By Tijjani Sarki
Good Governance Advocate and Public Policy Analyst

Leadership earns its true value when it restores public confidence, inspires hope, and remains connected to the everyday realities of the people. As the administration of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, marks three years in office, Kano State stands at an important moment of reflection on a journey defined by resilience, grassroots engagement, and renewed commitment to social development.

For many citizens, the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf represented more than political change, it symbolized the return of inclusive governance and people-oriented leadership. Despite the economic and political challenges facing the nation, the administration has continued to demonstrate commitment toward improving education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare across the state.

Particularly commendable is the renewed attention given to public education through school rehabilitation, scholarship support, and investment in learning facilities. Equally significant are efforts toward reviving abandoned projects and strengthening public service delivery in ways that directly affect ordinary citizens.

Politically, the administration has also shown stability and resilience amid intense opposition and legal distractions. Yet, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf continues to maintain strong grassroots connection, especially among young people and supporters who see the government as reflective of their aspirations for fairness, development, and responsive leadership.
Like every administration, challenges remain. Economic hardship, unemployment, and growing public expectations continue to demand greater commitment and innovative solutions. Nevertheless, constructive engagement and collective responsibility remain essential in sustaining progress and ensuring that governance continues to serve the interests of the people.

As Kano gradually approaches another political phase, the priority should remain the consolidation of developmental gains, strengthening of institutions, and promotion of policies capable of improving the living standards of citizens across the state.

At this significant milestone, it is important to appreciate the efforts made so far in promoting people-centered governance and restoring confidence in public leadership. While history will continue to judge every administration by its impact, the commitment to public engagement and social development shown within these three years deserves recognition.

I congratulate His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, on this three-year anniversary in office and pray that Almighty Allah grants him wisdom, strength, good health, and greater success in his continued service to the people of Kano State.

Tijjani Sarki
Zawaciki, Kano State
May 29, 2026

By Abdu Saidu

The third anniversary of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf provides an opportunity to reflect on a period that has been marked by deliberate efforts to accelerate development and improve the welfare of the people of Kano State. Since assuming office in May 2023, the administration has pursued policies and projects aimed at addressing critical needs across multiple sectors while laying the foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Over the past three years, governance in Kano has been largely defined by investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, water resources, youth empowerment, and economic development. These sectors have remained at the center of the administration’s agenda, reflecting a commitment to improving public service delivery and expanding opportunities for citizens.

Among the sectors that have received significant attention is education. Recognizing that the future of any society depends on the quality of its human capital, the government has continued to prioritize educational development through interventions designed to improve learning conditions and increase access to educational opportunities. The emphasis on education reflects a broader understanding that long-term progress can only be achieved through sustained investment in knowledge and human development.

The healthcare sector has also occupied a strategic place within the administration’s development framework. Access to quality healthcare remains one of the most important expectations of citizens, and efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery have become an important component of the government’s vision. Through initiatives aimed at improving medical services and enhancing healthcare infrastructure, the administration has sought to ensure that communities across the state benefit from better healthcare outcomes.

Agriculture, the backbone of livelihood for many households in Kano, has equally remained a priority. As one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural states, Kano occupies a unique position in food production and agribusiness. The administration’s commitment to supporting farmers and promoting agricultural development underscores the importance of the sector in driving economic growth, enhancing food security, and creating employment opportunities for thousands of residents.

Infrastructure development has emerged as one of the most visible aspects of the administration’s achievements. Road construction and rehabilitation projects undertaken across different parts of the state have improved connectivity and facilitated movement within communities. Beyond their physical appearance, these projects serve as critical enablers of economic activity by connecting people to markets, businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Closely linked to infrastructure development is the transportation sector, which has witnessed continued government attention. Efficient transportation systems play a vital role in supporting economic activities and improving the quality of life of citizens. By investing in transportation infrastructure and services, the administration has contributed to efforts aimed at creating a more accessible and productive environment for residents and businesses alike.

Water supply remains another area where government intervention has had considerable significance. Access to clean and reliable water is essential for public health, sanitation, and overall well-being. Through initiatives designed to improve water infrastructure and expand access to potable water, the administration has demonstrated its commitment to addressing one of the most fundamental needs of communities across the state.

The administration’s focus on human capital development extends beyond education to include youth and women empowerment. Across Kano State, efforts aimed at creating opportunities for young people and women have formed part of a broader strategy to encourage economic participation and self-reliance. By supporting initiatives that enhance skills, entrepreneurship, and economic inclusion, the government continues to invest in the potential of its people as drivers of development.

