By JB Danlami
The Permanent Secretary, Kano State Ministry of Education, Malam Bashir Baffa, has emphasized that dedication to duty remains a vital pathway to achieving success in life.
He made this remark during a farewell ceremony jointly organized by the Ministries of Education and their agencies from Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States in honour of Mr. Michael Banda, the outgoing UNICEF Education Manager, who is concluding his assignment in Nigeria.
Malam Bashir Baffa praised Mr. Banda for his outstanding commitment and invaluable contributions to advancing education in Northern Nigeria.
“If it were within my power, I wouldn’t let Michael Banda leave,” he said warmly, highlighting the strong professional bond and the remarkable impact Banda made in supporting education programmes across the region.
In his response, Mr. Michael Banda expressed deep appreciation for the recognition and goodwill extended to him, pledging that the partnership between UNICEF and the states would continue to flourish in promoting education development.
Others who spoke during the event included Prof. Haruna Musa, Executive Chairman of Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); Baffa Abubakar, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic Education, Jigawa State; Hajiya Wasila Sani Saulawa, Secretary, HiLWA Katsina State; and Hajiya Amina Umar, Board Secretary, SUBEB Kano. They all commended Mr. Banda’s dedication, leadership, and pivotal role in supporting education reforms, capacity building, and efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children across the region.
The farewell event, organized by the Ministries of Education and their agencies from the three states—Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa, formed part of the UNICEF End-of-Year Review Meeting held in Kaduna State, which brought together key education stakeholders to review progress, share experiences, and strengthen collaboration for improved learning outcomes.The meeting concluded with the presentation of gifts to Michael Banda in appreciation of his support and contributions to the education sector in the three states.
The event concluded with the presentation of gifts to Michael Banda in appreciation of his support and contributions to the education sector in the three states.
