The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Jigawa deepens basic education reforms, aligns with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

    Jigawa deepens basic education reforms, aligns with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

    The Jigawa State Government has intensified efforts to reposition basic education in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative, with the distribution of 247,597 teaching and learning materials under the JigawaUNITE education reform programme.

    The Executive Chairman of the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Haruna Musa, disclosed this at the JigawaUNITE book distribution ceremony held at Ansaruddeen Primary School, Kiyawa Local Government Area.

    Prof. Musa said the intervention reflects the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises human capital development through strengthened Universal Basic Education, and aligns with Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s 12-point development agenda that places education at the heart of sustainable growth.

    According to him, JigawaUNITE is a comprehensive and innovative reform programme designed to improve learning outcomes through improved teaching practices, adequate learning resources, and the integration of technology into classroom instruction, in line with national education goals.

    He explained that the programme is being implemented by SUBEB under the supervision of the Ministry of Basic Education, with technical support from NewGlobe, an international education reform organisation, noting that it complements ongoing federal efforts to revitalise basic education across the country.

    The SUBEB chairman said JigawaUNITE is currently operational in 250 primary schools across 20 local government areas, serving 87,543 pupils and supported by 1,480 trained teachers, adding that the first phase focused on equipping teachers with modern, technology-driven instructional skills to meet global standards.

    Providing details of the material distribution, Prof. Musa said a total of 247,597 academic materials had so far been delivered, comprising 194,380 items in the first term and 53,217 in the second term of the current academic session.

    He noted that the materials include over 57,000 assorted curriculum textbooks for pupils and teachers, as well as other instructional resources designed to complement digital learning in classrooms.

    “These materials represent more than books; they symbolise opportunity, knowledge and a pathway for our children to realise their full potential,” he said, stressing that the programme is anchored on the principle, championed by the Renewed Hope Initiative, that education is a right and not a privilege.

    Also speaking, Chairman of the JigawaUNITE Programme, Mr. Habib Saleh, said the initiative was conceived by Governor Namadi to reposition the state’s education system in line with global best practices through digital innovation, while supporting the Federal Government’s drive to improve learning outcomes at the basic education level.

    He revealed that baseline assessments conducted at the inception of the programme showed weak learning outcomes, but recent evaluations have indicated significant improvement.

    “Feedback from examinations, continuous assessments and testimonies from parents, teachers and school leaders clearly shows progress within a short period,” he said, adding that school visits and engagements with school-based management committees and mothers’ associations have further confirmed the programme’s positive impact.

    Mr. Saleh, however, identified teacher commitment in some rural areas as a major challenge, citing late resumption and early closure of schools, but assured that SUBEB and relevant monitoring agencies were addressing the issue.

    Looking ahead, the state government plans to expand JigawaUNITE to an additional 350 schools, bringing the total number of participating schools to 600 statewide, in line with the broader objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda on inclusive and equitable education.

    The chairman of JigawaUNITE said the expansion would be supported by sustained investment in teacher training, community participation, and data-driven assessments to continuously improve implementation strategies.

    With sustained political will and alignment with federal education reforms, the Jigawa State Government expressed confidence that JigawaUNITE would produce a new generation of pupils with improved learning outcomes and strong digital skills, positioning the state as a model for Universal Basic Education reform in Nigeria.

  • Uba Sani, Arewa Think Tank hail tax reform laws, sensitize Kaduna residents

    Uba Sani, Arewa Think Tank hail tax reform laws, sensitize Kaduna residents

    Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, and a Northern advocacy group, the Arewa Think Tank, have thrown their weight behind the Tax Reform Laws introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging residents, particularly youths, to embrace the reforms as a pathway to sustainable development.

    The governor spoke through the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Comrade Jerry Adams, who represented him at a sensitization summit organized by the Arewa Think Tank on Tuesday in Kaduna.

    Speaking on the theme, “The Benefits of the Renewed Hope Tax Reform Laws,” Governor Sani explained that the reforms are designed to streamline Nigeria’s multiple revenue sources into nine clearly defined and harmonized revenue lines.

