Kano governor sets up committee to investigate death of St. Louis College student

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has constituted an administrative investigation committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the death of a student of St. Louis College, Kano.

The development was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

According to the statement, the committee will be chaired by the Commissioner for Education, Gwani Alhaji Ali Haruna Makoda.

Other members include Barrister Aminu Hussain, Special Adviser on Justice and Constitutional Matters; Barrister Hamza Dantani; Executive Secretary of the Private and Voluntary Institutions Management Board, Baba Abubakar Umar; Director-General, Media and Publicity, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa; private school proprietor, Imam Ahmed Zubairu; and the Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association of St. Louis College.

Also appointed are Hafsat Aminu Adhama, Senior Special Assistant on Girl Child Education, who will serve as secretary, and Binta Abdullahi Mukhtar, Under Secretary/REPA, as assistant secretary.

The statement said the committee has been mandated to conduct a comprehensive and independent investigation into the incident.

“The committee has been tasked with conducting a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of the student, establishing a clear timeline of events and identifying any lapses in supervision, welfare management or institutional procedures,” the statement said.

According to the government, the committee’s terms of reference include examining the events leading to the student’s death, reviewing relevant medical records and reports, investigating the social environment within the college, and assessing allegations of bullying, coercion or unauthorised disciplinary practices among students.

It will also evaluate existing complaint and reporting mechanisms, review staff compliance with student supervision guidelines, and recommend reforms to disciplinary and boarding school management systems.

“The committee will also review staff compliance with student supervision guidelines, recommend reforms to disciplinary and boarding school management systems, and propose measures to strengthen emergency medical response procedures and student safety standards across schools in the state,” the statement added.

Governor Yusuf reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the truth surrounding the incident is established and that adequate measures are put in place to prevent a recurrence.

“He directed members of the committee to discharge their responsibilities with fairness, diligence and utmost professionalism in the interest of justice and the safety of all students,” the statement said.

The mysterious death of Maimuna Sani (Nihal), a 14-year-old Junior Secondary School (JSS2) student at St. Louis Secondary School in Kano on Saturday, has prompted a police investigation after her family alleged conflicting accounts of the incident.

The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the state government within the stipulated timeframe.