Setting the record straight: El-Rufai didn’t sell Kaduna legacy schools, current governor did

The recent article in The Nation (April 23, 2025), “Kaduna governor revokes land, houses sold by El-Rufai,” contains misleading information that requires immediate correction. The claim by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. AbdulKadir Mu’azu Meyere, that former Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai sold institutional lands belonging to Rimi College, Alhuda-Huda College Zaria, or Queen Amina College, Kaduna, is demonstrably false and appears to be a politically motivated fabrication.

The truth is as follows:

No Sales Under El-Rufai: Contrary to the government’s assertions, Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s administration, which concluded in May 2023, did not approve or execute any land sales within these educational institutions. Evidence from public records, allocation documents, and internal Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS) records clearly indicates that the controversial land allocations were initiated and approved in 2024 – under the current administration of Governor Senator Uba Sani.

Evidence Points to 2024 Allocations: We possess documented proof of these land allocations occurring in 2024, well after El-Rufai left office. These allocations bear the signatures of the Uba Sani administration, and many beneficiaries are known associates, political allies, and even family members of current top government officials.

Selective Revocation: A Smokescreen: The publicized “revocation” is a deceptive tactic designed to cover up an emerging land scandal under Governor Uba Sani. Significantly, the land behind Rimi College, developed with state resources, was not only sold by the current administration but also had roads constructed by the Kaduna State government post-sale, indicating active development under their watch.

Exploiting Education for Image Management: The attempt to portray these actions as an “educational revival” is disingenuous. Selling off school lands directly contradicts any genuine commitment to protecting learning environments. True dedication to human capital development requires honesty, not the manipulation of history.

Accountability Demands Truth: The people of Kaduna deserve transparency. Blaming a predecessor to conceal ongoing land speculation and insider dealings is not leadership; it is a failure of accountability. Efforts to tarnish the legacy of El-Rufai, who initiated significant modern reforms in the state, will be undermined by the undeniable facts.

In Conclusion:

The citizens of Kaduna will not be deceived. The facts are clear: El-Rufai did not sell Rimi College, Alhuda-Huda, or Queen Amina College. In fact, during his first tenure, El-Rufai reclaimed lands previously sold by the Ramalan Yero administration at Rimi College and Alhuda-Huda in Zaria, even compensating the owners. His administration maintained a clear policy against encroaching on land essential to educational facilities. El-Rufai’s privatization efforts focused on underutilized, non-essential government properties, often sold through public bidding advertised in newspapers, adhering to due process, as seen with the SMC Quarters in Unguwan Dosa, where staff of these institutions and the public were beneficiaries.

The current administration’s land dealings, characterized by a lack of due process, no public bidding, and secrecy, represent a transfer of government assets to favored individuals. While these individuals, being Kaduna citizens, are entitled to participate in legitimate government sales, the absence of transparency and due process is unacceptable. The current government must take responsibility for its actions and cease using a smear campaign as a diversion. Governance should be guided by truth, not propaganda.

Mr Abubakar is the Cordinator of Concerned Kaduna Citizen