The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has commended Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State for introducing free and compulsory basic and secondary education in the state, despite the lingering crisis between them.

A statement signed by the spokesman to the governor, Abba Anwar, on Friday, said the emir congratulated the governor for the initiative, saying “I believe that this is genuinely initiated because of the zeal to serve Kano people and humanity in general.”

The statement quoted Mr Sanusi as saying, “this is exactly what this country needs. We need to place greater interest and commitment towards achieving that because education is the bedrock of any society.

“What the governor is doing, is exemplary, genuine and done in the interest of our societal development which other states should copy from His Excellency’s exemplary leadership.”

The statement noted the emir’s corroboration to the governor’s position, adding that all governments and other stakeholders should put their heads together to see that their populace does not become a liability, but an asset.

He said “as rightly being pointed out by the governor, our population should change from being a liability to an asset.”

The monarch urged all states across the country to emulate the policy, which he described as “greater benefit for serving humanity.”

Mr Anwar said the emir made the commendation when the governor received a delegation from Zenith Bank, led by the Regional Head, North West, Sani Yahaya at the state government house.

While responding to the delegation from Zenith Bank, the governor insisted that there was no shortcut to quality education, hence the need to put all hands on deck.

“As education is necessary, we must do our best to improve it,” he was quoted as saying in the statement.

In his remark, Mr Yahaya, who represented the Managing Director, Zenith Bank, said the bank is solidly behind the governor’s education policy.

“So also the integration of Almajiri system in the state is a welcome development and it is indeed a legacy to be reckoned with. We are proud of you Sir,” he stated.

DAILY NIGERIAN reports that there has been a lingering feud between Messrs Sanusi and Ganduje.

At the climax of the crisis, Mr Ganduje created four additional first-class emirates, a move that was seen by many to whittle down the power of the Mr Sanusi.