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THE ENDURING PRESTIGE OF PROFESSOR SANI LAWAN MALUMFASHI: A LEGACY OF WISDOM, TRUST, INTEGRITY, AND LEADERSHIP IN THE HEART OF NORTHERN NIGERIA.

Published

11 months ago

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By. Ahmad Muhammad Sani Gwarzo , Anipr.

The story of Professor Sani Lawan Malumfashi enters a profound new chapter—one shaped by the calm resilience of a seasoned academic, the loyalty of those who believe in his character and the values that have guided his life for decades. As public conversations continue to rise and fade, one truth becomes clearer: his legacy reaches far beyond the passing storms of public scrutiny.

To many, the professor’s journey stands as a testament to the enduring power of intellect and discipline. He is part of a rare generation of northern intellectuals whose knowledge is not merely academic, but deeply rooted in wisdom, community experience and moral consciousness. His colleagues often describe him as a man who reads life as carefully as he reads books.

In every institution he served, his presence brought a sense of maturity. He carried himself with the calm assurance of someone who understood both his responsibilities and the weight of his influence. Students recall the confident but humble professor who entered the lecture hall with precision, delivering each idea with clarity, balance and thoughtful depth.

Among the qualities most celebrated about him is his trustworthiness. People who interacted with him closely speak of a man who honored his words as commitments. His promises were modest, but his actions were dependable. He represented a model of leadership anchored not in authority, but in credibility.

In academic discussions, the professor was known for his sharp analytical mind. He possessed the rare ability to separate emotion from reason, ensuring that every conclusion was grounded in evidence. This intellectual discipline shaped his reputation as someone who approached every task—even simple ones—with seriousness and purpose.

His wisdom extended beyond books and politics. It showed in the way he related to people. His peers often say that the professor listened before he spoke, observed before he judged and advised only when necessary. This reflective personality became a defining trait of his leadership style.

Integrity has always been considered his most enduring quality. The professor lived in accordance with his values—simplicity, fairness, and self-restraint. Neighbors and acquaintances describe him as a man who avoided conflict, avoided extravagance, and avoided anything that compromised his peace of mind.

These values shaped his relationships with some of Kano’s most influential leaders. His professional respect for His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, FNISE, is a significant part of his story. Observers note that the professor maintained a relationship built on courteous dialogue, shared developmental aspirations, and mutual recognition of service to the public.

The governor is known for appreciating competence, honesty, and loyalty—qualities many believe the professor embodied. Their relationship, supporters say, reflected the intersection of academic intelligence and leadership responsibility. It was grounded in professionalism rather than political calculation.

Another important influence in the professor’s journey has been the iconic founder of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and national leader of the NNPP, Dr. Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Known across Nigeria for his discipline, courage, and leadership philosophy, Dr. Kwankwaso represents the kind of public figure the professor respects deeply.

Those who have observed the professor’s relationship with Dr. Kwankwaso describe it as one defined by admiration. The professor appreciated Kwankwaso’s commitment to education, youth empowerment, and structural governance. Supporters point out that both men share a disciplined lifestyle and a sober approach to leadership.

Within the circles of the Kwankwasiyya philosophy, values such as humility, justice, and service are non-negotiable. These values align closely with the personality of Professor Malumfashi, which explains why many within the movement view him with respect. His academic discipline mirrors the movement’s intellectual backbone.

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The professor’s calm demeanor, even in challenging times, further strengthens the belief that he embodies the qualities that great institutions value. Supporters argue that his composure reflects inner strength rather than public pressure. They see a man who trusts the process of justice, respects the rule of law, and maintains dignity through every phase of his journey.

As public discussions continue, one striking pattern appears: the professor is often described as a man whose understanding of governance is shaped by fairness. His former students recall learning from him that leadership must never be a tool of oppression but a responsibility rooted in justice.

His long years in academia nurtured in him a respect for evidence, procedure, and balanced judgment. These principles shaped not only his teaching but his approach to public leadership. Supporters argue that these values should be remembered and appreciated as part of his overall legacy.

