The Kano state governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the merger of the Ministry of Higher Education with the Ministry of Education in a decisive step to strengthen coordination and accelerate reforms in Kano State’s education sector.

This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Sunday.

Following the restructuring, the new entity will operate as the Ministry of Education, with a specialized Directorate of Higher Education established within the ministry to oversee tertiary education activities.

The directorate will be headed by a Permanent Secretary and supported by the necessary personnel to ensure effective management of higher education institutions in the state.

“Under this restructuring, all agencies under the defunct Higher Education Ministry such as Scholarship Board will return to the Ministry of Education while state owned universities and other Highter Education Institute will also be supervised by the new Directorate under the merged ministry” the statement added.

The move is part of the state government’s ongoing State of Education sector reform, aimed at repositioning the sector, eliminating duplication of responsibilities, improving policy coordination across all levels of education and reducing cost of governance.

Governor Yusuf stated that the reform is designed to reduce the cost of governance while enhancing efficiency, accountability, and the overall quality of education administration in Kano State.

He reiterated that his administration remains fully committed to implementing far-reaching reforms that will revive the education sector and secure a brighter future for the younger generation.

Consequently, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government and the Office of the Head of Service have been directed to ensure the immediate and seamless realignment of the affected ministries and their respective departments.

The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comr. Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, was absent from the 38th State Executive Council meeting held on March 12, a development that has fueled discussions about the ongoing political uncertainties within the state’s administrative machinery.

The meeting, presided over by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, was attended by members of the state executive council. However, the deputy governor’s seat remained vacant throughout, despite the official notice of the meeting.

His absence from this critical engagement is believed to stem from lingering political disagreements following Governor Yusuf’s decision, along with several allies, to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

While some commissioners who did not follow the governor resigned voluntarily in the face of the political realignment, the deputy governor refused to step down, despite holding two key positions: Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Higher Education.

The situation has triggered strong reactions both within and outside government circles, with some officials openly suggesting that a deputy governor who does not share the same political platform as the governor should consider resigning in the interest of the state.

This development has also reignited discussions around the impeachment proceedings initiated against the deputy governor by the Kano State House of Assembly.

Political commentators argue that his continued stay in office, despite the realignment, has created an administrative vacuum within the state’s governance structure. They question whether his actions prioritize the interests of the Kano people or serve personal ambitions, warning that such a stance could stagnate governance and undermine stability.

According to some Kano residents, the deputy governor should at least resign his position as Commissioner for Higher Education to allow the ministry to function smoothly in the interest of the state and its people.

As of the time of this report, neither the deputy governor’s office nor the state government had issued an official statement regarding his absence from the March 12 Executive Council meeting.

The Chairman of the Kano Online Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, has received the report of the membership screening committee and commended the panel for carrying out its assignment with orderliness, fairness and transparency.
Dangambo gave the commendation while receiving the committee’s report, explaining that the panel was constituted to help sanitize the journalism profession and ensure that all applicants seeking membership met the required standards.
He said the establishment of the committee became necessary in view of the growing number of online media practitioners and social media influencers applying for membership, noting that the committee strictly applied the NUJ constitution and guidelines in screening applicants to ensure due process and compliance with the union’s procedures.
According to him, the exercise will go a long way in strengthening professionalism in line with constitutional provisions, stressing that it will help preserve the integrity of journalism among operators of online media platforms in Kano State.
Presenting the report, Chairman of the Membership Screening Committee, Aliyu Mudi Suleiman, said the panel worked diligently in reviewing the credentials of applicants, including registration documents such as Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificates, educational qualifications and other relevant requirements.
He disclosed that out of the 46 applicants screened so far, 31 were approved, while seven were placed on hold for further review.

He added that eight applicants were not approved for failing to meet some of the conditions stipulated in the union’s constitutional provisions.
Aliyu Mudi Suleiman further stated that the committee also forwarded recommendations to the leadership of the union, particularly on ways to improve the process of admitting new members in future.