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CITAD Launches the Nigerian School of Community Network

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As part of the Work Package 2 of the Supporting Community-led Approach to Addressing Digital Divide in Nigeria Project which the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) is implementing with support from Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) through Association for Progressive Communication (APC), today CITAD launched the First Nigerian School of Community Networks for Micro-organizations.

The aim of the project is to connect the unconnected areas in Nigeria where conventional market players find it unprofitable to deploy their networks and the purpose of the School of Community Networks is to build capacity of community based organizations called the micro-organization who are working to deploy community networks in their communities to meet local communication need.

The first School, which holds at Stonehegde Hotel, Kaduna began with an opening ceremony where we have number of speakers gave goodwill messages to the participants.

In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of CITAD Malam YZ Yau gave the background of the project as well as a ran down of the activities the organization had been doing over the last two years, culminating with the School.

The Executive Director Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) stated that over the last two years, CITAD had been working tirelessly to catalyze the emergence of community networks in Nigeria, given that there has been no policy to guide the growth and flourishing of the of Community networks, CITAD took step to engage with policy makers and regulators in the sector such as Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the ministry of communications as well as other relevant agencies to ensure that an appropriate policy is developed for Community Networks in the Country.

He also stated that part of the objective of the School is to train champions with technical skills on how they can design, deploy and manage community networks. The school will hold in two phases, the phase one is an intensive physical one-week residential training which starts today, followed by four-month online training which is part of the phase two activities.

While giving reports of the efforts CITAD has made to engage policy makers on the need for community network policy, the Director of CITAD called on both the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy Prof. Isah Pantami and the Management of NCC to honour their promises they made about setting up the processes to develop a national policy on community networks for the country. He said this urgent because at the moment more than 88 million of Nigerians remain unconnected and excluded from the benefits of digital technology.

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The opening ceremony also received goodwill message from the Executive Director of Fanstuam Foundation Mrs. Comfort Kazanka, Mr. Olusola Taniola, National Coordinator of Alliance for Affordable Internet and Mrs. Edith Udeagu, the immediate past COO of Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) who expressed their gratitude for being part of the project as well as advising the participants to be good ambassador of their communities by applying the knowledge gain. In her goodwill message, Mrs. Kazanka urged that the School of Community Networks be turned into a either a institute for community networks or a specialized university.

On his part Mr. Olusola Taniola said, his organization was ready to join hands with CITAD to push the advocacy for a national policy on community networks in the country.

Mrs. Edith Udeagu who offered her Goodwill message on her personal capacity noted that “The National School of Community Networks provides this opportunity for all to learn and share knowledge. We thank CITAD, its CEO, Mr. YZ Ya’u and team and its partners for providing this opportunity for all and pray for its success. I say congratulations to CITAD. I congratulate its partners and contributors for their participation. In this country, we need to address the issues of digital divide. People in various communities face various challenges. We need to assist as much as possible to address these issues and give them the opportunities to better their lives”.

The keynote address was given by the Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone, represented by Mr. Abdulmalik Suleman, staff of the company. He stated that one of the objectives of Galaxy Backbone is to help in connecting the underserved communities. He commended CITAD for embarking on this project, noting that it was not an easy thing to do. He disclosed that Galaxy Backbone currently is implementing the second phase of the National Information Communication Infrastructure Backbone (NICTIB) which he said would provide access to backbone across the country. He welcomed communities to take advantage of this in their plans for their community networks.

He also appreciated the effort of CITAD for setting up the School of Community Networks, which according to Galaxy Backbone is another important step will help strengthen the impact of shared internet experience and shared Network in our Nation. The opening session was chaired by Dr. Sana Mauz of the Department of Software Engineering, Bayero University, Kano. Dr. Muaz urged the participants to make the best use of this opportunity which is a crush programme to acquire critical telecommunication knowledge.

Shortly after the opening session the first technical session of the School began with a presentation on Spectrum and how Spectrum is Allocated as well as applying Spectrum by Dr. Abdulkari Yusuf of the NCC. The presentation explained to the participants what Spectrum was all about, how was allocated and how it is deployed and shared. Twenty-one youth leaders from different parts of the country are attending the school, which is proposed to run annually. Most of them were from underserved and unserved communities such as Pasepa, Laileyin Gwari, Tugan Ashere and Dakwa in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja, rural Kafanchan in Kaduna State and Itas as well as Jamaare in Bauchi.

The Nigerian School of Community Networks is the first attempt in the country to build local skills and expertise for the organic development of grassroots telecommunitions infrastructure in the country. Community networks is a telecommunications infrastructure deployed and operated by a local group to meet their own communication needs and also a communications infrastructure, designed and erected to be managed for use by local communities. This communication needs can be voice, data, etc. and can be point of convergence for community to come together to address their common community problems.

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Gwarzo Challenges Kano Government to Provide Evidence of Alleged Local Government Funds Diversion Through Son

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June 19, 2026

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The governorship candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State and former Deputy Governor of the state, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has challenged the Kano State Government to present concrete evidence supporting allegations that he received funds from local government councils through his son, Mujahid Aminu Abdussalam.

Gwarzo made the demand in a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, following claims reportedly made by the spokesperson to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who alleged that local government funds were channelled to the former deputy governor through his son.

