IT IS OVER: Gov Yusuf Ends 50-Year BUK Land Crisis Ushering Progress for 6,000 Families - By Abba Anwar

Fifty years of litigation, mistrust, protests and painful loss came to an end yesterday as the Kano State Government formally resolved the protracted land dispute between Bayero University Kano and the people of Rimin Zakara, Rijiyar Zaki and adjoining communities.

At a historic meeting attended by government officials, university authorities, traditional rulers and community representatives, Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf declared the crisis over and unveiled a settlement built on “... justice with compassion” that protects both institutional development and innocent families."

Commissioner for Public Procurement, Projects Monitoring and Evaluation, Nura Iro Ma'aji, represented the Governor, Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Abdujjabbar Muhammad Umar was there, Prof Ahmad Muhammad Tsauri, represented the Vice Chancellor of BUK and the people of Rimin Zakara, were led to the venue by Alhaji Baba Habu. 

The exceptional effort is a clear testimony that Governor Yusuf's administration is a peace-loving one which chooses resolution over confrontation. 

Just as he said the settlement reflects the core philosophy of his administration, in an effort to confront inherited problems, restore institutions, protect ordinary citizens and deliver practical solutions to a lingering crisis. Which sometime in the past claimed innocent lives. 

“We are not here to recount the history of Rimin Zakara. We are here to close it. For almost half a century, this crisis survived successive administrations. When we assumed office, we made a simple commitment, that we would not run away from difficult problems simply because they were inherited," he emphasized. 

The Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Umar, explained that a High-Level Committee was constituted after violent confrontations in early 2025 made it clear the dispute had become “... a serious issue of justice, public security, institutional development and community stability.”

He hinted that, after verifying more than 6,000 claims, examining historical records and conducting surveys, the Executive Council approved a settlement guided by one principle, that is to protect BUK, compensate genuine victims, restore peace and bring the dispute permanently to an end. 

Under the informed terms of peace, it was positioned that, it would be land for BUK, plots and compensation for the People. An excellent crisis resolution strategy, commended by all and sundry. 

The agreement made sure that BUK is protected. Where more than 85 per cent of Bayero University Kano’s landholding is preserved for future academic, research, residential and infrastructural development. The University made a significant sacrifice by accepting the excision of portions of land originally reserved for expansion.

Agreement further paved way for community resettlement. Where residential plots have been reserved and allocated to verified beneficiaries in the approved Rimin Zakara/Rijiyar Zaki and Jajira/Garun-Iya schemes.

Part of the agreement maintains that compensation should be ongoing. As monetary compensation for eligible claims and structures is being processed by the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning. Government has committed Billions of Naira for compensation, resettlement, planning, surveying and infrastructure.

Governor Yusuf warned henceforth that the decision to compensate was humanitarian, not a validation of illegal sales. “Thousands of people bought land in good faith from persons who had no lawful authority to sell it. Many invested their life savings. The strict application of the law without regard to these circumstances could throw thousands of families into a catastrophic situation.”

Only a government with human face can think this way. Or similarly. This good work on compassionate ground means a lot for electoral victory, come 2027. In fact some of the people who made speeches from the part of the community leaders, made it very clear that, their votes and those they control, would be in favour of Governor Yusuf. This was said without any hesitation, whatsoever. 

What is worth celebrating in the resolution of Governor Yusuf's 50-year BUK-Rimin Zakara land dispute is while Kano State has resolved its land dispute, several other states continue to grapple with age-long land conflicts that have lasted five decades and more without final resolution. This speaks volumes about Governor's capacity, clean mind and strong political will in serving his people. 

For example in Cross River/Ebonyi there is Adadama vs Amaegwu dispute. It is a story of a farmland dispute dating back to 1960. In April 2025, the crisis claimed 11 lives and displaced over 2,000 people. Despite a 2024 communique by both state governments, violence has continued. Which shows how strong is Kano’s strategy. 

In Ebonyi–Ezza vs Ezillo/Iyionu, it is a land dispute of over 50 years old, with a major serious clash in 2008 that displaced communities for 18 years. In March 2026, displaced persons petitioned Gov. Nwifuru for resettlement. Clashes and abductions were still reported in 2024. These are the kind of scenarios Kano’s current administration averted. Kudos Mr Governor! 

The Ogun/Oyo–Odeda boundary dispute that was rooted in colonial 1926 boundaries. In May 2025, the Ogun State House of Assembly again urged the National Boundary Commission to urgently delineate the border after allegations of forceful land acquisition and tampering with boundary pillars. Serious clashes were witnessed which caused some loses. In Kano, under Governor Yusuf, similar ugly situation has been averted. 

