From Promise to Action: Hon. Shaaban's Passion for Education Transforms Lives

Once upon a time, in December 2022, amidst the fervor of political campaigns, a significant meeting of ADP stakeholders was held at Hajia Aisha Dankani's residence. As the evening progressed, we took a break to enjoy a delicious dinner. It was during this serene moment that I found myself seated next to the honorable and esteemed figure, Hon. Shaaban.

Engaged in conversation while savoring our meal, I mustered the courage to share my thoughts with him. "Excellency," I began, "you have done remarkable work in empowering our people through various initiatives. From sponsoring thousands for skills acquisition to providing equipment for businesses, and even sending over 70 students abroad for education, your impact is undeniable. However, as an academic, I believe there is still more that can be done in the field of education."

With genuine concern and admiration for his passion, I proposed an idea that struck a chord. I suggested sponsoring students at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), emphasizing its flexibility and accessibility. "In NOUN," I explained, "students can learn from the comfort of their own zones. Married women can study from home, businessmen from their shops, and workers from their offices. Additionally, the cost of sponsorship would be significantly lower compared to sending more students abroad."

In that moment, Hon. Shaaban interrupted our conversation, addressing me as "Dr. Za'ayi." His response was concise yet resolute, leaving me in awe. He simply said, "I will do it."

After our discussion about sponsoring students for education, Hon. Shaaban's commitment to empowering the youth didn't stop there. In a remarkable display of dedication, he shared his vision to ensure that 50,000 youth from Kano would benefit from the Digital Capacity Skill Program. With strategic collaborations with NITDA and prominent tech giants like Google and Microsoft, this initiative aimed to equip the youth with essential digital skills. To my surprise and delight, he entrusted me with the responsibility of overseeing this program. Today, we have successfully enrolled nearly 10,000 youth, with many already completing various courses.

The following day, as I sat at home, my phone rang, and a friend excitedly exclaimed, "Mutumin fah har yayi alkwarin zai dauki nauyi dalibai a wajen taron Jam'iyya na yau!" I was taken aback, completely unaware that Hon. Shaaban had swiftly taken action. At that moment, I couldn't contain my pride. I conveyed a single message to him: no more persuasion or begging – the rest would become history.

Despite whispers and speculations suggesting that he would renege on his promise due to his electoral defeat, those who propagated such notions were left utterly embarrassed. Hon. Shaaban remained true to his word. His unwavering dedication to education ultimately led to his recent appointment as the Executive Secretary for Out-of-School Children.

In the attached photo, you can witness the culmination of our journey. Just yesterday, we proudly presented the scholarship checks to the Management of the University on behalf of the deserving students who had fulfilled all the necessary criteria. Congratulations echoed through the room, as the dreams of these aspiring individuals were set in motion.

Hon. Shaaban's commitment to education and his actions have left an indelible mark on our hearts. Through his unwavering support, countless lives have been transformed, and a brighter future has been bestowed upon our community. Let us celebrate this milestone and express our deepest gratitude to a leader who continues to inspire and uplift.