In the communities that know him well, the professor remains a respected figure. Elders see him as a symbol of intellectual pride. Young people admire him as a mentor whose achievements show that education can elevate a person to high responsibility. Civic organizations speak of him as a man who contributed to
societal growth without seeking personal reward.

As society reflects on his contributions, one aspect becomes undeniable: Professor Malumfashi symbolizes a generation of Nigerians who invested their lives in knowledge-building rather than wealth accumulation. This alone differentiates him from many of his contemporaries.

The professor’s supporters often highlight that he lived modestly even when he held influential positions. His house, lifestyle, and personal conduct remain consistent with the principles of simplicity that he taught in classrooms for decades. This coherence deepens the public perception that the professor’s character is not shaped by circumstances but by conviction.

His relationship with people across different social classes further strengthens his enduring reputation. Whether speaking with a student, a civil servant, a political leader, or a market trader, the professor maintained an equal level of respect and patience. His humanity made him accessible, approachable, and widely appreciated.

Among his close associates, the professor is often celebrated for his deep emotional intelligence. He understands the power of empathy in leadership. His guidance is often calm, steady, and grounded in experience rather than reaction. These traits made him a stabilizing influence in many professional settings.

When debates arise about his public life, supporters insist that the professor’s legacy cannot be reduced to legal headlines. They argue that the measure of a man lies in decades of consistent behavior, not in the turbulence of a particular moment. His supporters emphasize that such turbulence does not erase his contributions.

To many, the professor remains a national asset—a scholar who helped shape the intellectual foundations of northern Nigeria. His community engagement, academic service, and calm leadership style are seen as qualities worthy of recognition wherever integrity is valued.

Over time, stories about the professor’s kindness continue to surface. Students narrate how he supported them during difficult periods. Friends describe how he offered guidance without expecting anything in return. Colleagues recall his commitment to teamwork and institutional progress.

These stories collectively paint a portrait of a man deeply rooted in goodness, humility and responsibility. Supporters believe that this foundation of character will continue to shape public memory long after current discussions fade.

As Part Three of his journey unfolds, the professor’s narrative becomes not only a personal story but a reflection of Nigeria’s search for leaders who carry wisdom, integrity and community loyalty. It is a search for individuals whose character remains strong even when tested by the complexities of public life.

For those who admire him, the professor stands among such individuals. They believe that his legacy will ultimately highlight the values he upheld—not the challenges he encountered. They believe that future generations will remember him as an educator, a thinker, a peaceful citizen and a man of disciplined principles.

His life continues to inspire conversations about trust, leadership and ethical responsibility. These conversations form an essential part of his evolving story—a story shaped not by the voices of critics but by the enduring truth of character.

In this broader view, the professor remains a symbol of what it means to serve with dignity, to teach with sincerity and to live with purpose. His journey continues to resonate because it reflects the timeless values of wisdom, humility and honor.

As the narrative moves forward, one idea becomes central: the professor’s contributions to education and community development form the foundation upon which his legacy will stand. His values continue to echo through the lives he touched.

The professor’s story, like all stories of great men, is one of resilience. It is the story of a scholar who walked through the world with dignity, who built bridges with people and who held firm to his beliefs even when tested.

In this final portrait, he stands as a figure whose wisdom shaped many, whose integrity guided him and whose trustworthiness earned him a permanent place in the hearts of countless Nigerians.

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Opinion

Kano’s War On Drugs: How Barr. Muhyi’s Taskforce Is Changing The Game

Published

3 days ago

on

November 2, 2026

By

Muhuyi Magaji

 

By Muhammad Abubakar Suleiman

When Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf declared a public health emergency on drug abuse on July 22, 2026, and inaugurated the Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, many in Kano saw it as another committee. Three months later, the committee led by Barrister Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado is dominating security headlines in the state.

The Taskforce was constituted as a multi-agency platform bringing together NDLEA, Police, DSS, Consumer Protection Council, Pharmaceutical Society, Ministry of Health, Anti-Daba Unit and other stakeholders. Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhammad serves as Secretary.

