The Champions of Tertiary Education in Dawakin Tofa
by Ado Magaji Mansur 
Evidently, three individuals deserve unreserved accolades for their recent developmental initiatives that are proving pivotal in promoting and advancing tertiary education in Dawakin Tofa Local Government, particularly in enhancing accessibility and affordability. Without fear of contradiction, these figures are: Prof. Kabir Bello Dungurawa, DSP Barau I. Jibrin and Hon. Anas Mukhtar Danmaliki.
To begin with, the visionary tenure of my teacher and mentor, Prof. Kabiru Bello Dungurawa, as Rector of Kano State Polytechnic marked a turning point in the educational landscape of Dawakin Tofa. As a proud son of the soil with a distinguished track record in advancing education, Prof. Dungurawa recognized the importance of utilizing the vast, unused land at Kano Poly’s Gwamai site to address the urgent need for a tertiary institution within the locality. In response, he initiated the development of the cite and subsequently the
establishment of the School of Health and Allied Sciences of Kano State Polytechnic. This proved to be a strategic move that brought higher education within reach of a teeming population in the area. Young people from surrounding communities, including many girls who might otherwise have faced cultural, financial or logistical barriers to schooling, seized the opportunity to pursue further education without having to travel long distances. Equally commendable is the role of the Director, Bldr Mukhtar Dawaki has been playing in reinforcing the School’s growth and relevance.
Second, DSP Barau I. Jibrin deserves commendation for initiating the establishment of the Federal University Dutsen-Ma Study Centre at Dawanau. This development marked a significant milestone in expanding educational access to a community once known primarily as a thriving business hub, and transforming it into a centre of academic pursuit. The young but brilliant Coordinator, Mal. Ali Ahmad’s tireless administrative and community engagement efforts are accelerating the Centre’s growth and strengthening its impact. The centre, however, still awaits much-needed intervention from the distinguished senator to further enhance its facilities and academic activities.
Then came Hon. Anas Mukhtar Danmaliki, the Local Government Chairman, whose visionary support has amplified the impact of the aforementioned initiatives. Inspired by Governor Abba Kabir’s commitment to education, Hon. Danmaliki has sponsored students from the locality to study at SHAS Gwamai, FUDMA Centre Dawanau, and other institutions within the state. He has also introduced a scholarship scheme for Master’s and PhD candidates from Dawakin Tofa studying in universities across the country. His administration’s long-term investment in education is unmatched in recent history; reminiscent of the era of Barr. Saleh Shehu Kuidawa.
It is, however, regrettable that the School of Health Technology, Dawakin Tofa, established during the tenure of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has been closed by the current administration. This decision not only erases a legacy project of the former governor but also deprives the people of Dawakin Tofa and neighbouring local governments of access to a nearby medical institution. More broadly, it denies Kano North the opportunity to host a School of Health Technology, unlike the other two senatorial zones in the state. However, knowing Governor Abba Kabir’s commitment to both education and healthcare, I am yet to believe that he is fully aware of, let alone endorses, such a hasty and ill-advised decision. We hope this decision will be revisited by the people’s Governor.
Finally, I must acknowledge the Dawakin Tofa Academic Forum (DAF) for its role in championing all the above-mentioned developments. Under the leadership of Prof. Tijjani Imam, Dr. Amir Abdulazeez, and Prof. Mamun Mustapha, the Forum and its members have always been at the forefront of initiating, organizing, supporting and partnership in numerous educational projects that have proven instrumental in uplifting education in Dawakin Tofa and Kano State in general.