The Special Advisers’ Forum in Kano State has formally endorsed the political direction of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing his leadership as pivotal to the peace and progress of the state. Dr. Idris Salisu Rogo, Secretary of the Forum, made this known while addressing journalists in Kano.

Dr. Rogo explained that politics is inherently dynamic, with varying opinions, alignments, and perspectives forming a natural part of democratic society. He stressed that, despite these differences, the Forum believes political engagement must be guided by mutual respect, maturity, decorum, and a shared commitment to the stability of Kano State.

According to Dr. Rogo, the Forum is urging all political actors, appointees, party members, supporters, and the general public to exercise restraint in their statements and actions. He warned that the use of inflammatory language, personal attacks, threats, or the disclosure of private communications undermines public trust and distracts from governance. He added that Kano State has a commendable history of political awareness and civility that must be preserved.

Dr. Rogo emphasized that Governor Yusuf, as the Executive Governor of Kano State, holds ultimate authority over political direction and decision-making. He noted that the Forum affirms its unwavering loyalty and alignment with any political decisions taken by the Governor in the interest of the state and its citizens.

The Forum, according to Dr. Rogo, has pledged collective support to the Governor as he continues his efforts toward good governance, people-focused policies, infrastructural development, social welfare initiatives, and reforms that positively impact residents. He maintained that the progress achieved across key sectors under Yusuf’s leadership is evident and deserves protection and consolidation.

Dr. Rogo further called on stakeholders to prioritize the interests of Kano State above personal feelings or political rivalries. He said unity within government and respect among political actors are vital for stability, effective governance, and the realization of the administration’s vision.

Dr. Rogo stated that the Special Advisers’ Forum remains committed to fostering dialogue, internal cohesion, and responsible communication in support of Governor Yusuf’s leadership and the overarching development agenda for Kano State.

The Vice Chancellor of Bayero University Kano (BUK), Professor Haruna Musa, has commended the BUK Class of 1992 for its “uninterrupted 10-year tradition” of philanthropy.

Speaking at the group’s 33rd Anniversary dinner and 10th reunion, Professor Musa celebrated a fresh ₦5 million donation from the alumni to the university’s Indigent Students’ Account, noting that such partnerships are vital to the university’s strategic growth.

The Vice Chancellor outlined an ambitious vision to propel BUK into the top 500 universities globally. He highlighted the institution’s impressive trajectory in the 2026 World University Rankings by Times Higher Education, which ranked BUK as the 3rd best university in Nigeria and the premier university in Northern Nigeria.

To address operational challenges, Professor Musa announced significant advancements in infrastructure and energy independence. The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has commenced a 3.5-megawatt solar plant upgrade, with plans to scale capacity to six megawatts. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, the university has secured a site for the construction of 500 housing units for staff.

The Vice Chancellor also reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy toward cultism and examination malpractice. He specifically flagged the misuse of ICT facilities as a new frontier for academic dishonesty and directed the university management to sensitize students on the ethical use of technology.

Innovative Student Welfare Initiatives
To bridge funding gaps for less privileged students, the university will officially launch a university-wide endowment fund in 2026 under the chairmanship of Professor Attahiru Jega. The University Senate has also adopted a resolution to grant automatic suspension of studies for students unable to afford registration fees, ensuring they do not drop out entirely. Students are encouraged to utilize the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and take up part-time campus jobs.

The Chairman of the BUK ’92 Forum, Muhammad Dahiru Sa’ad, highlighted that the forum has spent the last decade providing medical outreach to hospitals, supporting widows of late colleagues, and assisting former lecturers. He specifically noted that the group recently facilitated the return of several medical students who had been suspended due to unpaid fees.

Chairman Sa’ad also praised the Vice Chancellor for securing strategic MOUs, including a ₦60 million scholarship deal with OPay Digital Services and agricultural mechanization research partnerships with Chinese institutions.

The anniversary festivities concluded with a medical outreach at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and an awards ceremony where Professor Musa and other distinguished alumni were honoured for their contributions to the university’s development.

Honourees included leading academics, senior public officers, security personnel, corporate executives, and politicians. Among them were Prof. Amina Sani Mu’azu, Prof. M.A. Suwaid, Prof. Hajara Umar Sanda, Prof. Hannatu Sabo Hadejia, Prof. Baffa Adamu Gwaram, Engr. Ibrahim Sani Abdul, and Dr. Bello Lawal Dambatta.

Others recognised were CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, CP Ali Umar Fagge, CP Ibrahim Maikaba, CIS Hussain Ibrahim, Amb. Yakubu Abdullahi Ahmad, and Amb. Musa Sani Nuhu.

Additional recipients included Alh. Muhammad Aliyu Wudil, Alh. Rabi’u Musa Dambatta, Alh. Al‑Amin Ibrahim, Alh. Kabiru Yuguda, Alh. Nasiru Mu’azu Danmusa, Alh. Umar Sanda Kuso, Pastor Clement Oniwanye, and Yushau Shuaib Idiagbon.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed as false and misleading reports claiming it has released a timetable for the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the Commission clarified that it has not published any schedule of activities for the 2027 polls, contrary to information circulating on social media.

INEC emphasized that it operates in strict compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022. Under Section 28(1) of the Act, the Commission is required to issue a Notice of Election not earlier than 360 days before the appointed election date.

“Any timetable or schedule issued outside this statutory framework cannot emanate from INEC,” the statement affirmed.

The electoral body assured the public that the official timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 elections will be released in due course, in full accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act.

Once approved, the timetable will be communicated through INEC’s official and verified channels.

The Commission urged the public and media to disregard the false reports and to rely only on its authorized platforms for accurate information.