Kano State Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, has called for increased community and individual investment in education, describing it as a powerful tool for transforming society and driving national development.
Garo made the call on Saturday at the graduation ceremony of 850 students of the Community College of Education, Kano, sponsored by former Kano State Governor and Senator, Ibrahim Shekarau.
The ceremony was held at the School of Arabic Studies (SAS), Kano.
The Deputy Governor said the occasion went beyond the presentation of certificates, stressing that it provided an opportunity to demonstrate the transformative power of education, particularly in empowering women.
He congratulated the graduates, popularly known as “Ya’yan Mallam,” and reaffirmed the Kano State Government’s commitment to improving the standard of education in the state.
According to him, the priority attached to education by the government is also reflected in the state’s budgetary allocation to the sector.
Garo emphasised the need to educate citizens, especially women, noting that an educated woman contributes significantly to the development of her family and society.
“When you educate a woman, you educate a nation,” he said.
The Deputy Governor urged politicians, philanthropists and other well-meaning individuals to emulate Senator Shekarau’s investment in education and contribute to expanding access to quality learning opportunities.
He also charged the graduates to become good ambassadors of the institution and use the knowledge and skills acquired to contribute positively to society.
Garo disclosed that he would present the concerns and requests of the graduates to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, including a plea for their possible employment by the state government.
He linked the request to the recent recruitment of more than 6,000 teachers by the Kano State Government, describing the development as historic.
Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, the Sardaunan Kano, expressed appreciation to the Deputy Governor and other dignitaries for honouring the invitation.
Shekarau explained that the Community College of Education was established through the initiative of a Da’awa group, “Wa’azu Wal Ihsan,” and had been operating for about four to five years.
He commended Garo for promising to convey the graduates’ request to Governor Yusuf, stressing the critical role of teachers in the education system.
“Without teachers, classrooms cannot function effectively,” Shekarau said.
The former governor also commended the management of the college, led by Muhammad Adam, as well as the parents for their support and commitment to the students, particularly the female graduates.
He urged the graduates to remain good ambassadors of the institution and appealed to the Kano State Government to provide a permanent site for the college to enable it expand its academic activities.
Among the dignitaries at the ceremony were the Chief Imam of Kano State, Professor Sani Zaharaddeen; Rt. Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Member representing Tudun Wada/Doguwa Federal Constituency; Prof. Ibrahim Mai Bushra, former Commander-General of Kano State Hisbah; and Malam Muhammad Jamoh, an APC stalwart, among others.