    According to him, the initiative will simplify tax compliance, reduce confusion, and significantly improve the ease of doing business, especially for youth-led enterprises and small businesses.

    Addressing youths from across Northern Nigeria, the governor underscored their critical role in the success of the reforms, describing them as entrepreneurs, innovators, professionals, and community leaders whose understanding, compliance, and demand for accountability would determine the long-term impact of the tax policy.

    “The summit is not merely about sensitisation; it is about empowerment and partnership. Tax reform must translate into tangible outcomes such as better roads, quality education, accessible healthcare, improved security, and expanded economic opportunities,” the governor said.

    He noted that when citizens clearly see the link between taxes paid and development outcomes, public trust grows and voluntary compliance increases.

    Governor Sani urged participants to use the platform to engage constructively, exchange ideas across states, and serve as ambassadors of responsible tax citizenship across the Northern region.

    He also encouraged collective ownership of the development process, stressing that the workshop should deepen understanding and inspire collaboration among all stakeholders.

    The governor reaffirmed the Kaduna State Government’s commitment to progressive tax reforms, youth inclusion, and inter-state collaboration aimed at strengthening governance and economic resilience in Northern Nigeria.

    He expressed appreciation to the Arewa Think Tank, its partners, and participants for choosing Kaduna State as host for the sensitization summit.

    Earlier, the Convener of the Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, said the Tax Reform Laws present a unique opportunity for Northern states to become more innovative, economically self-reliant, and competitive.

    According to him, the reforms would particularly enable states to responsibly harness solid minerals and other natural resources to drive development.

    Yakubu noted that the reforms would also promote creativity and meaningful engagement with the Federal Government and the National Assembly on constitutional amendments that support resource-based development.

    He said the reforms hold “huge fortunes and prospects” that would benefit future generations if fully embraced.

    The Arewa Think Tank called on Northern political, traditional, and opinion leaders to patriotically support the reforms, urging state governments to leverage them to diversify their economies, strengthen internally generated revenue, and invest in education, healthcare, agriculture, solid minerals, and infrastructure.

    The group reaffirmed its commitment to standing with President Tinubu on the implementation of the Tax Reform Laws and pledged to intensify public sensitization on the importance of taxation for national development.

    According to the group, tax reform should be seen not as a burden but as an investment in a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous Nigeria.

    Highlights of the event included a solidarity road show by youths who marched with placards bearing inscriptions such as: “On Tax We Stand with Nigeria’s Progress,” “We Stand with President Tinubu,” “Tax Is an Investment,” “Pay Tax, Build Nigeria,” “Tax Today, Better Tomorrow,” “Our Tax, Our Future,” and “Tax Is Progress,” among others.

  • Katsina okays planned release of 70 suspected bandits in order

    Katsina okays planned release of 70 suspected bandits in order

    The planned release of 70 suspected bandits on trial for their alleged involvement in banditry is aimed at consolidating the peace deal between communities affected by insecurity in 15 local government areas of the state and repentant bandits, the Katsina State government has explained.

    It maintained that such tactics are adopted in war situations globally.

    The government said the deal had led to the release of at least 1,000 persons held captive by the suspected bandits in various attacks.

    On January 2, this year, a letter came to the open detailing the state government’s plan to secure the release of the suspected bandits facing criminal trials for their involvement in banditry related activities.

    The letter, classified as “SECRET,” was issued by the Ministry of Justice and addressed to the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Musa Abubakar.

    In the letter, the state government, through the ministry, sought the intervention of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) to facilitate the release of the detained suspected terrorists.

    The letter, which was signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, indicated that a list of 48 individuals accused of banditry-related offences had been forwarded to the Justice ministry by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs.

    According to the letter, the planned release of the suspected terrorists was to facilitate “their release from detention, as one of the conditions precedent for the continuance of the peace accord deal signed between the frontline local governments and the bandits.”

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    The government also said while some of the suspects were standing trial before the Federal High Court,others remained in detention awaiting trial at various magistrates’ courts across the state.