While Imo–Mgbirichi/Abakuru vs 34 Artillery Brigade caused serious misunderstanding, where land acquired in 1977/78 is the causative agent. Communities protested in 2024 over alleged encroachment “up to backyards of houses.” A Defence Headquarters delegation visited in 2024 for dialogue, but the dispute remains unresolved. Kano's Model is therefore one of the best in the country. 

Kano’s settlement therefore stands out as one of the few instances where a decades-old land crisis has been decisively closed through compensation, resettlement and legal backing. A vote of confidence and thank is naturally directed at Commissioner Umar. 

His genuine commitment and political will as copied from the Governor, gave him all the necessary guts and straightforwardness in mending the tore parts of Rimin Zakara and its surroundings, as related to BUK, as an institution. 

 

To unveil some of the commendable strategic points to the gathering, the Commissioner added that government would reissue compensation cards directly to verified beneficiaries and that anyone who exploited the process badly would face legal action. Campassion not weakness indeed. 

The resolution followed lawful process that was backed by Law and enforced for development. The settlement is reinforced by the judgment of High Court No. 11 in Suit No. K/M1638/2026 delivered on 18th August 2026, which declared the acquisition lawful and directed government to compensate verified claims. What the state is currently doing is just that. 

Part of the resolution process suggests that with effect from 31st August 2026, all land within BUK’s demarcated boundaries would be protected exclusively for the university. Government infrastructure corridors will also be secured. The Governor warned that “Our compassion must never be mistaken for weakness." And that obstruction or fresh encroachment would be met with firm enforcement.

In what I termed as from crisis to progress: the bigger vision, it is noteworthy to know that the Governor linked the resolution to his administration’s wider development agenda, emphasizing that peace is the foundation for progress.

Touching other areas he acknowledged that "... In Education, we declared a State of Emergency. In Health, we introduced free caesarean-section services. In Water, we approved ₦21.89 billion for Challawa and Tamburawa plants. In Agriculture, we gave ₦1 billion in free fertiliser to 52,800 farmers. In Roads, we are rehabilitating 17 metropolitan roads."

While he further elaborated that "This is the same spirit in which we approached BUK–Rimin Zakara. We are rebuilding confidence in government’s capacity to solve difficult problems," he then commended BUK’s Vice-Chancellor, Governing Council and management for their “... patience, maturity and genuine commitment to peace... ” and urged Rimin Zakara, Rijiyar Zaki communities, traditional and religious leaders to safeguard the agreement.

The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Public Procurement, Projects Monitoring and Evaluation, Ma'aji,, got a standing ovation when he said, "Today, by the grace of Almighty Allah, a crisis of five decades has an end. Now is the time to move from crisis to development, and from dispute to progress.”

With this all-encompassing peace deal of 50 years long, there are attendant benefits attached to it. 

The resolution will definitely yield security and stability. While ending the decades of confrontation, litigation and community tension, peace will now reign in the community and other surrounding communities. This is peace at work. 

As a cool way for institutional growth, BUK can now proceed with lecture theatres, laboratories, hospitals and hostels without encumbrances. Resolution gives peace a chance. Corridor for shelter and livelihood now comes to the fore. Thousands of families who bought land in good faith now have legal plots and a path to compensation.

Through the Commissioner for Land, Umar, the thrust of urban planning strategy can now proceed without any hindrance from these communities. The era of proper layouts, roads and infrastructure without illegal sub-division, that remained elusive for decades, is now in place. And indeed investor confidence is restored. Where a clear legal boundary restores confidence in land administration and public institutions in Kano. Weldone the people's Governor. 

Both BUK and Rimin Zakara representatives, Prof Tsauni and Habu, commended the effort of the the Commissioner for Land, Umar, in his unrelenting efforts during the crisis and during the resolution exercises. Assuring that the Commissioner got the courage as a result of the goodwill spirit he got from the Governor. Letters of Grant were distributed to the members of the communities affected. As compensation and other verifications are on top gear. 

Anwar writes from Kano

Tuesday, 1st September, 2026

NUGA Games fallout: BUK Gold Medal Winning V/ball Female team dedicates victory to VC, coach Abdallah

The Gold Medal Winning Volleyball Female team, Bayero University Kano BUK players have dedicated their medal at the just concluded NUGA Games to the institution's Vice Chancellor, Professor Haruna Musa and coach Usman Abdullah.

The BUK volleyball team who among the 91 universities competed in this year's Nigerian University Games Association NUGA held at University of Jos has described their victory to the commitment and support from institution's management and the technical bench led by ex international, Usman Abdullah.

