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 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.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have launched a strategic partnership to educate the public on the legal rights of gunshot victims, aiming to end the tragic loss of life caused by delayed medical intervention.

The collaboration was formalized during a high-level meeting at the NOA headquarters in Abuja. Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director-General of NOA, was represented at the event by the Director of Social Mobilisation, Ayoola Olufemi.

In a statement released via the agency’s official X handle, officials underscored the urgent need to disseminate information regarding the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act. This federal law, enacted in 2017, mandates that all hospitals must provide immediate emergency care to victims, irrespective of their ability to pay or produce a police report upon arrival.

“Delays in providing medical treatment to gunshot victims often result in preventable loss of lives,” Olufemi stated. “Many Nigerians are unaware that hospitals are required by law to provide immediate care before demanding police reports, administrative documentation, or financial guarantees.”

Olufemi highlighted that the NOA, with its extensive network of 818 offices across the country, is uniquely positioned to lead this public enlightenment campaign. He stressed that the initiative is designed to empower citizens with knowledge of their rights under the law.

Echoing this sentiment, the Deputy Head of the ICRC in Nigeria, James Matthew, praised the partnership and emphasized the life-saving potential of the campaign. He noted that educating healthcare providers and the general public is critical to ensuring compliance.

“Through NOA’s broad national reach, the ICRC will help ensure gunshot victims receive timely medical care. Improved awareness will save lives, particularly in emergencies,” Matthew said.

The signing ceremony was attended by key stakeholders from both organizations. NOA representatives included the Director of Health and Social Care, Dr. Ayoola Olufemi; Director of Legal Services, Dogo Williams; and Meriam Yakubu. The ICRC delegation featured Humanitarian Affairs Adviser Juliet Kelechi Unudi. Members of the press, including correspondents from the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Armed Forces Radio, Science Newspaper, and Daily Trust, were also present to cover the event.

The nationwide sensitisation campaign is expected to clarify misconceptions about the Act, promote prompt medical intervention, and ultimately save countless lives across Nigeria.