From Raids to Results: Over 400 Arrests

According to briefings by the Chairman, within the first two months the Taskforce arrested more than 380 suspects and secured over 230 convictions. By September 29, when Barr. Muhyi spoke at the Kano Network of NGOs (KANET) Monthly Lecture at Nasarawa GRA, the figure had risen to over 400 arrests.

Presenting its scorecard to the State Executive Council in late September, the Taskforce reported a 35% reduction in drug-related crimes in the last three months, attributing it to intensified enforcement, seizures and over 500 convictions as of October 22.

Operations have focused on identified hotspots: Race Course, Filin Idi, Filin Mahaha, Tashar Rami, Kawo, Tashar Rimi, Jakara, Madigawa, Yalwa, Sanka, Kul Kul, Dogon Nama and Kukar Bulukiya.

Recoveries include Cannabis Sativa, Tramadol, Diazepam, Pentazocine, Pregabalin, Exol-5 and a Methamphetamine-based designer drug. In one case, 870,000 capsules of Pregabalin were seized from a pharmaceutical company over suspected diversion. Local weapons – knives, daggers, cutlasses and clubs – used by gangs were also recovered.

The Taskforce also recorded high-profile arrests. On August 18, it announced the arrest of a former Chairman of Rogo Local Government for allegedly selling and administering fentanyl injections to youths, after a victim who spent over N2 million on injections identified him.

Latest: Gang Sponsor Tracked to Port Harcourt

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In its most recent operation, the Taskforce announced on October 30 the arrest of a 27-year-old suspected gang violence sponsor, Ishaq Lawan Ibrahim, popularly known as Malam Keya, from Yalwa in Dala LGA.

According to the committee, Malam Keya was allegedly financing violent clashes by rival Daba gangs in Dala that claimed lives. He fled to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after crackdown intensified, but was tracked and arrested in an operation led by Head of Operations, CSP Bashir Gwadabe, and brought back to Kano. He is now in police custody pending prosecution.

Chairman Muhyi said the arrest outside Kano shows the Taskforce will pursue suspects beyond state boundaries.

Beyond Enforcement: Children, Rehabilitation and Technology

The committee says its mandate is not just enforcement. It reported rescuing 43 underage children allegedly exposed to intoxicants and convicting two dealers – Kabiru Isa and Usman Hamisu – for the offence. About 125 persons were referred to the Kano Reformatory Institute in Kiru for rehabilitation. With Kiru overstretched, government has provided an additional facility in Tofa.

The Taskforce has set an ambitious target of taking 10,000 youths off the streets for rehabilitation, skills acquisition and reintegration.

On August 21, Barr. Muhyi inaugurated nine sub-committees to professionalize the fight: Finance; Media and Publicity; Advocacy and Sensitisation; Licences, Inventory and Verification; Compliance, Inspection and Electronic Tracking; Monitoring and Implementation; Intelligence; Reformative and Traditional Council; and Anti-Drug Coordination.

Tech Turn: AI, 24-Hour Line and NDLEA Support

In the last two weeks, the Taskforce unveiled a new approach. On October 22, Barr. Muhyi, on behalf of Governor Yusuf, donated operational equipment to the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command led by Commander Dahiru Yahaya Lawan, to boost operations.

He also disclosed that Kano is deploying Artificial Intelligence for surveillance and tracking of suspected dealers, and equipping a rapid-response centre with ICT and a 24-hour toll-free line where residents can report and get response within 30 minutes.

At KANET lecture themed “Kano Drugs Crisis: Challenges, the Way Forward and the Role of the Community,” Muhyi stressed community intelligence and called for more rehabilitation to decongest remand homes.

No Sacred Cows

From day one, Barr. Muhyi has maintained a hard line on political interference. “No politician can pressure me to free drug suspects. The only person who can stop me is the Governor, and I know he will never interfere,” he told journalists on July 28.

That stance, coupled with intelligence-led raids, has earned the Taskforce both praise and scrutiny.

The Bigger Picture

Kano Police data cited by the Taskforce indicates about 70% of major crimes in 2025 were linked to drug abuse. The Executive Order outlawing Daba gangs provides a minimum of five years imprisonment under Section 97A of the Kano Penal Code.

