The Kano State Executive Council approved the Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education‘s conversion to Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, under the condition that it would remain a degree-awarding institution.
The decision to convert the institution to a college of education was made at the state’s 18th executive council meeting on September 18, 2024.
The state government stated that the initiative sought to improve educational quality and maintain effective management in the state’s higher education sector.
According to a statement signed by Baba Dantiye, the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, and made accessible to journalists on Tuesday, the decision came after lengthy deliberation with key stakeholders.
The decision was also based on the suggestion of a high-powered committee appointed by the state government to review the university’s status and devise a strategy to improve its academic quality.
It went on to say that the committee’s findings raised concerns among the academic and non-academic communities, as well as other stakeholders, about the possible negative impact of the initial college transition to a university.
“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 programmes, 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 programmes, in line with its newly expanded academic mandate,” the statement read.
As a result, Gov. Abba Yussuf has approved the immediate dissolution of university management and directed the vice chancellor to delegate responsibility for the former institution 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,” it read.
In February 2023, the National Universities Commission (NUC) approved the licensing and upgrading of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education to Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education, towards the end of the previous administration.