Ex-Kano commissioner slams relocation of GGSS Maikwatashi, exposes alleged N100m land scam

A former Commissioner of Education in Kano State, Muhammad Sanusi S. Kiru, has strongly criticized the recent relocation of the Government Girls’ Secondary School (GGSS) Maikwatashi, calling the decision ill-conceived and poorly implemented.

In an open letter addressed to Governor Abba Yusuf, Kiru expressed deep concern over how the project was handled, particularly the decision to move the school from Maikwatashi to Kaura Goje.

While acknowledging the governor’s broader vision to reform and improve the education sector in Kano State, the former commissioner argued that the relocation was executed without proper consultation or planning. He described the process as being plagued by “inexperience, lack of planning, and political insensitivity” on the part of officials responsible for the move.

“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,” Mr Kiru wrote.

The former commissioner drew from his past experience managing similar projects, citing the relocation of Jido Primary School during his tenure. According to him, the success of that initiative lay in ensuring the new school was fully built, furnished, and equipped before students were transferred.

He criticized what he described as the “woefully inadequate” approach adopted for GGSS Maikwatashi, warning that such actions could undermine the state government’s commitment to quality education and public trust.

Mr Kiru also condemned statements that appeared to stigmatize the Sabon Gari community, from which the school was relocated. He described as “unfair and uncalled for” the alleged justification that the area had become a haven for criminals and miscreants.

“The blanket condemnation of the community is unjustified, especially given their immense contributions to Kano State and their overwhelming support for you in the 2023 elections,” he noted.

Equally troubling, Mr Kiru said, was the alleged sale of the old school land for N100 million per plot, a move he described as short-sighted and detrimental to public interest.

Instead of disposing of the property, he suggested it could have been repurposed for sports facilities, a town hall, or other community projects that would benefit the people.

The former commissioner further took exception to comments made in a viral video by the governor’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Sunusi Surajo Kwankwaso, describing his remarks as “uninformed and unnecessary.”

He urged Governor Yusuf to restrain aides and individuals who are not directly involved in the education sector from making public pronouncements on sensitive policy issues.

“I commend the Honourable Commissioner of Education for not dragging the ministry into the confusion. He now has the opportunity to correct the wrong after the mess done by the wrongdoing handlers,” Mr Kiru added.

Mr Kiru called on the state government to take responsibility for the “avoidable errors” made in the relocation process and to ensure such mistakes are not repeated in the future.

He emphasized that relocating schools should be carried out with proper planning, inclusivity, and sensitivity to the welfare of students and the surrounding community.

“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,” he said.

He concluded by urging the governor to prioritize the interests of the students and the community in future decisions affecting the education sector, stressing that a thoughtful and sustainable approach is essential for long-term progress.

(DailyNigerian)