Kano State government has downgraded the State-owned university, Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education to Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso,
A press statement issued by the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Baba Halilu Danitiye said the decision was taken by the Kano State Executive Council at its last meeting.
According to the statement, the institution would, however, remain a degree awarding institution.
The statement added that following the Council’s decision, Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf has dissolved the management of the university and has directed the former Vice Chancellor to hand over the affairs of the former university to his most senior Deputy pending further announcements.
The statement said the decision followed 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,” the statement held.
The statement explained that the concerns that informed the decision included the risk of losing experienced lecturers, salary-related conflicts, and administrative challenges that could hinder the institution’s operational efficiency.
The government observed that several similar institutions across the country have successfully operated as colleges of education while offering a variety of degree programmes, without transforming into universities, under the “Dual Mode” introduced by the NCE regulatory body.
According to the government, the conversion of the university is expected to have no adverse effect 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 programmes, in line with its new expanded academic mandate,’ the stated stressed.