    Umar added that a separate list of about 22 inmates facing trial before various high courts across the state was submitted, seeking their release under the same peace arrangement, urging the state Chief Judge to take “necessary action” to that effect.

    It was gathered that the request falls within the statutory powers of the Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee under Section 371(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Katsina State, 2021.

    The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Danmusa, said the government did not do any wrong, advising any one who felt displeased with the decision to seek legal redress.

  • NNPP flags removed from Kano Govt House

    NNPP flags removed from Kano Govt House

    • Governor yet to hold defection to APC rally

    There was calm but increased security in Kano State yesterday following Governor Abba Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    There was, however, no official speech by the governor, his aides and the state government on the development.

     A formal ceremony to herald his defection, which was initially scheduled for yesterday, also did not take place.

    Yusuf was not in the Government House, where The Nation sighted some political aides removing   NNPP’s flag at the main entrance. They hung the Nigerian Green –White- Green national flag in the place of   NNPP’s.  

    The NNPP flag at the Deputy Governor’s Office was also removed.

    Some of the political aides were seen walking around the Government House premises with caps emblazoned with  President Bola Ahmed  Tinubu’s famous freedom cap.

    Tinubu’s freedom cap was first seen on the premises last Sunday at a function attended by Governor Yusuf and his exco members.

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    Many junior workers who were also spotted discussing in groups did not wear the   Kwankwasiyya cap, which hitherto was a part of their dressing.  

    There was a heavy presence of armed security personnel and Armoured Personnel Carriers(APCs)   in parts of Kano, especially around the  Government House.

    An exco member, who did not want his name in print, told The Nation that the governor skipped the ceremony to prevent violence.

    “We are no longer in NNPP. The most important thing about the defection to APC has been done, and others are still ongoing,” he said.

    The Nation gathered that Yusuf would soon fly abroad with his loyal stakeholders to brief President Tinubu on his defection.

    Another government official revealed that the governor defected with all the state’s council chairmen and all NNPP House of Assembly members. 

    Yusuf won the 2023 election on the platform of the NNPP, but has, for months, had open disagreement with Musa  Kwankwanso, widely regarded as the leader of the party(NNPP). 

    It was also gathered that the governor’s decision to defect stems from the unresolved leadership crises and multiple court cases within the NNPP.

    Kwankwaso, a former governor of the state,  has vehemently disapproved the move by the governor. He insists   Yusuf should relinquish his position if he must defect.

  • ‘Why Yusuf, Kwankwaso parted ways’

    ‘Why Yusuf, Kwankwaso parted ways’

    Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader, Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso, parted ways because of rift over 2027 governorship poll.

    A source said that the governor defected from the NNPP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to realise his re-election bid.

    According to the source, a major crisis has earlier broken out between the governor and the party leader because he was not prepared to back him for a second term.

    He also explained that although Yusuf is Kwakwanso’s father-in-law, the governor has always alleged high-handedness.

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    The source said Yusuf decided to leave for the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he will automatically become the Kano APC leader and has a bright chance of flying the party’s ticket in 2027.

    The source added: “The governor of Kano made up his mind to leave NNPP because his career would be sealed there in 2027. The deputy governor has been asked to prepare.

    “The supporter of Yusuf believe that he has performed well to earn a second term ticket, which was being blocked. Kwakwanso and his successor, Abdullahi Ganduje, spent eight years. The governor has the support of the House of Assembly.”

    He added: “Governor Yusuf is also joining the party in power to combine strength with the federal might to retain Kano. It is a major blow to the NNPP and its leader.”

  • Kogi govt mourns three APC chieftains

    Kogi govt mourns three APC chieftains

    The Kogi State Government yesterday expressed profound sorrow over the death of three All Progressives Congress leaders in the Confluence State.

    They are: Onojah James Ignatius, Special Adviser to Governor Usman Ododo and former Chairman of Igalamela Local Government Area; Jatto Onimisi Suleiman, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor; and Alih Atabo, APC Chairman of Anyigba Ward in Dekina Local Government Area.

