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

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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.

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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?

 

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Mata Media Launches as Nigeria’s First Hausa-Language Women-Centric Media Organization

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– Mata Media, a pioneering women-only media organization, is proud to announce its official launch. As the first Hausa-language media outlet of its kind in Nigeria, Mata Media is dedicated to telling the stories of women, by women, and for women.

Founded by highly experienced and talented media experts, Mata Media boasts a team of skilled women journalists passionate about promoting women’s empowerment, challenging stereotypes, and driving social change through quality journalism.

“We are thrilled to launch Mata Media, a bold initiative that fills a critical gap in the Nigerian media landscape,” said Fauziyya Kabir Tukur, one of the founders of Mata Media. “Our goal is to create a safe space for women to share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas, and to inspire a new generation of women leaders.”

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Led by Managing Director Fauziyya Kabir Tukur, a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in Hausa media, and Editor Hafsat Bahara, Mata Media will feature a wide range of content, including news, features, profiles, and analysis, all centered around women’s issues and concerns.

Mata Media also aims to nurture the next generation of women journalists by providing opportunities for young journalists and interns to learn and grow with the organization.

In a statement by Fauziyya Kabir Tukrb the managing Director said currently, Mata Media is a digital-only organization, with a presence on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, as well as a dedicated website. We invite audiences to follow us on these platforms to stay updated on our latest stories and content.

“We invite media organizations, partners, and stakeholders to join us on this exciting journey,” said the Managing Director. “Together, let’s amplify women’s voices and drive positive change in Nigeria.”

 

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Senator Hanga Calls For Robust Separation Of Power, Opposes State Police

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The Senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District, Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, has called for a robust separation of powers among all organs of government, stressing the need for the executive to allow the legislature to function independently.

Senator Hanga made the remarks during an interactive session with journalists in Kano, where he spoke extensively on governance, security, and his contributions to his constituency. He emphasized that his efforts in Kano Central have been “enormous,” citing projects and initiatives he has facilitated.

Commenting on recent developments in Benin Republic, Senator Hanga described the change of government there as “unfortunate,” adding that as a politician and democrat, he hopes such undemocratic actions fail. He urged Nigeria to strengthen its democratic institutions and ensure that governance reflects true democratic values.

The lawmaker criticized the President for not allowing the National Assembly to operate freely, noting that many ministers have failed to discharge their duties effectively. “That is why the President is choked up,” he said, urging better coordination between the executive and legislature.

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On the withdrawal of police protection from VIPs, Senator Hanga argued that the President was ill-advised. He explained that members of the National Assembly are among the most targeted individuals and VIPS should have been provided with alternatives before such withdrawal.

Senator Hanga strongly opposed the creation of state police, warning that it could lead to abuse of power by governors. “Creating a state police means creating a police state where governors will use them for intimidation,” he cautioned. He further noted that both the police and army are already grappling with unpaid salaries, questioning the practicality of introducing another policing structure.

He revealed that 19 governors had backed the idea of state police, suggesting that their support may have been driven by panic rather than sound judgment.

Highlighting his contributions to Kano Central, Senator Hanga disclosed that he had proposed the establishment of a Federal University in Kura, which is awaiting presidential assent. He also announced plans to launch a programme in partnership with Kayi Bank to empower his constituents, particularly women.

According to him, Kano Central is the most populous constituency in Nigeria and faces numerous challenges, including a high rate of out-of-school children. He explained that his empowerment initiatives are designed to address these pressing issues.

Senator Hanga stated that he will not contest in the next election, declaring that he feels fulfilled with his service. “I am not going to contest the next election. I am fulfilled,” he said.

 

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Ganduje’s 12,000 Capacity Independent Hisbah Distributes Application Forms

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Independent Hisba Fisabilillah has launched the distribution of forms to 12,000 persons who were screened in 44 local government areas of Kano State from Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s administration to the current administration.

The Co-Chairmen of the committee who distributed the forms are former Kano State Commandant of the Hisbah Board during Ganduje’s tenure, Sheikh Muhammad Haruna Ibn Sina, and Director-General of the National Productivity Centre, Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, in Kano.

After the committee formed by the former Kano State Governor and former National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, completed its work, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabiru Yusuf, sought the arrest of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for his alleged intention to launch his own security forces. But the committee that conducted the operation denied this, saying that it is the Independent Hisba Fisabilillah.

The committee added that this Independent Hisba has been operating since the tenure of former Kano Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, when he was reluctant to implement Islamic Shari’a law at that time.

The committee stated that the Independent Hisba Fisabilillah will work in collaboration with the security agencies and will not tolerate anything that is against the law and not the work of Almighty God.

And as the committee explained, the Nigerian Constitution allows that anyone found to be acting improperly should be handed over to the appropriate authority.

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Therefore, the committee said that if he did so, then according to the Constitution of the country, he did not commit a crime.

Likewise, the committee warns anyone who joined Hisba Kwankwasiyya to leave it or go and collect this Hisba Fisabilillah form, which is free and not for sale.

The Chairman and Co-Chairman of the committee, Sheikh Haroon Sani Ibn Seena and Dr. Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, said that if the APC takes power in 2027, they will confirm that this person is not a Hisba Fisabilillah and is not a person who is doing the work of God.

Therefore, they called on them to go and collect this form so that they will not be screened and found to be non-compliant, saying that this is not Hisba Gandujiyya or Hisba Ganduje Foundation, but only Hisba Independent Fisabilillah.

After the committee formed by the former Kano State Governor and former National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, completed its work, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabiru Yusuf, sought the arrest of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for his alleged intention to launch his own security forces. But the committee that conducted the operation denied this and said that it is the Independent Hisba Fisabilillah.

The committee added that this Independent Hisba has been operating since the time of former Kano Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, when he did not implement Islamic law at that time.

The committee stated that the Independent Hisba will work in collaboration with the security forces and will not tolerate anything that is against the law and not the work of God.

And as the committee explained, the law of the land allows that anyone found to be acting improperly should be handed over to the appropriate authority.

Therefore, the committee said that if he did so, then according to the Constitution of the country, he did not commit a crime.

Likewise, the committee warns anyone who joined Hisba Kwankwasiyya to leave it or go and collect this Hisba Fisabilillah form, which is free and not for sale.

The Co-Chairman of the committee said that if the APC party takes power in 2027, he will confirm that this person is not a Hisba Fisabilillah and is not a person who is doing the work of God.

Therefore, he calls on them to go and collect the form so that they will not be screened and found to be non-compliant, saying that this is not Hisba Gandujiyya or Hisba Ganduje Foundation, but only Hisba Independent Fisabilillah.

 

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