Shaddadious Online

ICT & Development Journalism: A Journey of Growth and Friendship

Today, I had a meaningful meeting with my close friends and classmates, Usman Kabir Sulaiman and Shafi’u Muhammad, a moment that reminded me how far our journeys have taken us.

I met Shafi’u Muhammad during our Basic Certificate in Development Journalism programme at Kano Development Journalism Academy. After graduation, Shafi’u continued to grow academically before eventually focusing on business, where he is now doing well. His journey reflects resilience and adaptability.

Usman Kabir Sulaiman is my close friend from our B.Sc. Information and Communication Technology programme at Northwest University, Kano. We were both members of the Young Programmers Forum, a platform where we learned and practiced coding. We specialized in web development, and after lectures, we often visited the Kano State Library to read and sharpen our skills. Today, Usman is a strategic professional who focuses on Web Development and Cybersecurity, combining technical expertise with business insight.

I shared with them that my team and I have established an online newspaper, publishing in both English and Hausa (TAV News and TAV News Hausa). With my background in Development Journalism, Information and Communication Technology, and Computer Science, this initiative represents a deliberate effort to create jobs, tell authentic stories, and contribute to development.

I must also acknowledge Dr. Sani Danjuma, the Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to the Governor of Kano State. During our studies, he served as our Level Coordinator and supported us immensely by providing thousands of books. This initiative played a major role in helping us master web programming and build a strong learning culture.

The encouragement and advice I received today were truly uplifting. This journey is a reminder that education, mentorship, friendship, and persistence are powerful tools for success.

Shaddadu Danjuma Aliyu Gwarzo, Special Assistant on Development to the Governor of Kano State, Alh Abba Kabir Yusuf

His Excellency Governor Abba K Yusuf will, In Sha Allah, on Sunday 11 January, spearhead the graduation and distribution of empowerment packages to 2,260 beneficiaries from the Poultry Institute, Informatics Institute, Fisheries Institute, Livestock Institute, Film Institute, Development Journalism, Horticulture Institute and Driving Institute. About 1,000 of the beneficiaries are women who have been trained in poultry management and will be empowered under this programme. This marks the third batch of empowerment from the institutes, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to at least 5,300.

Aliyu Isa Aliyu
The Africa Voice

, 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.