    Commissioner for Information and Communication Kingsley Femi Fanwo announced their demise in a tribute contained in statement released in Lokoja yesterday.

    He spoke of the deceased dedication and service.

    The statement reads: “These men served Kogi State and the All Progressives Congress with uncommon dedication, loyalty, and commitment. Hon. Onojah James Ignatius was a seasoned grassroots mobiliser and administrator whose passion for community development and good governance was evident in all his engagements.

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    “Hon. Jatto Onimisi Suleiman discharged his duties with humility, diligence, and an unwavering sense of responsibility, always placing the interest of the people above personal considerations.

    “The Government and people of Kogi State have received with profound sorrow the news of the passing of three distinguished sons of the state: Hon. Onojah James Ignatius, Special Adviser to the Governor of Kogi State and former Chairman of Igalamela Local Government Area; Hon. Jatto Onimisi Suleiman, Senior Special Assistant to the governor; and Alhaji Alih Atabo, APC Chairman of Anyigba Ward in Dekina Local Government Area.”

    He added that the men served Kogi State and the APC with uncommon dedication, loyalty, and commitment.

    According to him, Onojah James Ignatius was a seasoned grassroots mobiliser and administrator whose passion for community development and good governance was evident in all his engagements.

    The commissioner did not however state the circumstances that led to their demise.

  • Arewa Think Tank backs Tinubu’s reforms, says Nigeria already experiencing economic rebound

    Arewa Think Tank backs Tinubu’s reforms, says Nigeria already experiencing economic rebound

    The Arewa Think Tank has endorsed the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asserting that Nigeria is no longer waiting for recovery but is already experiencing signs of substantive economic rejuvenation.

    Convener of the group, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, made the remarks while responding to recent positive economic indicators, aligning with the view of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor, Dr. Tunde Lemo, who recently stated that the country is “seeing light at the end of the tunnel” after a challenging period of reforms.

    Yakubu agreed with Lemo’s assessment but argued that the progress is more pronounced, declaring that “the light at the end of the tunnel is already shining.” He credited the emerging stability to the courage and political will demonstrated by President Tinubu in implementing far-reaching reforms despite their initial discomfort.

    He also applauded the President’s enthusiasm over the Nigerian capital market surpassing the ₦100 trillion mark in market capitalisation, describing the feat as a significant vote of confidence in the economy and a validation of the administration’s reform trajectory.

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    President Tinubu, through a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, celebrated the milestone as historic, describing it as evidence of renewed investor confidence and the emergence of a new economic reality.

    According to the statement, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) All-Share Index closed 2025 with a strong return of 51.19 per cent, outperforming major global indices, including the S&P 500 and FTSE 100.

    The President said this performance places Nigeria among the world’s best-performing equity markets and signals that the country is no longer a frontier market to be ignored.

    Yakubu said these developments validate the President’s insistence that tough reforms were unavoidable if Nigeria was to escape economic collapse.

    He also referenced Dr. Lemo’s warnings that without the removal of fuel subsidy, tax reforms, and monetary tightening, Nigeria could have plunged into a deeper crisis.

    Lemo had cited declining inflation, improved exchange-rate stability, and easing food pressures towards the end of 2025 as evidence of resilience.

    Yakubu said the Arewa Think Tank believes the gradual deceleration of inflation, stabilisation of the naira, and renewed activity in the capital market show that the reforms are beginning to yield results.

    “The ₦100 trillion NGX milestone, the decelerating inflation figures, and renewed investor confidence are not coincidences. They are outcomes of deliberate and courageous leadership,” he said.

    He urged Nigerians to exercise patience and continue to support the administration, adding that sustainable growth requires shared sacrifice.

    According to him, President Tinubu’s pledge to build a transparent, inclusive, and high-growth economy driven by fiscal and tax reforms offers hope that Nigeria is firmly on the path to recovery.

    “The journey has been tough, but the signs are clear. The tunnel is behind us, and the light is already shining,” Yakubu concluded.