The university's captain Faith Baba Kenzie said despite the challenges in the prelims, the players played as a team to emerge victory at the end of the tournament.

''This remarkable achievement is the first-ever gold medal in the history of team sports for our university, and the athletes have unanimously dedicated this historic victory to you, Professor Haruna Musa in appreciation of your fatherly support, guidance, and exceptional commitment to the welfare of all BUK students who participated in this year's NUGA.

Your unwavering encouragement and the conducive environment you have continued to provide for sports development played a major role in motivating the team towards this outstanding performance,'' Faith Baba explained.

She also expressed appreciation to the entire university community for their unflinching support, pledging that the team will continue to do everything possible to ensure the success of the institution in future championship within and outside the country.

BUK set to excel at NUGA games

Bayero University Kano BUK has concluded all necessary measures aimed at excelling in the forthcoming Nigerian University Games Association NUGA preliminary stages scheduled to commence on October 27th to 31st in wudil, Kano state.

The BUK's Director of sports, Professor Rabiu Muhammad popularly known as Chanhu dropped this hints during the University Alumni basketball game and presentations organized by Faraj Charity foundation held at the Indoor Sports Hall of Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar mata.

Professor Muhammad explained that the university's athletes have been taking vigorous training with a view to achieve their set goal.

The director added that the institution is expected to compete in 14 games, assuring that with the players commitment coupled with management support, the sky will be their limit.

While commending the BUK vice chancellor, Professor Haruna Musa for his moral and support to the athletes, he urged them to reciprocate this gesture by excelling during the preliminary and NUGA proper in Jos, the plateau state capital billed for November 16th to 30th, 2025..

Speaking, the chairman technical committee of NUGA who doubles as chairman sports committee of BUK, Professor Musa Garba Yakasai A.A. charged other members of the Alumni to complement the management of BUK efforts towards the overall development of various sporting activities in the university.

Professor Musa Garba Yakasai who described sports nowadays as a lucrative ventures, charging the students to utilize their potential for greener pastures.

In his remarks, the sponsor of the competition and founder of Faraj charity foundation, Faruk Raji said that he decided to partner with the university as part of his contributions to the development of the game.

Highlights of the event include presentations of set of jeysey for both male and female teams of the university as well as presentation of an award to Malam Tijjani, a veteran basketball star in the 80s at the occasion.

KHAIRUN VC lauds BUK management for support

The vice chancellor of Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University, Kano (KHAIRUN) Professor Abdulrashid Garba, has reaffirmed the university's commitment towards partnering with Bayero University Kano BUK aimed at improving and developing it academic activities.

Professor Abdulrashid Garba stated this when he led KHAIRUN's management on a courtesy visit to the BUK's vice chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas in his office.

A statement signed by the head of corporate affairs and marketing department, Bilal Dahiru Tijjani and it available to newsmen, said the visit was part of KHAIRUN's management efforts to improve it academic activities.

Professor Abdulrashid Garba who acknowledged BUK support on various aspects academically among others as a guiding institution for KHAIRUN.

He expressed deep appreciation to BUK’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas, and the entire management for their continued assistance. 

He reaffirmed KHAIRUN’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with BUK, seeking its expertise in academic matters, and soliciting further guidance for the university’s sustained progress.

In response, Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas warmly welcomed KHAIRUN’s delegation, describing the university’s journey so far as highly successful. 

He highlighted the dedication and financial commitment of KHAIRUN’s proprietors, which have contributed significantly to its achievements. 

Prof. Abbas also praised Prof. Garba, recognizing him as one of BUK’s distinguished academics with unquestionable leadership qualities.

 He further described KHAIRUN as one of the leading private universities in Nigeria, pledging continuous support, mentorship, and collaboration, particularly in research.

In his remarks, the KHAIRUN’s Registrar, Malam Yusuf Datti, thanked BUK’s management for their continuous support and guidance, which has played a crucial role in the remarkable progress KHAIRUN has achieved in just two years.

KHAIRUN, BUK two others for 1st Kanawa Tertiary institution basketball championship semi- final tomorrow

Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu university KHAIRUN basketball team will lock horns with Bayero university Kano BUK in the first semi final of the on-going  1st Kanawa Tertiary institution basketball championship.

The second semi final is between Aliko Dangote university of science and technology Wudil and Northwest University Kano .

The matches will be played at the BUK basketball court tomorrow Friday from 4:pm to 6:pm.

