By Usman Usman Garba
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the merger of the Ministry of Higher Education with the Ministry of Education as part of efforts to strengthen coordination and accelerate reforms in the state’s education sector.
The decision was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
Following the restructuring, the new entity will operate as the Ministry of Education, with a Directorate of Higher Education created within the ministry to oversee tertiary institutions.
“Under this restructuring, all agencies under the defunct Higher Education Ministry, such as the Scholarship Board, will return to the Ministry of Education, while state-owned universities and other higher institutions will be supervised by the new directorate,” the statement said.
It added that the directorate would be headed by a Permanent Secretary and supported by relevant personnel to ensure effective management of higher education activities in the state.
The government said the move was part of ongoing reforms in the education sector aimed at eliminating duplication of responsibilities, improving policy coordination and reducing the cost of governance.
Yusuf said the restructuring would enhance efficiency, accountability and the overall quality of education administration in the state.
“This reform is designed to reduce the cost of governance while enhancing efficiency, accountability and the overall quality of education administration in Kano State,” he said.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to implementing policies that would reposition the education sector and improve learning outcomes.
He added that the Offices of the Secretary to the State Government and the Head of Service had been directed to ensure the seamless realignment of the affected ministries and departments.
