Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has dissolved the state’s Ministry of Higher Education and merged its functions with the Ministry of Education as part of an administrative overhaul aimed at improving efficiency and reducing the cost of governance.
The restructuring was confirmed on Sunday in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa.
According to the statement, the responsibilities of the defunct ministry will now be handled within the Ministry of Education through a newly created Directorate of Higher Education.
Under the new arrangement, the Ministry of Education will supervise all levels of education in the state, while the Directorate of Higher Education—led by a Permanent Secretary—will specifically coordinate the affairs of tertiary institutions.
Officials said agencies previously under the dissolved ministry, including the Kano State Scholarship Board, will now report directly to the restructured ministry.
Improved Management
Governor Yusuf explained that the move forms part of broader reforms intended to streamline government operations, eliminate overlapping responsibilities and improve the management of the state’s education system.
He said the decision was designed to cut governance costs while strengthening transparency, accountability and coordination across educational institutions in Kano.
The restructuring comes at a time of growing political tension in the state, particularly surrounding allegations of money laundering against the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.
The accusations were raised by members of the Kano State House of Assembly.
The situation has been further complicated by recent political developments involving the governor’s reported defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that has sparked fresh alignments within the state’s political structure.
Sources indicated that the deputy governor and five commissioners chose not to follow the governor to the APC.
Instead, they reaffirmed their loyalty to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the NNPP.
Among the commissioners said to have resigned are Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development; Ibrahim Umar, Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services; Nasiru Sule Garo, Commissioner for Special Duties; Abdullahi Sani Makoda, Commissioner for Higher Education; and Lamin Sani Zawiya, Commissioner for Religious Affairs.
Deputy Governor Face Impeachment
Meanwhile, tensions escalated on Thursday when the Kano State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor.
The impeachment notice was introduced by the Majority Leader, Lawan Dala, and formally presented during plenary by the Speaker, Ismail Falgore.
Lawmakers said the action was taken following allegations of misconduct, abuse of office and breach of public trust against the deputy governor.
According to Dala, the accusations include using his official position to grant improper advantages, actions the Assembly described as inconsistent with the responsibilities of public office.
The Assembly also alleged financial misconduct linked to Gwarzo’s previous role as Commissioner for Local Government.
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A total of 38 lawmakers endorsed the impeachment notice, after which the Speaker directed that the deputy governor be officially served in accordance with constitutional procedures.