15/11/2025
, the Hope of Kano Youth
By Shaddadu Gwarzo
Thank you so much, His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Governor of Kano State, for reopening the Kano Development Journalism Institute.
The Kano Development Journalism Academy is one of the 26 institutes established by Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso during his second tenure as Governor of Kano State. The purpose of this institute is to provide opportunities for individuals who do not meet the requirements to study Mass Communication at the university level, as well as those who have a strong interest in journalism.
The uniqueness of this institution lies in its focus on Development Journalism, training students to use the media as a tool for promoting growth, awareness, and positive change within society, unlike conventional journalism.
I am proud to be one of the pioneer students of the Kano Development Journalism Academy and one of the 120 students who studied Basic and Advanced Certificates in Development Journalism free of charge during the administration of Senator Kwankwaso.
However, during the Ganduje administration, when we returned to pursue the Professional Diploma in Development Journalism, the Institute was no longer free. Many students struggled financially from admission to graduation, and some could not complete their studies because they were unable to pay the tuition fees. Eventually, the Institute was closed.
Today, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Institute has been reopened, and students have already resumed lectures as of last week. In addition, new students were admitted free of charge, provided they met the necessary requirements.
This singular act demonstrates His Excellency’s commitment to youth development, education, and empowering the next generation of media professionals.
Shaddadu Danjuma Aliyu Gwarzo, Special Assistant on Youth Development to the Governor of Kano State, Secretary SA Forum and Secretary Kwankwasiyya Reporters Kano Chapter.
