Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the Nigeria Police to sustain peace and security across the state.

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

Governor Yusuf made this known during a courtesy visit to the Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Bakori, at his office.

He said the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between the state government and the police command, as well as reinforcing mutual cooperation and understanding.

The governor noted that insecurity was one of the major challenges he faced upon assuming office, stressing that the situation has significantly improved under the leadership of CP Bakori.

He emphasized that Kano belongs to all its people, adding that political differences should never be used as an excuse to compromise security.

Governor Yusuf said politicians must rise above partisan interests when it comes to the safety of lives and property, noting that while political disagreements may exist, security issues must remain non-negotiable.

“As politicians, we may belong to different platforms, but on matters of security, we must unite under one umbrella for the good of Kano,” the governor said.

He further assured the police command of the state government’s moral and institutional support, adding that the people of Kano are fully aware of, and appreciative of, the efforts of the police in maintaining peace.

In his remarks, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Bakori, described the governor’s visit as a clear demonstration of his commitment, support, and goodwill towards the police force.

CP Bakori said the governor’s continuous support, encouragement, and guidance since his assumption of office have greatly contributed to the successes recorded by the command.

He reaffirmed the police command’s commitment to working closely with the state government to ensure sustained peace and security across Kano State.

The Commissioner of Police also used the opportunity to parade three suspects who allegedly killed a mother with her entire children in Dorayi-Chiranci quarters few days ago.

The Federal Government, in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), have commissioned a Bilingual Education Boarding School in Kiru Local Government Area of Kano State, as part of efforts to expand access to inclusive and quality basic education across Nigeria.

Speaking at the commissioning, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, described the project as a major investment in human capital development, social inclusion and regional stability. She said the school reflects the strong collaboration between the Federal Government, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the IsDB in addressing the educational needs of vulnerable and out-of-school children.

According to her, the bilingual education model integrates English and Arabic literacy with modern pedagogy, technical and vocational education, ICT-driven learning and safe boarding facilities. “Bilingual education strengthens communication, preserves cultural identity and enhances global competitiveness, while ensuring that religious knowledge is not pursued at the expense of modern education,” she said.

Professor Ahmad added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s education transformation agenda, which prioritises access, equity, skills development and strategic planning, while also supporting efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children nationwide.

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, said the commissioning of the school marked the opening of new opportunities for learning and national development. He said the state government had declared a state of emergency in the education sector and embarked on wide-ranging reforms to improve access, infrastructure and learning outcomes.

The governor noted that his administration had recruited more teachers, supplied thousands of textbooks, and invested heavily in infrastructure, including the construction of over 1,700 new classrooms and rehabilitation of existing ones across the state. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making education a top priority and ensuring that children from poor and vulnerable backgrounds have access to quality education.

In her address, the Executive Secretary of UBEC said the Kiru school is one of 30 bilingual model schools being constructed across nine states, including Kano, Adamawa, Borno, Kaduna and Niger. She disclosed that Kano hosts four of the schools, with others located in Doguwa, Ganduje and Ungoggo.

She explained that each model school has the capacity to accommodate over 1,000 students and is equipped with academic and administrative blocks, hostels, staff quarters, vocational centres, a mosque, water facilities and perimeter fencing.

The UBEC boss commended the Kano State Government for its support, particularly in land provision, security and coordination, and also praised the IsDB for its sustained commitment to education development in Nigeria.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The education ministry under the leadership of Dr. Tunji Alausa has announced plans to abolish the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy by empowering polytechnics to award degrees.

The minister disclosed this in Abuja yesterday while addressing a high-level retreat of council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars and bursars.

The minister said the move is a landmark policy shift that would end decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and elevate polytechnics into centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system.

According to him, the reform would place polytechnic education on a stronger footing while preserving its core strength in hands-on, industry-focused training.

He noted that Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends on a workforce equipped to create, build and solve real-world problems.

The minister explained that the policy aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises job creation, industrial growth and human capital development.

Alausa assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by clear standards, strong regulation and quality assurance mechanisms to ensure global competitiveness.

Speaking on the theme “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development”, the minister said polytechnics are critical to building a skills-driven economy.

He charged participants to return to their institutions as agents of change, the minister said, “The future of our youth, our economy and our nation depends on the transformation we ignite here today.”

He stressed that the ministry has prioritised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure graduates are industry-ready, innovative and capable of driving economic growth.

He urged polytechnic leaders to entrench innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs and robust industry partnerships, identifying renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing and climate-resilient solutions as priority areas.

On governance, Dr. Alausa warned that transparency, accountability and ethical leadership must define the new era in polytechnic administration. He called for fiscal discipline, timely audits, prudent resource management and zero tolerance for corruption.

The minister also emphasised sustainability, encouraging institutions to increase internally generated revenue through production and services, develop eco-friendly campuses and build resilient infrastructure.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting polytechnics through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades and partnerships.

He further announced a special TETFund intervention this year to upgrade polytechnic engineering schools with state-of-the-art equipment, following a similar intervention for 12 medical colleges last year.