  • Kaduna to host KBRT prize naming ceremony Jan 21

    Kaduna to host KBRT prize naming ceremony Jan 21

    Kaduna State Government has announced plans to host the KBRT Prize Naming Competition Ceremony on January 21, 2026, as part of activities marking a key milestone in the implementation of the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT) project.

    The ceremony according to a statement issued on Sunday by KBRT Communication Advisor, Jamila  Hamisu Farouk, is scheduled to hold at KADA HIVE in Kaduna, and is expected to bring together government officials, transport sector stakeholders, development partners, and members of the media.

    The KBRT project, branded Kaduna Connect, is a flagship transport initiative of the Uba Sani administration aimed at improving public transportation, easing mobility challenges, and promoting efficient urban movement across the state.

    The project is being implemented with technical and financial support from the French Development Agency (AFD), Kaduna State’s key development partner in advancing sustainable transport infrastructure.

    At the event, the winning name for the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit system will be unveiled, while gifts will be presented to the winner of the naming competition. Other activities highlighting the importance and future impact of the project will also feature.

    The Kaduna State Government expressed optimism that the KBRT project will enhance the efficiency, safety, and affordability of public transportation, while reinforcing its commitment to inclusive, people-centred development.

  • Army unveils admin block, library at GSS Wase

    Army unveils admin block, library at GSS Wase

    The Nigerian Army has unveiled a newly constructed administrative block and library at Government Secondary School (GSS), Wase, Plateau State, as part of efforts to strengthen civil–military relations and support educational development.

    The project, executed under the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiative, was inaugurated on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the instance of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander Sector 1, Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed Wase.

    Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said the Nigerian Army remains committed to contributing meaningfully to national development beyond its core security mandate. He was represented by the GOC 3 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander, Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Folusho Oyinlola.

    The COAS noted that addressing Nigeria’s security and developmental challenges requires sustained collaboration between the military and the civil populace, stressing that education remains a critical pillar for national progress.

    He urged students of the school to remain disciplined, focused and committed to academic excellence, describing them as future leaders whose success would shape the nation’s destiny.

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    In his welcome address, Major General Wase said the project was driven by his passion for youth development and quality education. He described education as a powerful tool for nation-building and encouraged the students and school authorities to ensure proper utilisation of the facilities.

    According to him, the intervention was also aimed at leaving a lasting impact on the community while reinforcing trust and cooperation between the Army and civilians.

    The Principal of Government Secondary School, Wase, Malam Musa Ajiya in his vote of thanks, expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian Army for its consistent support to education and national security through CIMIC projects.

    He said the new facilities would significantly improve the school’s learning environment and academic performance, pledging that the school management would ensure proper maintenance of the buildings.

    Highlights of the event include the commissioning, unveiling and inspection of the administrative block and library, presentation of teaching aids to four districts, cultural performances by students and presentation of souvenirs to distinguished guests.

  • 28 kidnapped Plateau travellers released

    28 kidnapped Plateau travellers released

    The twenty-eight travellers who were abducted on December 21, 2025 in Zak community of Bashar District of Wase local government area of Plateau State have been released by their abductors.

    The victims including men, women and children were heading to Sabon Layi community of Bashar District to attend a Maulud event when they were abducted.

    The kidnappers had after the incident, contacted the victims’ relatives, demanding N1.5m ransom per person, a demand the relatives said they could not afford, pleading with the kidnappers to release them.

    The abductors later slashed the ransom to N30m but asked the victim’s relatives to provide three new brand motorcycles in addition.

    By Thursday, victims’ families said the kidnappers had reversed their demand, requiring N1.5m and one new motorcycle per victim for their release.

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    Confirming the release, a youth leader in Wase LGA, Sapi’i Sambo, said the victims have been released.

    He said security operatives called in the night saying that they had rescued the victims.

    Also, a parent from Zak community whose child was amongst those kidnapped, Dauda Ibrahim, confirmed the release, explaining that “we were told by the security that our children have been released and are currently in Bashar town. We are grateful to God Almighty and to the DSS operatives.”