Kano Executive Council converts Sa’adatu Rimi University to College of Education {SEE WHY}

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

The Kano State Government, in a significant development aimed at enhancing the quality of education and maintaining effective management in the higher education sector, rose from the state’s 18th Executive Council held on Wednesday September 18, 2024 meeting, to announce the conversion of Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education to Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso.

The approval of the Executive Council was contained in a statement signed by the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Alhaji Baba Dantiye, a Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and Member of the National Institute (mni), dated 19th September, 2024 and sent to The DEFENDER.

According to the government’s Spokesman, the newly converted College will, however, remain a degree awarding institution.

“The decision follows extensive consultations with key stakeholders, alongside the recommendation of a high-powered committee appointed by the State Government to look into the status of the University and chart a way to enhance its academic quality.

“The committee’s findings highlighted concerns from the academic and non-academic community and other stakeholders regarding the potential negative impact of the transition to university status. Especially that the college is serving multiple kind of students from non-metropolitan areas due to its strategic location and access.

“These concerns include the risk of losing experienced lecturers, salary-related conflicts, and administrative challenges that could hinder the institution’s operational efficiency.

“The Council noted that several similar institutions across the country have successfully operated as colleges of education while offering a variety of degree programs, without transforming into university status, under the “Dual Mode” introduced by the NCE regulated Body.

“The conversion is expected to have no adverse effects on students, as the current undergraduates in the College will continue with their studies. Also, the certificate of the University will be safely kept for future use.

“Moreover, the institution will continue to offer both its traditional courses and additional degree programs, in line with its new expanded academic mandate.

“Following this development, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the dissolution of university management with immediate effect, and directed the Vice Chancellor to handover the affairs of the former university to his most senior Deputy, pending further announcements.

“This strategic decision underscores the Kano State Government’s commitment to ensuring the stability and continued growth of its higher education institutions while addressing the concerns of stakeholders to maintain academic excellence and operational efficiency,” Baba Dantiye, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, said.