Political Shake-up: Governor Abba Yusuf Scraps Ministry Overseen by Embattled Deputy

Restructuring Amidst Impeachment Moves

In a move that further signals a deep political rift within the Kano State Government, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced the immediate scrapping of the Ministry for Higher Education. The ministry was, until this directive, overseen by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, who doubled as its Commissioner.

The restructuring comes at a critical time for Mr. Abdulsalam, who is currently facing an impeachment notice from the State House of Assembly on allegations of "gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust." This administrative shift effectively strips the Deputy Governor of his direct control over the state's tertiary education bureaucracy.

Foreign Scholarship Scheme Moved

The defunct ministry was the primary agency responsible for Kano State’s high-profile and often controversial Foreign Scholarship Scheme. Under the new directive, all scholarship-related activities and agencies, including the Scholarship Board, have been absorbed by the mainstream Ministry of Education.

Key Changes in the Restructuring:

  • Merger: Higher Education is now merged with the Ministry of Education to form a single cabinet authority.

  • New Directorate: A specialized Directorate of Higher Education has been established within the merged ministry, headed by a Permanent Secretary.

  • Oversight: State-owned universities and other higher education institutes will now report to this new directorate.

  • Political Context: The move follows the Deputy Governor’s refusal to join Governor Yusuf and other NNPP officials in their January 2026 defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

"Reducing the Cost of Governance"

Spokesperson to the Governor, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, stated on Sunday that the merger is part of a broader "State of Education" reform aimed at eliminating bureaucratic redundancies and improving policy coordination. The Governor maintains that the realignment will reduce the cost of governance while enhancing efficiency and accountability in the administration of foreign scholarships.

The Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and the Head of Service have been directed to ensure the immediate and seamless transition of all affected departments.

Analysis: A Strategic Marginalisation

While the official narrative focuses on "efficiency" and "reform," the political undercurrents are undeniable. By dissolving the ministry, Governor Yusuf has effectively neutralised his Deputy’s power base. Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam’s decision to remain with the NNPP while the Governor’s core camp migrated to the APC appears to have created an untenable friction in the "Gida Gida" administration. For the foreign scholarship students currently abroad, this move raises questions about the continuity of their funding and whether the "friction" mentioned by the Governor's spokesperson will lead to delays in their stipends.

"The reform is designed to reduce the cost of governance while enhancing efficiency, accountability, and the overall quality of education... housing all educational tiers under a single cabinet authority." — Sunusi Bature, Spokesperson to the Governor