By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Kabiru Turaki SAN has been announced as the winner of the PDP National Chairmanship election. He secured the position with a total of 1,516 votes, surpassing Senator Lado, who received 275 votes.

The 68 years old Turaki was born and raised in Nigeria where he studied law at the University of Jos. He had served as a Minister of Special Project and Government Affairs from 2013–2015.

However, several of court injunctions decreed that the party must not hold convention until certain conditions are met, and at the same time, granting them permission to do so. These disputing judgements, and amongst other issues, have factionalised the party. With some members adhering to the former court rulings, while others stand by the latter verdict.

Skyline University Nigeria marked a milestone in its academic journey as it held its fourth convocation ceremony, celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2025. The event, attended by dignitaries, parents, faculty, and students, was a vibrant showcase of the institution’s growing impact on education in northern Nigeria.

Delivering his address, the Chancellor of Skyline University and Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, urged graduates to embrace innovation, integrity, and service to humanity. He emphasized that education must go beyond certificates to become a tool for transformation.

-“You are not just graduates but the future of our dear nation,” Sanusi declared.
He reminded the class that true education lies in the ability to uplift communities for truth and justice, stressing that graduates should build the future and integrity of Nigeria.

The Emir congratulated the university for achieving a remarkable milestone: 60 percent of the graduating class were female, a testament to Skyline’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.

The chancellor leading the procession

He described the university as “an assembly of dreamers” and encouraged graduates to hold firmly to their communities and justice while carrying forward the spirit of Skyline University in all their endeavors.

Representing the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdussalam delivered a powerful message reaffirming the administration’s dedication to education. He highlighted the government’s declaration of a state of emergency on education as a bold step to rebuild and revitalize the sector.

-“Education has always been at the heart of my dream for Kano State. It is not just a policy priority, it is a personal mission,” Yusuf stated.

He praised Skyline University as a beacon of quality education, innovation, and global excellence, noting its role in bridging the gap between knowledge and action.
The Governor commended the faculty and staff for instilling values of integrity, discipline, and service, shaping graduates into responsible citizens ready to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
He urged graduates to be torchbearers of knowledge and ambassadors of positive change, applying their education to solve real problems in their communities.
“No investment yields a higher return than investing in the minds of our youth,” Yusuf affirmed, pledging continued government support for education and youth empowerment.

The convocation ceremony was not only a celebration of academic success but also a recognition of resilience, perseverance, and dreams fulfilled. Degrees were awarded across various disciplines, with graduates hailed as symbols of hope and proof that determination guided by purpose can turn challenges into stepping stones.

Parents and guardians were also honored for their sacrifices, with both Emir Sanusi II and Governor Yusuf acknowledging their role in shaping the success of the graduating class.

Skyline University: A Hub of Innovation
Established in 2018, Skyline University Nigeria has grown into a vibrant hub of entrepreneurship, technology, and knowledge, fostering local talent while connecting with global expertise. Its partnerships with national and international bodies have opened new pathways for research and innovation, preparing students to thrive in the digital age while remaining grounded in ethical values.

The Class of 2025 leaves Skyline University with more than degrees they carry a mission to innovate, lead, and serve. As Emir Sanusi II reminded them, “University is an assembly of dreamers.” And as Governor Yusuf pledged, the government stands ready to support these dreamers as they step into the future, equipped to redefine Nigeria’s destiny.

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has inaugurated a Taskforce on the Revitalization of Basic Education, with a mandate to develop practical and transformative strategies to strengthen foundational learning across the state.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at the Government House, Governor Inuwa Yahaya charged the taskforce members to propose actionable measures that will improve basic education performance, address shortages of qualified teachers and tackle weak administrative structures, among other critical challenges.

The Governor recalled that upon assuming office in 2019, his administration declared a state of emergency in the education sector due to years of decay, poor planning and structural inadequacies.

He noted that, despite significant progress recorded since then, the state must push further to achieve excellence.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya pointed out some of the tangible achievements in the sector, including the dramatic improvement in WAEC performance from 22 percent to over 70 percent within six and a half years, describing it as evidence of his administration’s commitment to quality education.

He reiterated his resolve to ensure that students in Gombe continue to excel in both NECO and WAEC examinations.

On efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children, the Governor explained that, through the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) programme and support from development partners, the state successfully enrolled over 450,000 children into various schools.

He acknowledged the challenges posed by migration patterns, particularly with Gombe bearing the brunts in the middle of the North-East, but assured that government will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure that these children remain in school until completion.

Describing members of the taskforce as seasoned administrators and accomplished educationists, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said their appointment was based strictly on technical competence and professional merit, not political considerations.

He encouraged the committee to adopt innovative ideas and co-opt additional expertise where necessary to enrich their assignment and deliver a roadmap that will reposition basic education in the state. He warned against any bureaucratic bottlenecks that will hinder the work of the taskforce.

The Governor reiterated that his administration places utmost priority on basic education, healthcare, security and agriculture, noting that these sectors form the foundation of sustainable human development.

He revealed that the state government recently launched the disbursement of over 13.5 billion Naira under AGILE towards improving girl-child learning environments, N1.5 billion for scholarships to students, and an additional over 700 million naira disbursed as incentives to keep girls in school.

Responding on behalf of the taskforce, the Chairperson and Commissioner of Education, Professor Aishatu Maigari, assured the Governor that members of the committee will justify the confidence reposed in them by producing a revitalization blueprint that will serve as a model for other states.

She commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s courage and vision, stating, “It takes courage for a leader to invest six years of exemplary effort in education and still say, ‘Tell me what more I need to do.’”

Professor Maigari disclosed that Gombe was the first state to pay its UBEC counterpart funding for 2025, adding that the Minister of Education had recently commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his steadfast commitment to educational development.

“We assure you, Your Excellency, that we will diagnose the problems and challenges, assess the needs of the sector and proffer tailor made solutions that will be scalable, achievable, specific, realistic, time bound and transparent “.

The taskforce has the Commissioner for Education, Professor Aishatu Maigari as Chairperson, with Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, OON, Mr. Mataimaki Tom Maiyashi, Engr. Dr. Muhammad Nuru Yakubu, OON and Dr. Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as members.

The Executive Chairman of the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Professor Esrom Toro Jokthan, serves as Secretary, while the Permanent Secretary, Special Services and Political, is Assistant Secretary.