules.

“I am familiar with the party’s workings. There are rules and there are traditions. The tradition grants a sitting governor the right of first refusal, though this principle does not extend to other positions,” he clarified.

NIGERIAN TRACKER reports that former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje was anointed by his predecessor and long time political associate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso during the 2015 general elections after which the duo fell out in March 2016 due to some differences that suddenly emerge less than a year into the tenure of Dr Ganduje as Governor of Kano state.

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JUST IN: Work Resumes at FCTA Following Court Order Suspending Strike

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13 hours ago

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January 28, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Normal operations resumed at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) secretariat and its affiliated Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on Wednesday, following a ruling by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria ordering the suspension of an ongoing industrial action.

The court, presided over by Justice E. D. Subilim, on Tuesday directed the immediate suspension of the strike embarked upon by workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) to allow for continued dialogue.

In response to the ruling, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, called on all employees to return to their posts promptly. While acknowledging the right to lawful protest in a democracy, the Minister emphasized the importance of respecting judicial directives.

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To ensure full compliance, the Acting Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti, issued a circular dated January 27, 2026, instructing all Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies to reopen offices and maintain strict staff attendance registers. The circular directed Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments, Parastatals, and Agencies to enforce the immediate resumption of duties.

Observations across various FCTA offices and MDAs on Wednesday indicated a substantial level of compliance, with staff present on the premises and engaged in their official responsibilities.

The FCTA administration has reiterated its commitment to constructive dialogue with union representatives and to the continued improvement of staff welfare.

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Reps Summons Finance, Agriculture Ministers, Auditor-General Over Agricultural Funds

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13 hours ago

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January 28, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating Agricultural Subsidies, Intervention Funds, Aids, and Grants Programmes has summoned the Ministers of Finance and Agriculture and Food Security, as well as the Auditor-General of the Federation, to account for expenditure on agricultural programmes between 2015 and 2025.

The summons was issued during a public hearing held in Abuja on Tuesday, where lawmakers demanded explanations regarding funds released for key agricultural initiatives over the past decade.

The committee directed the officials, or their duly authorized representatives, to appear before it on February 3, warning that failure to comply would result in legislative sanctions in accordance with the powers vested in the National Assembly.

In his ruling, the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Jamo Aminu (APC-Katsina), stated that the investigation aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds intended to boost food production, support farmers, and enhance national food security.

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“The interventions under review were designed to strengthen our agricultural sector and ensure food security for all Nigerians. However, persistent concerns over food insecurity, rising food prices, and the effectiveness of past programmes have made this scrutiny imperative,” Rep. Aminu said.

The chairman expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation for its failure to provide audit reports on several agricultural subsidy and intervention programmes during the specified period.

He emphasized that comprehensive audit documentation is essential for tracking the disbursement, utilization, and outcomes of the funds.

“We cannot effectively conduct this investigation without proper audit records. These funds span a decade and involve critical national programmes. Transparency and accountability in this process are non-negotiable,” he stated.

Earlier in the hearing, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, a Deputy Director from the Office of the Auditor-General, attributed the lack of completed audit reports to insufficient cooperation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

According to Adamu, the Auditor-General’s office has repeatedly requested necessary documents related to agricultural subsidies, grants, aids, and intervention programmes but has not received the required information from the ministry.

“The primary source of these documents is the Ministry of Agriculture. Without their cooperation, finalizing the audit process has been challenging,” he explained.

The hearing continues as part of the House’s ongoing efforts to enhance oversight and ensure that public funds are used effectively for national development.

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