Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has handed over 12 shuttle buses to the State Ministry for Higher Education to ease transportation challenges faced by students of tertiary institutions in the state.

The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa, said in a statement issued in Kano on Friday that the buses would be used to transport students across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state.

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According to him, the buses were recovered from associates of the previous administration who had converted them to personal use. After their retrieval, he said, the state government, through the Ministry of Transportation, refurbished the vehicles and restored them to full functionality to serve the students effectively.

“We have recovered, refurbished, and reintroduced these buses to assist our students in tertiary institutions by alleviating the transportation difficulties they face,” he quoted the governor as saying.

He explained that students benefiting from the service would enjoy an 80 per cent discount on transport fares. He warned the bus managers and drivers to handle the vehicles responsibly, ensuring they remain in good condition. Yusuf also cautioned them against indulging in any behavior detrimental to the smooth running of the service.

He urged the students to be orderly and cooperate with the state government in maintaining the vehicles to ensure their longevity and optimal use.

Tofa quoted the Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr. Aminu Gwarzo, as expressing gratitude to the governor for the gesture. Gwarzo assured the public that the buses would be used judiciously to achieve the intended purpose.

Speaking on behalf of parents, a former deputy governor of the state and Chairman of the Governing Council of North-West University, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, described the gesture as timely. Abubakar prayed God to grant Yusuf a second term in office, acknowledging his good intentions and efforts to develop the state.