The competition which is organised in collaboration with DAM Foundation as a training ground ahead of zonal preliminaries and Nigerian University Games Association NUGA proper scheduled to hold at Jos university in May, 2025.

Speaking on the tournament, the chairman of NUGA technical committee, Professor Musa Garba Yakasai AA described the championship as a way of training and recruit hidden talented students for zonal and national engagements.

While commending the DAM Foundation for supporting and sponsoring the  championship, he urged them to extend the sponsorship to NUGA in order to complement it commitment to the development of various sporting events in the country.

Meanwhile, the vice chancellor of Bayero University Kano , Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas alongside other stakeholders and the Director General of National Energy commission, Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha are expected to attend the closing ceremony scheduled for tomorrow Saturday at the same venue by 4pm.

BUK set host inter departmental competitions Saturday

Arrangements are in top gear towards the opening ceremony of the maiden edition of inter departmental sports competitions scheduled to hold at FIFA Standard Pitch of Bayero university Kano (BUK) old site on Saturday 16th, November, 2024.

The university's Director of sports, Professor Rabiu Muhammad alias Chanhu dropped this hints while shedding more light on the championships.

Prof. Rabiu Muhammad explained that the university authority under the leadership of Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas has done enough in this regard.

He added that the sports directory is doing everything possible to ensure a colourful and hitch-free competitions.

The director revealed that the aims and objective of organizing such competitions within the university is to enable the coaches to recruit hidden talented and skillful athletes for future national and international engagements.

''Buk has potential athletes whom they need encouragement and support to excel at various sporting events within and outside the state,'' he explained.

Prof Rabiu Muhammad who was the former captain of Raccah Rovers Football Club and later Kano Pillars in the early '90 charged the participants to give the directory all maximum support and cooperation with a view actualize the set target.

He assured that the directory will do it's best to ensure free and fair officiating through the championships.

He said the university's vice chancellor, Prof Sagir Adamu Abbas alongside his management team and other staff were expected to attend the opening ceremony at the old site of the university.

Dokta Ahmad BUK: Ba rabo da gwani ba

Sahabi Aliyu (RA) ya fadi ga Jabir dan Abdullahi (RA) cewa “Duniya ta dogara ne a kan abu hudu; addini da malami mai yin aiki da iliminsa, sai jahili wanda ba ya girman kai wajen neman sani da kuma mawadaci wanda ba ya rowa da dukiyarsa.”

Marigayi Sheikh Dokta Ahmad Muhammad Ibrahim wanda aka fi sani da Dokta Bamba ya ce ilimi ba komai ba ne sai sanin abu a zuciya da kuma gaskata shi a zahiri, yayin da jahilci ke nuni da kiyaye abu a zuciya wanda a zahirance ba gaskiya ba ne.

Saboda haka, a cewarsa ba kawai rashin sanin abu ake kira jahilci ba, a’a har ma da sani gami da riko da abin da bai gaskata ba.

Rayuwa irin ta Dokta Ahmad madubi ce ga daukacin al’ummar Musulmi.

M

utum ne mai kyakkyawar fahimta ga lamurran addini, amma mai zafafawa wajen kare martabar Annabi Muhammad (SAW).

Mai kimanin shekara 82 a duniya, wanda ya rasu a ranar Juma’a, 7/1/2022, marigayi Dokta Ahmad Bamba ya shafe daukacin rayuwarsa wajen nema da kuma yada ilimi.

Ya shafe sama da shekara 20 yana daukar darasi a Masallacin Annabi Muhammad (SAW) a Madina.

Sannan ya fassara Littafin Muwadda na Imamuna Maliku ɗan Anas daga harshen Larabci zuwa harshen Hausa, baya ga karantar da manyan littattafan Hadisi irin su Sahih Bukhari da Sahih Muslim da Sunanu Abu Dawud da Sunanu Nisa’iy da Sunanu Tirmizi da Sunanu Ibn Maja da Sunanu Darimi da Musnad Ahmad bn Hambal da sauransu duk a cikin harshen Hausa.

Tabbas, rasuwarsa babbar asara ce ga kafatanin al’ummar Musulmi musamman Hausawa.

Ya zo a cikin littafin ‘Al ilmu Huwal Imamu’ na Sheikh Ibrahim Nyassi cewa hanyar Aljanna tana hannun mutum hudu: Malami da mai gudun duniya da mai ibada da kuma mai jihadi fi sabilillahi.

Shi malami idan ya kasance mai gaskiya ne a cikin zuciyarsa, tabbas Allah zai azurta shi da hikima.

