Kano Gov Removes Buba Galadima from Polytechnic Council

 

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has removed Engr. Buba Galadima as Chairman of the Governing Council of Kano State Polytechnic. The announcement dropped on Saturday, February 14, 2026, via a statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa. No long build-up. Just a clear, decisive change at the top of one of the state’s key tertiary institutions.

Governor Yusuf framed the decision as part of his administration’s wider push to restructure and reposition the polytechnic. He tied it directly to his “Kano First Agenda” – that signature initiative aimed at putting local needs front and centre, sharpening institutional efficiency, and making sure state-owned schools actually deliver real value for students and the broader community. In simple terms, the governor wants these places running tighter, smarter, and more focused on outcomes that matter to ordinary Kano people.

Engr. Buba Galadima, a well-known engineer and seasoned political operator, had been steering the governing council. His removal came well before the usual three-year term would have ended. Officials pointed to the urgent need for ongoing reforms to boost performance and tighten management at the institution. Yet many watching from the sidelines couldn’t help noticing the deeper political undertones.

The governor’s statement struck a polite note. It thanked Galadima for his service and contributions during his time in office, wished him success in whatever comes next, and moved on. No drama in the wording, but the swiftness of the action spoke louder than any flowery language.

To fill the sudden vacancy, Governor Yusuf quickly approved a notable replacement: the Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Dr. Aliyu Abdulkadir (sometimes referred to as Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir). The Emir brings a unique mix to the table – deep traditional leadership experience combined with solid academic credentials. Many expect his background to help guide the polytechnic through its next chapter with a blend of cultural insight and scholarly perspective.

Kano State Polytechnic has long served as a vital engine for technical and vocational education in northern Nigeria. It trains thousands of young people in practical fields – engineering, sciences, business, environmental studies, and more – giving them the hands-on skills needed to compete in the job market. The governing council’s role is far from ceremonial. It shapes policy, oversees finances, and sets the strategic direction that determines how effectively the institution serves its students and the state.

This leadership shake-up doesn’t exist in isolation. It unfolds against a shifting political landscape in Kano. Galadima has long been seen as a close ally of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the influential former governor who once served as a political mentor to Governor Yusuf himself. The relationship between Yusuf and Kwankwaso has since cooled considerably, leading to noticeable realignments across various state appointments and institutions. While the official line stays firmly on administrative restructuring and the “Kano First” vision, observers quietly point out that such moves often carry heavier political weight.

Governor Yusuf came into office promising sweeping development and reform across every sector. Since taking power, he has made similar changes in other parastatals and agencies, consistently stressing accountability, local empowerment, and a laser focus on priorities that put Kano’s interests first. This latest decision at the polytechnic fits neatly into that pattern – another step toward reshaping institutions to match his administration’s core goals.

For the polytechnic community – lecturers, students, staff, and other stakeholders – attention now turns to the incoming chairman. They will be watching closely to see whether the Emir of Gaya can build on what already exists while pushing forward the reforms the state government has outlined. The institution continues to play a crucial role in equipping young Kano indigenes with diplomas, higher national diplomas, and professional certifications that can open real doors in the modern economy.

Changes like this always spark mixed feelings. Some see them as necessary fresh starts that prevent stagnation. Others wonder whether frequent leadership shifts disrupt continuity and slow down genuine progress. In this case, the swift appointment of a figure with both traditional stature and academic depth signals the governor’s desire for both stability and new energy.

As Kano State presses ahead with its broader development ambitions, moves at institutions like the polytechnic are viewed by many as practical steps toward making public bodies more responsive to today’s challenges and opportunities. Technical education, after all, sits at the heart of any serious plan to tackle youth unemployment and build a skilled workforce.

Will the Emir’s leadership bring the kind of impact the governor hopes for? Only time will tell. But one thing feels clear: Governor Yusuf is determined to keep reshaping the state’s institutions in line with his vision, even when it means making tough calls on high-profile appointments.

For Engr. Buba Galadima, the chapter closes on his time at the polytechnic. For Alhaji Dr. Aliyu Abdulkadir, a new and demanding one begins. And for the thousands of students who walk through the polytechnic’s gates every day, the real test will be whether these changes ultimately translate into better facilities, stronger programs, and brighter futures.

In the end, politics and education in Kano remain closely intertwined. What looks on the surface like a simple administrative adjustment often reveals deeper currents of loyalty, realignment, and the constant push to define what “Kano First” truly means in practice. The coming months at the polytechnic will show whether this latest leadership transition delivers the results the governor has promised.