Whether the Taskforce can sustain momentum will depend on three tests: securing the drug supply chain from pharmaceutical diversion, expanding rehabilitation beyond Kiru, and maintaining inter-agency cooperation without becoming a parallel enforcement body.

For now, in the markets of Filin Idi and the streets of Dala, residents say the presence of the committee is being felt.

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Opinion

The Reward For Hardwork Is More Work: A Rejoinder To Dr Garba Ubale Danbatta

Published

3 days ago

on

November 2, 2026

By

 

 

 

By Nworisa Michael

The redeployment of Hon. Comr. Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya PhD from the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has attracted several reactions. While professional and civic organisations have congratulated him and acknowledged his contributions, Dr Garba Ubale Danbatta, a supposedly veteran journalist, has chosen to use the development to question his performance and professional conduct in his former ministry.

Dr Danbatta is entitled to his opinion. Nobody should be above criticism, especially in public office. However, when criticism is presented as a professional assessment, it should be supported by facts, not merely personal convictions or years of experience.

Before concluding that journalism suffered under Waiya, perhaps we should examine some of the developments recorded during his tenure.

Eight contributions worth considering:

• Grassroots information: Strengthened engagement with Information Officers across Kano’s 44 local government areas and eight zonal offices.

• Capacity building: Supported training programmes for local government Information Officers, alongside interactive engagements with editors and news managers.

• Media policy: Facilitated the inauguration of an 18-member committee to develop a media and information policy framework for Kano State.

• Digital transformation: Established a Digital Multimedia Department to modernise government communication, improve digital engagement and address misinformation.

• Peacebuilding: Advanced the Safe Corridor Project, an initiative focused on rehabilitation, skills development and reintegration of reformed youths.

• Media engagement: Engaged media practitioners, online publishers and political programme presenters on responsible public communication and professional conduct.

• Institutional development: Pursued interventions aimed at strengthening state-owned media institutions and improving the capacity of personnel within the information machinery.

• National recognition: Received the Crisis Communicator of the Year award at the 2026 National Spokespersons Awards in Abuja.

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These developments do not mean that Waiya’s tenure was without shortcomings. They simply demonstrate that there is more to his record than the sweeping conclusion offered by his critic.

There is also something interesting about the public reactions to his redeployment. The Kano State Forum of Information Officers, Northern Youths Assembly and International Peace and Secure Society are among the organisations that have publicly acknowledged his contributions and congratulated him on his new assignment. Their statements may not settle every debate about his tenure, but they show that his work was not viewed negatively by everyone who interacted with his ministry.

Now, to Dr Danbatta’s presentation of his professional experience.

I found it rather curious that a commentary intended to assess another public officer’s performance devoted three of its concluding paragraphs to the author’s own professional journey, positions held and years of experience. One could almost finish reading the piece knowing more about the author’s resume than the evidence behind his criticism of Waiya.

Same individual who has been unable to ensure good working relationship with his staffs at Pyramid Radio Kano where is currently serves as its manager, a station that constantly runs out of diesel and goes off the air, perhaps even he isn’t proud of this hence he left it out from the list of his workplaces listed.

With due respect, professional experience is valuable, but it should strengthen an argument, not become the argument itself. A good product sells itself. A journalist’s professional standing should be reflected in the quality, fairness and depth of their analysis. Thirty years in the profession deserves recognition, but it does not automatically make every opinion conclusive.

If the intention was to assess Waiya’s stewardship, then the more important questions should have been: What did he inherit? What did he change? Which initiatives did he introduce? What measurable outcomes were achieved? And where did he fall short? Those are the questions that give criticism substance.

We can be safe to say that Waiya’s redeployment was a direct reward for his performance in the former ministry. The Governor has publicly explained the cabinet adjustments as part of efforts to strengthen institutions and improve service delivery. What is evident, however, is that Waiya has been entrusted with another important responsibility, and his record in the former ministry remains open to public examination.

The Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs is not beyond criticism, and neither is Dr. Waiya. But fairness requires that we acknowledge the work done alongside the shortcomings alleged.

