By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Kano State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Yusuf Ibrahim Kofarmata, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect, citing the state’s “prevailing political turmoil.”

Kofarmata announced his decision in a formal resignation letter, expressing concern that the current political climate could compromise the independence and impartiality required of his office.

He argued that the growing tension and expectations of political loyalty risked creating a perception—or reality—of compromised judgment, which he said was inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of a State Commissioner.

“The integrity of the State Commissioner’s role rests on the ability to act without undue influence, partisan pressure, or divided allegiance,” Kofarmata stated. He added that remaining in office under such circumstances could erode public confidence in the institution.

He explained that his resignation was motivated by a desire to safeguard the credibility of his office and uphold his personal commitment to ethical public service.

Kofarmata thanked the Kano State Government for the opportunity to serve in various ministries, stating that his tenure allowed him to contribute to policy reforms and the state’s development.

“I remain grateful for the opportunity to have served, and for the trust placed in me during my tenure,” he said. He expressed hope that his departure would allow the institution to function without question or constraint.

He formally requested that his resignation be accepted as official notice of his disengagement from the Kano State Executive Council.

His resignation comes amid a period of heightened political tension and realignment in Kano, sparking public debate over governance and institutional independence in the state.

The Kano State Government has revealed that the state currently has over 4.7 million pupils enrolled in primary schools, following a comprehensive census conducted to assess the state of education.

Haladu Muhammad, Technical Adviser to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Education, disclosed the figures during the celebration of the International Day of Education held in Kano. He emphasized that the census exposed hidden challenges within the education sector, particularly the sharp drop in enrollment from primary to secondary schools.

“We have over four million pupils in primary schools, but in secondary schools, the number is not more than one million. This is largely due to the lack of classrooms, which prevents many pupils from progressing,” Muhammad explained.

Muhammad noted that the Yusuf administration is prioritizing infrastructure development to bridge the gap. He said the government is renovating dilapidated classrooms and constructing new ones to accommodate the growing population of pupils.

He further highlighted the teacher shortage, stating that Kano has 8,000 primary schools with fewer than 50,000 teachers. When the administration came into office, there were only 30,000 teachers, but recruitment has since increased the number to 50,000, with more hiring ongoing.

“Our goal is to reach a ratio of one teacher to 60 students, and eventually one teacher to 50 students,” he added.

Dr. Auwalu Halilu of the Education Forum praised the role of School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) in improving teaching and learning. He explained that SBMCs act as community representatives, safeguarding government properties, preventing vandalism, and ensuring that children remain in school.

“Our guiding principle is to make schools community-owned, to ensure every child belongs to the community and no child is left on the streets,” Halilu said.

Ibrahim S. Saleh, Secretary of Kano SBMC, also commended the committees for tackling security challenges in schools. He cited recent incidents in Yankaba where drug addicts attempted to occupy school premises but were chased away by SBMC members.

Aminu Ilyasu, Ward Head of Kumbotso and SBMC Chairman in the area, stressed that SBMCs are playing a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of education, monitoring schools, and supporting government efforts in infrastructure development.

“We are making our people aware of the importance of education. SBMCs are overseeing schools, uplifting them, and ensuring students attend regularly,” Ilyasu said.

The Kano State Government has pledged to conduct annual pupil censuses to better understand and address the evolving challenges in the education sector. With over 4.7 million pupils in primary schools and a pressing need for infrastructure and teachers, the administration says it is determined to ensure that every child in Kano has access to quality education.

Fresh cracks have emerged within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) as some of its top figures continue to insist that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf should serve only one term in office, a position that has fueled defections and internal discord.

Commissioner for Livestock Development, Aliyu Isa Aliyu, took to his verified Facebook page to clarify the situation, stressing that the party’s leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has never in any of his public speeches accused Governor Yusuf of underperforming or failing to deliver on his mandate to the people of Kano.

Aliyu explained that the growing wave of defections from the NNPP is not rooted in governance failures but rather in personal grievances and unmet expectations among certain party members. He outlined categories of individuals who have chosen to remain in the NNPP but are not aligned with Governor Yusuf’s administration:

– Patronage seekers: Those who expected unrestricted access to the state treasury and the freedom to act without limits, and who have for over two years insisted the Governor should serve only one term.
– Underperforming appointees: Individuals appointed to positions but who lacked the capacity to deliver on their responsibilities, and now feel sidelined by the Governor.
– Disenchanted beneficiaries: Party members who believe they did not personally benefit from the government’s programs or appointments.
– Ambitious aspirants: Politicians eyeing seats in the State Assembly, House of Representatives, or Senate who fear their ambitions may be jeopardized if they align with the Governor, especially in constituencies where sitting legislators have defected from the NNPP.
– Position challengers: Those who question why certain individuals, such as Aliyu himself and others, occupy government positions instead of them.

Aliyu’s remarks explain the widening rift within the NNPP, where loyalty to Governor Yusuf is being tested by political ambitions and personal interests rather than policy disagreements.

Despite the turbulence, Governor Yusuf continues to enjoy the backing of Kwankwaso, who has remained silent on calls for a one-term limit and has not publicly criticized the Governor’s performance. Political observers note that the unfolding drama could reshape Kano’s political landscape ahead of the next election cycle, as defections and internal disputes threaten the NNPP’s cohesion.