Building a Better Kano State

In its ongoing efforts to strengthen international partnerships and attract strategic development opportunities, Kano State once again welcomed a high-level diplomatic guest. The Deputy Ambassador and Deputy Chief of Mission of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, Hon. Minister Zhou Hongyou, paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency Alh. Abba K Yusuf at the Government House, Kano.

The visit centred on strengthening diplomatic ties and exploring areas of deeper cooperation between Kano State and the Chinese government two partners connected by development, mutual respect, and shared opportunities.

During the visit, His Excellency appealed for the continued strengthening of the long-standing relationship between the Kano State Government and the People’s Republic of China. His Excellency appreciated the support China has consistently provided to the people of Kano particularly in the education sector and urged that these opportunities be sustained and expanded to empower the state’s youth and future leaders.

The courtesy visit marked another step toward a stronger Kano China partnership one built on collaboration, development, and shared vision.

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has declared Monday, June 2, 2025, a public holiday to sympathize with the families of athletes who lost their lives in a tragic auto accident. The accident, which occurred on the Kano-Zaria expressway, claimed 22 lives and left several others seriously injured. The victims were returning from the National Sports Festival.

The governor expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. In a statement, he described the tragedy as a dark moment for the state and called for calm and unity during this difficult period.

The public holiday will allow the people of Kano to pray and sympathize with the families of the victims. The state has also called on Imams and Muslims to pray for the departed souls and their families to bear the loss.

The governor assured that all necessary efforts are being made to support the victims and their families. He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and mourned with them, sharing in their grief.

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has paid N2.24 billion to clear the outstanding tuition and accommodation fees of 84 students stranded in Northern Cyprus. The students, initially sponsored under a foreign scholarship scheme introduced by former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, were abandoned after the administration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje discontinued funding.

The students faced severe financial and emotional trauma, with some facing legal threats from their host institution, Near East University in Cyprus. They were locked out of classrooms, evicted from accommodations, and ridiculed abroad. The situation drew widespread criticism from human rights groups and diaspora communities.

With the fees settled, the students can now receive their certificates and pursue their careers. The beneficiaries include 28 medical students and others studying paramedical and engineering courses, such as MBBS, BSc./MSc Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Computer Science, and Biomedical Sciences.

Key Highlights:

• Total Amount Paid: N2.24 billion
• Number of Students: 84
• Courses Affected: Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Computer Science, Biomedical Sciences, and Engineering

Next Steps: Automatic employment into the Kano State Civil Service

Governor Yusuf's action has brought relief to the students and their families, with many parents moved to tears upon hearing the news. The development has been widely praised by education advocates and human rights organizations.