By Ado Salisu
Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University, Kano (KHAIRUN) organized a one-day follow-up seminar on the State of Emergency (SOE) in education declared by the Kano State Government.
The event, held on KHAIRUN’s campus, attracted distinguished guests and stakeholders from across the state and beyond to discuss the importance of education.
A statement issued by the university’s Head of Corporate Affairs and Marketing Department, Bilal Dahiru Tijjani, noted that the Chairman of the occasion, KHAIRUN’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Kabiru Isyaku, praised the Kano State Government for its bold step in declaring the State of Emergency, calling it a move in the right direction.
Professor Isyaku emphasized the need to include seasoned educationists with proven track records in the implementation of the SOE. He also called on the government to address the rising demand for education through increased funding and infrastructure.
Furthermore, he urged schools and institutions to produce graduates equipped with entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to create opportunities rather than relying solely on salaried employment.
Earlier, KHAIRUN’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdulrashid Garba, commended the state government for its efforts to enhance education at all levels, particularly at the foundational level.
Professor Garba reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting the initiative as a key stakeholder. He, however, advocated for a comprehensive blueprint, adequate budget allocation, legal enforcement, and a dedicated implementation committee to ensure the SOE’s success.
He also stressed the importance of upholding the Universal Basic Education (UBE) law, which mandates free and compulsory primary and junior secondary education, and called for community mobilization to encourage parental involvement. Additionally, he suggested introducing measures to hold parents accountable for their children’s education.
In her presentation, Prof. Hassana Sani Darma highlighted the seminar’s purpose, rooted in the State of Emergency declaration by Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf. She reiterated the vision of the SOE, which prioritizes advancing education in Kano State and beyond, stressing the necessity of collective efforts to achieve this goal.
Responding, the representative of the state government, Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Education, Alhaji Bashir Baffa Muhammad, reiterated the state government’s commitment to the overall development of education in the state.
He assured that the present administration will continue to work with relevant stakeholders, especially in the education sector, to actualize the state emergency on education. Alhaji Muhammad explained that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has a keen interest in improving the fortunes of education in the state.
He further stated that the state government had earmarked over 30 per cent of its 2025 budget to restore the lost glory of education across the state.
The seminar concluded with a shared resolution among participants to champion the advancement of education in the state for a brighter future.