Kano Governor Yusuf Dissolves Higher Education Ministry, Strips Deputy of Commissioner Role Amid Impeachment Controversy

By Tgnews Reporter

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has dissolved the Ministry of Higher Education and removed his Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, from his additional role as Commissioner overseeing the sector.

The announcement, made through a statement by the governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature on Saturday, March 15, 2026, described the decision as a key step in ongoing reforms to streamline the state’s education sector.

The ministry is being merged into the existing Ministry of Education, with a new specialised Directorate of Higher Education established under it to handle tertiary institutions, scholarship boards, and related agencies.

Governor Yusuf emphasized that the restructuring would eliminate overlapping functions, cut governance costs, boost efficiency, and improve accountability in education administration.

State-owned universities and other higher institutions will now fall under the merged ministry’s oversight, led by a Permanent Secretary.

The timing of the dissolution is highly contentious, coming just days after the Kano State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Gwarzo.

The impeachment notice, served earlier this month (around March 5-6, 2026), accuses him of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust allegations reportedly tied to his earlier tenure as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs (2023-2024), including claims involving mismanagement of funds (with some reports citing ₦1.6 billion).

Political observers link the developments to deeper rifts within the administration. Governor Yusuf recently defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move joined by many lawmakers and officials. Deputy Governor Gwarzo, however, reportedly declined to follow suit, remaining loyal to the NNPP or resisting the shift.

This refusal is widely seen as a catalyst for the escalating tensions, including the impeachment push backed by a large majority of lawmakers (38 out of 40 or similar numbers reported).

The deputy governor’s removal from the commissioner post effectively diminishes his executive influence amid the looming impeachment threat, which follows constitutional procedures under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Gwarzo has been given time to respond to the allegations, but the political atmosphere in Kano remains charged.

Governor Yusuf reiterated his commitment to revitalizing education and providing better opportunities for youth, directing the Secretary to the State Government and Head of Service to implement the changes swiftly.

This latest shake-up adds to a series of recent administrative actions in Kano, including other personnel changes, as the state navigates post-defection realignments and governance reforms.

The developments have sparked debates on loyalty, accountability, and the stability of leadership in one of Nigeria’s key political states. Further updates are expected as the impeachment process unfolds and the education merger takes effect.