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News Analysis: Between Governor Kabiru Gaya and Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso—Who Established Kano State’s First University?

Published

1 month ago

May 11, 2025

Former Governor's Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya in a handshake :Photo Credit Baba Halilu Dantiye

By Abbas Yushau Yusuf

There has been debate in the online media space in Kano about the actual founder of Kano State’s first owned university, the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology.

During the aborted Third Republic, Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya was sworn in as the Governor of Kano State in January 1992, succeeding Colonel Idris Garba, now retired Major General Idris Garba, as Governor of Kano State.

When Architect Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya became Governor, he hardly appeared at any public function without saying “Insha Allah,” which means “by Allah’s will”—a phrase every Muslim is encouraged to say before embarking on any earthly endeavor.

But keen political observers at the time understood that most of Governor Kabiru Gaya’s pronouncements on the eve of his inauguration were not fulfilled before the military takeover on 17 November 1993.

For example, on the day of his inauguration, Governor Kabiru Gaya told the Kano populace at the Racecourse that he was going to build a large stadium. Until he left Government House, that promise was never fulfilled.

He also promised to separate male and female passengers; at that time, the main means of transportation in Kano and its environs was the Hiace bus. That promise was also never implemented.

Meanwhile, Kano’s neighboring state, the newly created Jigawa, under its young Governor, Ali Sa’adu Birnin Kudu—a protégé of Alhaji Sule Lamido—hit the ground running and executed several projects. These included establishing the first radio station in Jigawa, whose airwaves could be received in Kano, and the immediate construction of 1,000 houses called Gida Dubu in the Takur area of the state capital.

From then on, Kano people began referring to their governor with the slogan: “Insha Allahu na Kano, Aiki na Jigawa,” meaning, “The pronouncement of Allah’s will is in Kano, while the practical work is going on in Jigawa.”

Now, to the main subject: In 1992, with the proliferation of state-owned universities in the southern part of Nigeria, northern states began following suit. That year, Reverend Father Moses Adasu, the late Governor of Benue State during the same aborted Third Republic, secured a license to establish Benue State University—just as Governor Kabiru Gaya, ruling Kano under the platform of the National Republican Convention (NRC), secured a license from the National Universities Commission to establish Kano State’s first university.

Nigerian Tracker observed that, unlike Governor Kabiru Gaya of Kano, Reverend Father Moses Adasu, apart from securing the license for Benue State University, ensured that the institution began operations immediately, with structures put in place and academic activities kicking off.

Governor Kabiru Gaya also appointed its first Vice-Chancellor, a computer scientist, Malam Hafiz Wali, a Master’s degree holder, and sited its campus at Bagauda, now the Kano Law School. However, when Governor Kwankwaso assumed leadership of Kano in 1999, he changed the site to the present campus in Wudil because the Federal Government under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo wanted to build a Law School, and Governor Kwankwaso handed the Bagauda site over to the Federal Government for that purpose.

In contrast, for the Kano State University, apart from obtaining the license, nothing else was done until the military intervened and Governor Kabiru Gaya left office with only the license to his credit.

Nigerian Tracker reports that by the year 2001—eight years after Benue State University had already graduated many students—Kano State, under the leadership of Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in his first tenure, dusted off the license secured by Governor Kabiru Gaya, established structures, and ordered the immediate commencement of academic activities. Today, the institution has been in operation for 24 years, while Benue State University has operated for 33 years.

So, between Governor Kabiru Gaya and Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who actually established Kano State’s first university?

Related Topics:Licence Nigeria University

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Gaya Emirate Withdraws Traditional Title Of Wazirin Gaya From Former SSG,Alhaji Usman Alhaji,

Published

6 hours ago

June 18, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

Alhaji Usman Alhaji ,Deposed Waziirin Gaya

The Gaya Emirate Council, Kano State, has formally withdrawn the traditional title of Wazirin Gaya previously held by Alhaji Usman Alhaji.

In a letter conveyed to the former titleholder, the Council stated that the withdrawal was necessitated by certain unavoidable circumstances. The decision takes immediate effect.

This is contained in a statement signed by Munzali Muhammad Hausawa, Gaya
Zonal Information Officer and issued to newsmen in Kano on Wednesday.

Announcing the development, the Secretary to the Gaya Emirate Council, Alhaji Bello Halilu, noted that the Council deeply appreciates the contributions and commitment of Alhaji Usman Alhaji during his period of service as Wazirin Gaya.

The statement added that, the Council expressed gratitude for his support to the traditional institution and his efforts in promoting the cultural heritage of the emirate.

This action underscores the Emirate’s commitment to preserving the sanctity, dignity, and integrity of traditional titles in line with established customs and values.

The general public is hereby informed and urged to take note of this development.

Nigerian Tracker reports that Alhaji Usman Alhaji was secretary to Kano state government during the administration of Dr .Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

He served as secretary to Kano state Government from 2016 to 2023.

He was the one that announced the deposition of Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II on March 9 2020.

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DanMadanho Residents Urge Kano State Govt to Rehabilitate Road

Published

17 hours ago

June 18, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

Residents of DanMadanho in Gezawa Local Government Area have called on the state and local governments to urgently rehabilitate the deteriorating road linking their community to Zango, especially with the rainy season approaching.

During a meeting with Gezawa’s Zonal Information Officer, Jamilu Mustapha Yakasai, the community members highlighted the dilapidated state of the road and appealed for immediate government intervention to ease transportation challenges.

However, the community also expressed appreciation for the developmental strides of His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir, especially in the areas of healthcare, education, and other critical sectors.

Part of the dilapidated Road

Speaking on the importance of the road, Alhaji Isah DanMadanho, a respected elder in the area, highlighted its economic significance. He stated that the road connects multiple communities and, once constructed, will greatly boost the economic activities of the area.

Providing further insights, the Chairman of Gezawa Local Government, Alhaji Mukaddas Bala Jogana, said he has been actively following up with the State Ministry of Works under the Commissioner to ensure the commencement of the road project.

He urged the people of the area to remain patient and hopeful, expressing confidence that the DanMadanho road project will soon commence.

He also called on the residents to continue supporting government policies and programmes aimed at uplifting the status of the state.

Apart from the DanMadanho Road, the residents appealed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to fulfil his earlier promise of completing the Dakata to Rangaza to Bela Road that links DanMadanho town.

They said during the rainy season, the residents cannot easily come to Kano except in hardship.

News

Again,Government Declares Public Holiday

Published

1 day ago

June 17, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

The Benue State Government has declared Wednesday, June 18, 2025, a public holiday in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s scheduled visit to the state.

According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Serumun Deborah Aber, the President is expected to undertake a one-day condolence visit to commiserate with the government and people of Benue over the recent wave of violent attacks that have claimed numerous lives across various communities.

The statement emphasized that the public holiday is intended to allow residents the opportunity to come out en masse and give the President a warm and respectful reception.

This visit is of great symbolic and emotional significance,” the statement noted. “It offers the people of Benue the chance to hear directly from the President and receive assurances of support from the federal government in the wake of the tragic incidents.”

However, the government clarified that the public holiday does not apply to workers in essential services such as healthcare, security, and banking, who are expected to remain on duty to maintain critical services.

President Tinubu had earlier hinted at cutting short his engagements to prioritize a visit to Benue in light of the deadly attacks, which have drawn national concern.

Residents are urged to cooperate with security agencies and maintain peace and order during the President’s visit.