An Open Letter to His Excellency, the Governor of Kano State
Your Excellency,
I am writing to express my deep concerns about the relocation of Government Girls’ Secondary School (GGSS) Maikwatashi to Kaura Goje, Kano State. While I appreciate your efforts to improve education in the state, I strongly believe that the handlers of this project have made some grave mistakes that have put the entire initiative in a negative light.
As a former Commissioner of Education, I have had the privilege of handling similar relocation projects, and I must say that the approach adopted in the case of Maikwatashi was woefully inadequate. In my previous experience, specifically with the relocation of Jido Primary School, we ensured that the new school was fully constructed, equipped, and furnished before relocating the students. This approach not only ensured a smooth transition but also minimized disruptions to the students’ learning process.
Regrettably, the same cannot be said for the Maikwatashi relocation. The decision to demolish the old school before completing the new one has caused unnecessary disruptions, hardships, and anxiety for the students, teachers, and the community at large. I strongly believe that the handlers of the project were inexperienced and lacked the requisite political sensitivity to navigate such a complex and sensitive issue.
Furthermore, I take strong exception to the reasons advanced for the relocation, which unfairly painted the residents of Sabon Gari in a negative light. The blanket condemnation of the community as a haven for criminals and miscreants is not only unfair but also uncalled for, given their immense contributions to Kano State and their overwhelming support for you in the 2023 elections.
The sale of the old school land at a staggering N100,000,000 per plot is also a matter of grave concern. Instead of selling the land, the government could have used it for other beneficial purposes, such as constructing sports facilities, a town hall, or other community development projects that would have benefited the people of Kano State.
A viral video carrying the statement of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Sunusi Surajo Kwankwaso, has further worsened the situation. I urge Your Excellency to restrain individuals who are not stakeholders in the education sector from making comments on issues that they know nothing about.
I commend the Hon. Commissioner of Education for not dragging the Ministry of Education into the already confusing matter. He now has the opportunity to correct the wrong after the mess done by the wrongdoing handlers.
It is imperative that the handlers of the Maikwatashi project take responsibility for their actions and acknowledge their mistakes. Waiting for the new site to be completed and relocating the students, teachers, and records before demolishing the old school would have been a more prudent and sensible approach. This would have avoided the disruptions, maintained the government’s image, and prevented the widespread criticism that has greeted this project.
I urge Your Excellency to caution the handlers of the Maikwatashi project against repeating these mistakes in the future and to prioritize the needs of the students and the community in any relocation decision. It is essential that the government learns from this experience and adopts a more thoughtful, inclusive, and sustainable approach to addressing the educational needs of Kano State.
Sincerely,
Muhammad Sanusi S. Kiru, FCIA
Former Commissioner of Education, Kano State