The Kano State Government on Wednesday flagged off a relief transportation scheme for students of tertiary institutions in the state with 11 buses.
Deputy Governor of the state, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, at the flag-off ceremony, explained that the initiative was to alleviate the transportation challenges encountered by students while attending lectures and to actualise the declaration of a state of emergency on education.
The deputy governor, who also serves as the Commissioner for the Ministry of Higher Education, further stated that the scheme became imperative to relieve the students of the high cost of transportation while attending lectures.
He urged students to reciprocate the government’s gesture by being committed to their studies.
He explained that the 11 shuttle buses had been designated to operate on different routes which include, Gidan Murtala to Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil; Gidan Murtala to BUK New Site; Gidan Murtala to Airport Road; Gidan Murtala to Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education to Kura Informatics; Gidan Murtala to Northwest University; Gidan Murtala to Audu Bako College of Agricultural Development, Danbatta; and Gidan Murtala to College of Education and Remedial studies, Ghari.
The commissioner directed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education to oversee the use of the buses and sanction anyone attempting to sabotage the scheme.
“We will not spare anyone found frustrating Governor Abba Yusuf’s unwavering support in revitalising the education sector from basic to tertiary levels in the state,” Abdussalam stated.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Hadi Yahaya, assured the government that the ministry would remain committed to ensuring the success of the programme.
Lauding the initiative, the Vice-Chancellor of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Prof Musa Yakasai, noted that over 10,000 students commute daily to the university due to a shortage of accommodation.
He emphasised that the initiative would lessen the expenses of parents on transportation for their children/wards.
A student, Abdullahi Mustapha, expressed appreciation to Governor Abba Yusuf’s administration and pledged the students’ seriousness to their students.
