Kano Governor Abolishes Higher Education Ministry Amid Political Heat
Kano Governor Abolishes Higher Education Ministry Amid Political Heat
According to Ireporter Online, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has dissolved the Ministry of Higher Education, previously led by Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo, merging its functions with the Ministry of Education to enhance coordination and efficiency in the state’s education sector. The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa, announced on Sunday that a Directorate of Higher Education has been established within the Ministry of Education to oversee tertiary institutions. The directorate will be led by a Permanent Secretary, while agencies formerly under the abolished ministry, including the state scholarship board, will now report to the merged ministry. TV Networks & Stations
Governor Yusuf stated that the restructuring aims to reduce the cost of governance, eliminate duplication of responsibilities, and improve accountability and the quality of education administration in Kano State. The decision comes amid rising political tensions, following allegations of money laundering against the deputy governor by the Kano State House of Assembly.
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The crisis escalated after Yusuf defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), prompting a split in the state government. Several commissioners, including those overseeing youth and sports, internal security, special duties, higher education, and religious affairs, reportedly refused to join the governor in the defection, reaffirming loyalty to NNPP national leader Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Political tensions further intensified when the Kano State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Gwarzo. The notice, presented by Majority Leader Lawan Dala and read by Speaker Ismail Falgore, cited allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust, including financial impropriety during his previous tenure as commissioner for local government. Thirty-eight lawmakers signed the impeachment notice, and the Speaker directed that the deputy governor be formally served in line with constitutional procedures.