Duk kuwa wanda aka bai wa hikima alal hakika an ba shi gagarumar baiwa a nan duniya da gobe Lahira kamar yadda yadda ya zo a cikin Littafin Allah wato Alkur’an

An tambayi Dan Mubarak cewa su wane ne mutane? Sai ya ce ‘Malamai,’ sai aka ce masa su wane ne sarakuna? Sai ya ce ‘masu gudun duniya,’ sai aka ce su wane ne kaskantattu? Sai ya ce ‘masu cin duniya da addini.’

Don haka, ana iya cewa lallai malamai mutane ne masu daraja a cikin al’umma.

Abdul’aswad yana cewa babu wani abu wanda ya fi ilimi daukaka. Sarakuna masu yin hukunci ne ga jama’a, yayin da malamai ke yin hukunci a gare su.

Ahnaf (RA) yana cewa malamai sun kusa kasancewa iyayen giji, dukkan daukakar da ba a karfafe ta da ilimi ba, karshen ta kaskanci ne.

Annabi Muhammad (SAW) ya ce “Malamai su ne magada Annabawa.” (Tirmizi, Abu Dawood da Ibn Maja duk sun ruwaito shi) Allah Ta’ala kuwa Ya ce, “Iyaka dai masu jin tsoron Allah su ne malamai.” (Suratul Fathi, 28).

Babu bukatar zurfafa yabo ga marigayi Malam Ahmad Bamba, domin shi ba mai son yabo ko kwarzantawa ba ne a zamanin rayuwarsa, amma yana gaba-gaba wajen jaddada Sunnah a Kasar Hausa bayan da ta dauko dusashewa.

Mutum ne shi wanda yake son Allah da ManzonSa (SAW), wanda yake tarbiyyantar zukatan bayin Allah a kan bautar Allah ta tsanin ManzonSa Annabi Muhammad (SAW) da mayar da lamura ga AlSadiq Tukur Gwarzolah, kuma mutum ne marar kwadayi, mai darajanta ilimi da darajanta kansa, gami da fadar gaskiya walau ga shugabanni ko ga  mabiyansu.

Allahu Akbar! Shi mutum ne mai daraja a duniyar Musulunci, tushen darajarsa kuwa bai wuce ga rikonsa ga Sunnar Annabi Muhammad (SAW) ba da tsantseninsa, kai ka ce shi ne Imam Maliku bn Anas ko Imam Hasanul Basri.

Hakika rayuwarsa ta kasance abar koyi ga al’ummar Musulmi.

Wani sashen masana sun ce an fifita Imam Hasanul Basri a kan sauran Tabi’ai ne saboda abubuwa biyar:

1. 1. Ba ya umarni da aikata wani aiki face ya fara aikatawa.
2. 2. Ba ya hana wani aiki face ya fara hanuwa daga gare shi.
3. 3. Duk wanda ya nemi wani abu daga abin da Allah Ya hore masa zai ba shi.
4. 4. Ya kasance yana wadatuwa da iliminsa ga barin neman wani abu a wajen mutane.
5. 5. Ya kasance ciki da wajensa duk daya ne.

Tabbas duk wadannan siffofi biyar sun tabbata ga marigayi Sheikh Ahmad Ibrahim Bamba.

Ga shi kuma ya samu cikawa irin tasa, da fatan Allah Ya rahamshe su duka amin.

Abdullah bin Amr Ibnul Ass ya ruwaito daga Annabi Muhammad (SAW), cewa “Lallai, Allah ba Ya dauke ilimi daga hana shi ga bayinSa.

Sai dai Yana dauke ilimi ne daga mutuwar malamai ta yadda tsarkakakkun mutane za su gushe, sai mutane su nada wawayen (jahilai) mutane a shugabanci (su dauke su malamai).

Sannan idan aka tambaye su, sai su yi magana ba da ilimi ba. Sai su taɓe kuma su yi asara.” (Bukhari da Muslim suka ruwaito).

Muna juyayin rashin babban masani Dokta Ahmad Bamba, to amma ya kamata kowa ya sani wannan duniya ba abar dawwama ba ce.

Kowane mai rai zai dandana mutuwa. Kuma tabbas, yadda Dokta Ahmad ya koma ga Mahaliccinsa, kowanenmu lokaci yake jira domin komawa ga Allah.

Don haka, ya kamata mu shagaltu wajen aiki da koyarwarsa da neman ilimi da bin Allah da kuma neman dacewar Allah da samun Aljanna.

Allah Ya gafarta wa Dokta Ahmad Ibrahim Bamba, Allah Ya tallafi bayansa, amin

(AMINIYA)