Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta (ABCOAD), Kano State, has hosted a delegation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for the accreditation of eleven academic programmes as part of efforts to strengthen the college’s compliance with national education standards and enhance its academic offerings. The NBTE team, comprising 24 members, arrived at the institution on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, for a comprehensive evaluation of select Higher National Diploma (HND) and National Diploma (ND) programmes spanning agricultural sciences, environmental studies, and emerging digital technologies. Welcoming the team, the Provost of ABCOAD, Professor M. A. Wailare, expressed confidence that the accreditation visit would further affirm the college’s commitment to delivering quality technical and vocational education in agriculture and related disciplines. Related: Progress Over Propaganda: How Dr. Gwaram is Redefining Leadership at FCAPT Professor Wailare noted that ABCOAD, one of Nigeria’s oldest agricultural institutions, remains dedicated to training professionals equipped with practical skills for sustainable development and self-reliance. He lauded the Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, for financing the accreditation process. He emphasized that the administration’s education-first agenda reflected in its allocation of 31 percent of the state budget to the sector demonstrates a firm resolve to uplift academic standards across all levels. “I extend deep appreciation to His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for the unwavering support that made this exercise possible. This level of investment in education surpasses UNESCO’s recommendation and underscores the government’s genuine commitment to the sector,” Prof. Wailare said. The provost also praised the efforts of department heads, faculty members, and non-academic staff for their contributions to the successful hosting of the NBTE team. Read Also: Nigerian Navy Launches High-Tech Agricultural Initiative to Boost Food Security Speaking on the significance of the exercise, the college’s Director of Planning, Dr. Sani Haruna, described accreditation as a critical quality assurance tool that not only helps institutions meet required standards but also encourages continuous improvement. “It assures students that their education is both relevant and high-quality, while giving employers confidence in the competence of our graduates,” Dr. Haruna said. Leader of the NBTE team, Garba Nalado, commended ABCOAD for its consistent commitment to upholding accreditation requirements. He noted that the evaluation was focused on reviewing both academic resources and institutional capacity, while also offering feedback and knowledge transfer between resource persons and the college staff. “This process is aimed at strengthening programme delivery, and we are impressed with the level of preparedness demonstrated by the college,” Nalado stated. He assured that the results of the accreditation would be made public shortly and thanked the college management for the hospitality and cooperation extended to the team throughout the visit. The programmes evaluated during the visit include HNDs in Horticultural Technology, Fisheries Technology, Pasture and Range Management, Cyber Security, and Artificial Intelligence, as well as NDs in Home and Rural Economics, Wildlife and Eco-Tourism Management, Food Technology, Science Laboratory Technology, Environmental Sciences and Management, and Irrigation Agronomy. The outcome of the exercise is expected to enhance ABCOAD’s academic reputation and consolidate its role as a center for excellence in agricultural and technical education.
