By Abba Hamisu Sani
Africa-Press-Nigeria Nigeria and Niger Republic have been enjoying cordial bilaterals as citizens of the two Countries remain as brothers and Sisters despite being siplited by Colonial administrators
Many Northern Nigerian States share boarder with Niger Republic which make business , Cultural and Marrital relationship between Citizens of the two west African Countries as another unifying factor.
Some years ago Former Kano State Governor Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso established Secondary Schools in collaboration with Niger Republic in Niamy Capital of Niger and Zinder the second largest State with aim of exchanging Students between the neibour Countries.
“these Schools are meant to teach our Children French language with ease, as Nigeria is surrounded by french Speaking Countries and Our People as business oriented, travelling to french Speaking Nations all the time , hence the need to be bilingual”
The former Kano Governor said Nigerians particularly Kano Citizens need to tap from opportunities in the neigbouring Counties as their Citizens troop to Nigeria for economic and educational benefits.
Kano State Government Continues to send Students to Niger Republic
Students from Kano State continue to attend the school established in the Niger Republic Capital Niamy for Secondry school education. Africa Press finding shows that as Kano State Government Under Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso Initiated the Schools ,one for Male Students in Niamy and the other for Female Students at near by Zinder (Damagaram).
But the female School yet to take up after about nine years despite huge Money Committed in the Project .
Recently Niger Republic’s Minister of Vocational and training, Kassoum Mamane Moctar visited Kano on a study tour of youth empowerment programmes and skills acquisition facilities in the State, with his counterpart of Education and Scientific research Dr. Mamadou Djibo from the same neighbouring West African country also visited Governor Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to seek for greater cooperation through strengthen of students exchange programme and other related issues on collaborations between tertiary institutions in Niger Republic and Kano State.
In his speech at Kano Government House, the Minister said many years back students from Niger Republic come to Nigeria particularly Kano to study in various tertiary institutions.
“Now we want that students exchange programme to be revived and sustained”.
“Through the partnership we will promote quality of education and research in both our tertiary institutions which will be of benefit to all of us, he said
The Minister added that through the system Niger Republic have aquired more educated Personel with little resources as the Countries share boarders from different angles whicg make it more easier to access Nigeria than other Neigbouring Countries
Kano State Governor remarks
In his remarks while responding on behalf of the Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje his Deputy Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna said Kano State is ready to collaborate with Niger Republic in areas of interest and benefit.
Gawuna Stress that Kano and Niger Republic will continue with their long relationship as business and educational partners.
He added that history of Nigeria Partcularly Northern Nigeria is similar to that of Niger Republic In different aspects.
He then thanked delegation from Niger Republic for the visit and assured them of Kano State Goverent cooperation.
Chief Press Secretary to Kano State Deputy Governor Hassan Musa Fagge Said Kano State Government officials at the Meeting include :
Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Mariya Mahmud Bunkure and other Senior government officials.
