Kano State Government has directed an immediate reversal of Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education, Kumbotso to its former academic status.
The government also ordered the dissolution of the University management and directed the Vice Chancellor to hand over the affairs of the former university to his most senior Deputy, pending further announcements.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) in February 2023 approved the upgrade of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso, to a University of Education.
The then Executive Secretary NUC and former Vice Chancellor, Bayero University, Kano, Prof Abubakar Rasheed, who presented a letter of recognition of the institution as a university to Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje said the institution was the 61st state-owned and 221st in the entire Nigerian university system.
Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, in a statement said the decision was taken at the end of the 18th State Executive Council Meeting presided over by Governor Yusuf where the council declared the institution remains a college of education with an award of degree in affiliation.
Dantiye said the government’s action came into force after extensive consultations with key stakeholders, as well as the recommendation of a high-powered committee appointed by the government to look into the status of the university and chart a way to enhance its academic quality.
He added 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, but operate under the “Dual Mode” introduced by the NCE regulated Body.
“The reversal of the status 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,” Dantiye said.
“Moreover, the institution will continue to offer both its traditional courses and additional degree programs, in line with its new expanded academic mandate.
“This strategic decision underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring stability and continued growth of its higher education institutions while addressing the concerns of stakeholders to maintain academic excellence and operational efficiency.”