From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The Jigawa State Government has officially announced the passing of the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad-Sani, who died on Thursday afternoon at a hospital in Cairo, Egypt, at the age of 85.
Secretary to the Jigawa State Government, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, confirmed the monarch’s death during a press briefing in Dutse, noting that funeral arrangements will be communicated by the Gumel Emirate Palace.
The late ruler passed away after spending over 45 years on the throne, having ascended on December 16, 1980.
Born in Gumel, the late monarch attended Gumel Primary School (1948–1953) and Hadejia Middle School (1953–1956) before completing his secondary education at Rumfa College, Kano, in 1961.
He obtained a Diploma and Higher Diploma in Public Administration from the Institute of Administration in Zaria (now ABU Zaria) between 1963 and 1970.
He later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s in International Relations from Ohio University, United States, graduating in 1978.
The late Emir began his career with the Gumel Native Authority (1961–1963) and joined the Nigeria Immigration Service in 1964, serving at the Gamboru Ngala border post in Borno State.
He transitioned into civil administration in 1972 as a senior official at the Kazaure Divisional Office.
In 1978, Muhammad-Sani entered politics, contesting for a Senate seat under the Great Nigeria People’s Party (GNPP).
Following a political alliance between the GNPP and the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), he was appointed Commissioner for Information, Internal Affairs, and Culture in old Kano State (1978–1980).
During his tenure, he spearheaded key developments in the state’s media sector, including the establishment of The Triumph newspaper, CTV67 (now ARTV), and the expansion of Radio Kano.
His political career concluded in December 1980 following the death of his father, the previous Emir of Gumel.
Three days after his father’s passing, Muhammad-Sani was appointed to succeed him, serving as the traditional ruler of Gumel until his death.
He also conferred the title Uba Sani Skills Ambassadors (USSA) on the graduates.
He said Kaduna’s facilities surpass “any other center across the country, not even the Dangote Skills Acquisition Center in Kano.”
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, described the graduation as “the practical expression of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He noted that the National Assembly has prioritized youth in budgets and TVET funding. “Idleness creates fertile ground for those who prey on frustration.
“Skills development is an essential part of our security strategy,” he said.
Tajudeen commended Governor Sani for naming the Rigachikun campus after Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa, calling it “maturity and respect for service.”
He urged voters to judge leaders by their records ahead of 2027, declaring: “Kaduna is making progress under APC and under our exemplary Governor, Uba Sani.
“Nigeria is making progress under APC and under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Technology called the graduation “a significant milestone” for economic inclusion.
On his part, the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, described the institute as “doors of opportunity” and urged graduates to be ambassadors of excellence.
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