Economic growth and commercial development have also remained central to the administration’s vision. Kano has historically been recognized as one of Nigeria’s foremost commercial centers, and government policies have sought to strengthen that position through measures designed to support businesses, stimulate investment, and encourage economic activities. These efforts reflect an understanding that sustainable development requires a vibrant economy capable of creating opportunities and improving living standards.

Beyond individual projects and sectoral interventions, the administration’s approach to governance has emphasized responsiveness, public engagement, and a strong focus on service delivery. The various initiatives implemented over the past three years collectively represent an effort to improve the lives of citizens while building institutions and infrastructure that can support future generations.

As Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf marks three years in office, the story of his administration is closely tied to a vision of development that places people at the center of governance. The investments recorded across education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, water resources, and economic empowerment have contributed to shaping a new narrative of progress in Kano State.

The third anniversary of the administration is therefore not merely a celebration of time spent in office. It is a reflection of a development journey driven by a commitment to public service, social investment, and the pursuit of a more prosperous future. For many residents, the progress recorded across key sectors represents a renewed sense of hope and confidence in the possibilities of governance when development remains the central objective.

As Kano continues its march toward greater growth and modernization, the achievements of the past three years stand as important milestones in the ongoing effort to build a stronger, more inclusive, and economically vibrant state for present and future generations.

By Zubair A. Zubair

This evening, Dr. Nelson Aluya shared a video link with me on Instagram, and out of curiosity, I quickly watched it. What I expected to be an ordinary historical clip turned out to be something deeply emotional and thought-provoking.

The footage was from the late 1950s and early 1960s, during the period leading to Nigeria’s independence. It captured scenes of Nigerian students in classrooms, laboratories, technical centers, and learning environments that reflected preparation for a nation believed to have a bright and promising future. What struck me most was the condition of the educational institutions at the time, especially in Northern Nigeria.

The classrooms looked organized and conducive for learning. The science laboratories were functional and properly equipped. Students appeared disciplined, ambitious, and intellectually driven. Education was clearly treated as a national investment, not merely as a social obligation.

Watching the video left me with one painful question: How did we get it so wrong?

At independence, Nigeria was seen as a rising giant with enormous human and natural potential. Northern Nigeria, in particular, was being positioned as an important pillar for the country’s advancement in agriculture, science, innovation, and technology. There was a visible belief that education would shape the nation’s future and produce the skilled minds required to compete globally.

Decades later, however, many of those hopes appear abandoned. The same educational institutions that once symbolized excellence and promise are now struggling with inadequate funding, deteriorating infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, outdated laboratories, and recurring strikes. In some schools today, students learn in environments that are far below the standards that existed before independence.

That reality is heartbreaking.

What makes it even more painful is the realization that many of the people who benefited from quality education in the past are now among the leaders presiding over the decline of the same system that once empowered them. A generation that studied in functional classrooms and laboratories now oversees institutions where millions of young people struggle daily for basic educational resources.

Some people often describe Gen Z as lazy or unserious, but when one carefully observes the state of many Nigerian educational institutions, it becomes difficult not to sympathize with the frustration of young people. Students are expected to compete globally while learning in poorly equipped environments, facing unstable academic calendars, limited research opportunities, and little institutional support.

Yet despite these obstacles, Nigerian youths continue to demonstrate extraordinary brilliance across the world. From medicine and engineering to software development, research, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and innovation, Nigerians consistently excel whenever they are given the right opportunities and environment.

This is why education must once again become the backbone of national development. Countries such as China and India transformed their economies largely through sustained investment in education, technology, research, and innovation. No nation can genuinely aspire for progress while neglecting the intellectual development of its people.

As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Those words remain profoundly relevant today.

The old video I watched this evening was more than a historical memory. It was a reminder of the Nigeria our leaders once envisioned, a nation prepared to compete with the best in the world through knowledge, discipline, and innovation. It reminded me that our present condition was never meant to be our destiny.

Perhaps this is why individuals like Dr. Nelson Aluya continue to advocate passionately for youth empowerment, educational advancement, and social development through initiatives such as Youth Together Work Together (YTWT), aimed at helping young people break barriers and rewrite the narrative surrounding Nigerian youth.

Nigeria still possesses some of the brightest minds in the world. What is lacking is not talent, but consistent investment, visionary leadership, and a genuine commitment to rebuilding the institutions that shape the future.

The tragedy is not that Nigeria lacked a dream.
The tragedy is that somewhere along the journey, we stopped believing in it.

Zubair A. Zubair
Journalist | Columnist | Developer | Activist | Farmer
Writing from Kano, Nigeria.