According to Shuaibu, the allegations were “baseless, outrageous and totally ridiculous,” describing them as an attempt to damage Gwarzo’s reputation and undermine the integrity he has built throughout his years in public service.

“The allegations are mere figments of the Governor’s imagination lacking any basis,” Gwarzo said through his spokesperson. “We therefore categorically challenge the accuser to provide credible and verifiable evidence to substantiate these callous claims. Mere accusations, no matter how often repeated in the media, do not amount to proof.”

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Shuaibu stated that Gwarzo rejected the allegations in their entirety and insisted that no evidence had been presented to support the claims being circulated against him and his family.

According to the statement, the former deputy governor maintained that his record in public office had always been guided by the principles of transparency, accountability and adherence to the rule of law.

Gwarzo further expressed confidence that the truth would eventually prevail, urging members of the public not to be swayed by what he described as unsubstantiated allegations.

The NDC governorship candidate also called on those making the allegations to pursue lawful and transparent channels if they possess any evidence, rather than relying on public accusations and media statements, according to Shuaibu.

The controversy stems from recent remarks allegedly made by Dawakin Tofa, spokesperson to Governor Yusuf, who reportedly claimed that funds belonging to local government councils in Kano State were diverted to Gwarzo through his son. However, no documentary evidence was cited in the statement issued by Gwarzo’s camp.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Government had not issued any additional response to Gwarzo’s challenge demanding proof of the allegations.

The statement was signed by Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, spokesperson to Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo and the NDC governorship candidate in Kano State, and was dated June 18, 2026.

 

 

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Kano Govt Reaffirms Media–Security Collaboration at NUJ Summit

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3 hours ago

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June 19, 2026

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The Kano State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies as part of efforts to safeguard democracy and national integrity.

Speaking at the ongoing NUJ National Security Summit in Abuja, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, conveyed the message of Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, stressing the critical role of the media in shaping public perception and supporting government initiatives.

Governor Yusuf emphasized that the media remains a vital channel through which government policies can reach the youth and wider society, noting that journalists have a responsibility to combat fake news, disinformation, and misinformation.

“The media has the responsibility of informing the public about government activities while also protecting and preserving the integrity of the nation. This is part of our constitutional duty as citizens,” Waiya stated on behalf of the governor.

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He commended the summit’s theme, which highlights the nexus between security and media practices, describing it as “timely and visionary.” According to him, security matters require careful reporting, and the media must balance press freedom with national interest.

Waiya further disclosed that the Kano State Government has maintained a cordial relationship with security agencies, providing them with operational support including vehicles and logistics for the Police, NSCDC, JTF, and other formations.

He assured that both government-owned and private media outlets in Kano enjoy a free and enabling environment without harassment or intimidation, adding that the state organizes periodic capacity-building programs for journalists to enhance professionalism and service delivery.

“We are creating a nexus between the media, security, and government. By supporting security agencies, we are not only helping them but also protecting ourselves as citizens,” he said.

The commissioner concluded by reaffirming Kano State’s commitment to constitutional values, press freedom, and collaborative governance, stressing that the partnership between media and security agencies is essential for peace, stability, and development.

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Excitement as FBIU Students Take Matriculation Oath for the 2025/2026 Academic Session

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June 19, 2026

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Franco-British International University (FBIU), Kaduna, on Wednesday recorded a milestone with the matriculation of 362 students admitted for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The maiden matriculation ceremony attracted parents, guardians, government officials, academics, invited guests and well-wishers from across the country to witness the formal admission of the students into the university community.

A member of the MAAUN Group of Universities, FBIU matriculated students into four schools: the School of Nursing Sciences, School of Health Sciences, School of Computing, and School of Social and Management Sciences.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President of FBIU, Prof. Abdullahi Sabo Muhammad, congratulated the students on behalf of the management and the entire university community.

He described the occasion as a significant milestone in the lives of the students and the history of the university, marking the official commencement of their academic journey.

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In his address, the Founder of the MAAUN Group of Universities, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, warned the students against immorality and other social vices, stressing that the group operates a zero-tolerance policy on drug abuse.

He urged the matriculating students to remain focused on their studies, emphasizing the university’s commitment to producing quality graduates who will contribute to the development of Nigeria and Africa.

Prof. Gwarzo also announced plans to establish an Internationalisation Unit at the university to facilitate access to scholarships, academic exchanges and global learning opportunities.

In his goodwill message, the Chancellor of FBIU, Senator Shehu Sani, urged the matriculating students to uphold discipline and good character, stressing that these virtues are essential to safeguarding the university’s reputation and attaining academic excellence.

In their separate remarks, the President of MAAUN Nigeria, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Israr, the Registrar of MAAUN Niger and Migeria, Dr. Shu’aibu Usman Tanko, and the representative of the Canadian University of Nigeria, Prof. Ahmed Maigari Ibrahim, described the students as privileged to have gained admission into one of the leading emerging universities in sub-Saharan Africa.

They encouraged them to remain focused and make the most of the opportunities available.

Also speaking, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), Dr. Baba Muhammad Yakubu, congratulated the students and commended the university for offering academic programmes that are responsive to contemporary societal needs and aligned with global standards.

The Vice President Administration of FBIU, who presided over the ceremony, administered the matriculation oath to the students, formally admitting them into the university community.

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