Kano Governor Abba Yusuf Removes Deputy from Higher Education Role, Merges Ministry
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has announced a significant restructuring of the state's education sector, stripping his deputy, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, of the position of Commissioner for Higher Education. In a statement released by the governor's spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, it was confirmed that the Ministry of Higher Education has been dissolved and integrated into the Ministry of Education.
New Directorate to Oversee Tertiary Education
As part of this reform, a specialised Directorate of Higher Education will be established within the merged Ministry of Education to supervise tertiary education activities. This directorate will be headed by a Permanent Secretary and supported by necessary personnel to ensure effective management of higher education institutions across Kano State.
Under the new structure:
- All agencies previously under the defunct Higher Education Ministry, such as the Scholarship Board, will return to the Ministry of Education.
- State-owned universities and other higher education institutes will be supervised by the new Directorate.
Goals of the Education Sector Reform
Dawakin-Tofa explained that this move is a key component of the state government's ongoing State of Education sector reform. The primary objectives include:
- Repositioning the education sector for better performance.
- Eliminating duplication of responsibilities among ministries.
- Improving policy coordination across all levels of education.
- Reducing the cost of governance to allocate resources more efficiently.
Governor Yusuf emphasized that the reform is designed to enhance efficiency, accountability, and the overall quality of education administration in Kano State. He reiterated his administration's commitment to implementing far-reaching reforms aimed at reviving the education sector and securing a brighter future for the younger generation.
Immediate Implementation and Background
The Office of the Secretary to the State Government and the Office of the Head of Service have been directed to ensure an immediate and seamless realignment of the affected ministries and their respective departments. This directive aims to minimize disruption and facilitate a smooth transition.
Prior to this restructuring, the defunct Ministry for Higher Education was embroiled in controversies, including allegations of resource misappropriation and financial impropriety. The former Commissioner, Dr Yusuf Kofar-Mata, was accused of fraud related to the state's foreign scholarship program, highlighting the need for systemic changes to restore integrity and transparency in educational governance.
This restructuring reflects Governor Yusuf's broader agenda to streamline government operations and foster a more accountable and effective public administration in Kano State.