Frankly the most fitting way to understand this new assignment is captured in the title of this piece: the reward for hard work is more work. His previous assignment is now part of his public record; his new ministry presents another opportunity to serve.

Congratulations, Hon. Comr. Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya. The expectations continue.

Nworisa Michael is a
Writer, Public Affairs Commentator and writes from nworisamichael1917@gmail.com
1st Nov. 2026

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Opinion

My Achievements At Kano State Ministry of Environment — By Dr. Dahir M. Hashim

Published

5 days ago

on

October 31, 2026

By

 

Looking back on my time at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, one change I value most is how the public came to see the sector itself. Environmental protection became a stronger part of conversations about our health, neighbourhoods, livelihoods, and Kano’s future. People increasingly joined the work, supported our programmes, and held us accountable.

For that, I thank the people of my dear state.

This journey began for me on 6 January 2025, when His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Executive Governor of Kano State, entrusted me with the responsibility of leading the Ministry.

The challenges were clear. Facilities had deteriorated, policies needed updating, enforcement was weak, and frontline workers were owed outstanding payments. Yet His Excellency saw what the Ministry could become and gave us the support to begin rebuilding it.

Our government-owned nurseries tell part of that story. Eight facilities that had become non-functional were fully rehabilitated, restoring our capacity to produce seedlings locally. Building on the administration’s three-million-tree planting programme in 2024, the programme grew to five million in 2025 and ten million in 2026, with all seedlings raised in government-owned nurseries. Behind those numbers was the recovery of public facilities that could continue serving Kano for years to come.

The same determination guided the restoration of the Kano State Pollution Control Laboratory. We renovated, equipped, and recommissioned it, giving the State the scientific capacity to test, monitor pollution, and support enforcement. We operationalised the Environmental Pollution Control Law and developed the Environmental Pollution and Waste Control Regulations to give that work a stronger legal foundation.

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At REMASAB, reforms improved the coordination of waste collection, evacuation, and disposal. Waste management became more organised and responsive, with operations supporting the evacuation of approximately one million metric tonnes of waste. The Dorayi Compost Plant was also brought back into operation, restoring the capacity to turn organic waste into useful compost and creating opportunities for investment.

Across flood-prone communities, we undertook drainage construction, clearance and erosion control. The stormwater harvesting intervention in Toranke and work on the Kano State Drainage Master Plan formed part of our effort to move towards better protection and long-term planning.

We also restored four public parks, with more underway. Spaces that had suffered neglect were given new management arrangements and a clear responsibility for maintenance. Families now have more welcoming places to spend time together, while the parks’ combined annual revenue increased from around ₦5 million to ₦90 million.

Alongside these projects, we rebuilt the policy foundations of the sector. We developed the Kano State Climate Change Policy, its implementation plan and results framework; advanced the Climate Change Bill; and reviewed the Forestry Law after more than five decades. We also developed the Climate Finance Reform Action and Implementation Plan and the Green Bond Framework to prepare Kano for environmental and climate investment.

Kano’s third-place finish in the just-concluded 2026 Climate Governance Performance Ranking, and the opportunity to present our work at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, gave us reasons to be thankful. They also reminded us how far consistent support and collective effort could take the state.

None of this work could have continued without the people delivering it every day. With His Excellency’s backing, we cleared nine months of salary arrears for 2,369 verified street sweepers and doubled their stipends, re-engaged inspectors and forest guards, and doubled the stipends of 875 sanitation vanguards. I remain grateful for their service.

Today, as His Excellency separates the ministries and appoints a new Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, my strongest feeling is gratitude.

To His Excellency, thank you for trusting me with this responsibility, listening to our proposals and supporting the decisions needed to carry them through.

To our staff and agencies, community leaders, development partners, civil society organisations, young volunteers, businesses and residents: thank you for standing with us. Your participation, patience and constructive criticism helped us improve. These achievements belong to everyone who contributed.

I congratulate the incoming Honourable Commissioner and offer my full cooperation to sustain the work we began together.

Serving the people of Kano State in this capacity has been a privilege. Thank you for the trust and support.

Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, Honourable Commissioner
Ministry of Water Resources, Kano State, writes from Kano.

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