Governor Sani reduces Kaduna tertiary tuition by 50%

Governor Uba Sani has announced a 50% reduction in tuition fees for all Kaduna State-owned tertiary institutions, describing it as a major step toward removing barriers to higher education.

Speaking through his principal private secretary, Professor Bello Ayuba, at the inauguration of the Kaduna State University chapter of the Kaduna State Students Union, the governor said the policy has made it easier for students from low-income backgrounds to pursue university education in the state.

He expressed gratitude to the students for presenting him with the Sword of Honour Award and for recognising the achievements of his administration, which were highlighted during the event’s public lecture.

He promised, “Government will continue to support students and the youth generally to realize their ambitions. On your part, make sure that an atmosphere of peace prevails to allow for government’s development programmes to run their full course.’’

The governor advised students not to allow agents of disunity and chaos to use them to destabilize their communities and steer them away from their career goals.

Governor Uba Sani reminded the students and lecturers at the event that ‘’no meaningful development can be achieved in a state of chaos, disunity and mutual mistrust.’’

However, he said that ‘’going by your conduct over the period that I have been at the helm of affairs of our state so far, you are reliable partners of progress and I can count on you every step of the way.’’

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The governor recalled that Kaduna State was under siege owing to the insecurity in some of the local government areas, which had dire consequences on agricultural and business activities.

He noted that the security challenges have now been drastically reduced owing to the combined commitment of security agencies, resulting in safer high ways, people returning to farms and the opening of local markets.

The governor further said that the Birnin Gwari cattle market which had been closed for over 10 years, has been reopened, so have the other markets in security challenged areas in Giwa local government.

Governor Uba Sani also said, ‘’In the last 22 months, we have embarked on the construction of over 78 road projects covering 775 kilometers out of which many have already been completed, most of them link roads in the rural areas.’’

He added that General Hospitals are also being remodelled and a total of 255 healthcare centres are being upgraded , while more schools are being built and the existing ones are being refurbished to enable a more conducive teaching and learning atmosphere.

Explaining why the governor was conferred with the Sword of Honour Award, the Students’ body commended him for the reduction in tuition fees and the establishment of new faculties in the school.

The union also said that Governor Uba Sani’s ‘’decision to facilitate the CBN Intervention Project for the Faculty of Engineering at KASU is a testament to your vision for building a brighter future for the youth.’’

‘’Furthermore, your directive to KASU management to allow all students to sit for examinations regardless of outstanding fees underscores your deep concern for the less privileged, ensuring that no student is left behind due to financial constraints,’’ it said.

According to the union, Governor Uba Sani has truly redefined the concept of good governance by prioritising education, infrastructural development and youth empowerment.

Governor Sani reduces Kaduna tertiary tuition by 50%

AfDB Adesina speaks on shocking truth that keeps Africa poor

President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has renewed his call for Africa to end the export of raw materials, insisting that the practice continues to trap the continent in poverty.

In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Adesina declared: “Africa must end the exports of its raw materials. The export of raw materials is the door to poverty. The export of value-added products is the highway to wealth. And Africa is tired of being poor.”

The former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture argued that exporting unprocessed commodities benefits foreign economies more than it does African nations, as it robs the continent of the opportunity to create jobs, build industries, and generate wealth.

“Africa’s current economic model, where we ship out raw materials and import finished goods at higher prices, is unsustainable,” he has repeatedly stated in various fora. “We must process what we produce and move up the value chain.”

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Adesina’s comments come amid growing calls for economic diversification across the continent and the implementation of policies that promote industrialisation and intra-African trade.

Analysts say his remarks reflect a broader urgency for Africa to take ownership of its production capacity and reduce dependence on external markets.

Experts often cite the example of cocoa—largely produced in West Africa but processed abroad into chocolate—as a symbol of this imbalance.

By focusing on value addition, African nations could significantly increase export earnings and strengthen local economies.

With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) creating new avenues for regional collaboration and industrial expansion, Adesina’s message underscores a timely call to action.

“Africa is not poor,” he said in an earlier statement. “It is rich in resources—but it must also become rich in value.”

AfDB Adesina speaks on shocking truth that keeps Africa poor

Libya nabs three Nigerians over drug trafficking

The Samnu Police Department in southern Libya detained three Nigerians for drug trafficking.

According to a statement issued by Migrant Rescue Watch on X (previously Twitter) on Sunday, the suspects were apprehended carrying a quantity of hashish that officials believe was meant for sale.

The arrests were made during a targeted operation in the town of Samnu, Murzuq region, which is known for smuggling and human trafficking due to its proximity to Libya’s southern borders.

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This operation is part of a larger security effort to combat drug-related crimes and cross-border trafficking of migrants.

The suspects’ identities have not yet been made public. Authorities acknowledged that the case had been turned over to the public prosecutor for further investigation and judicial action.

The statement said. “Samnu Police Dept. arrested 3 #migrants of Nigerian nationality on charges of drug trafficking. The trio were found in possession of a quantity of hashish earmarked for sale. The case was referred to public prosecution.”

Libya nabs three Nigerians over drug trafficking