Education

Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano The Kano State Science and Technical Schools Board has received fresh assurances of support from the Kano Old Science Students Association (KASSOSA) toward strengthening science education in the state. President of KASSOSA, Malam Balarabe Nuhu Jalla Dambatta, made the pledge shortly after a stakeholders’ meeting held at Government Technical College, Kano, organized by the Science and Technical Schools Board. He noted that the association has consistently extended support to teaching and learning across all science colleges in the state, stressing that both individual class chapters and the mother association regularly complement government efforts to ensure the delivery of quality science education. Read Also: Kano Govt Announces School Resumption Dates for 2025/2026 Academic Session According to him, KASSOSA’s interventions go beyond education, as the association also empowers old students with entrepreneurship skills and other initiatives designed to make them self-reliant. Malam Balarabe further urged sister associations from technical colleges under the Board to emulate KASSOSA’s initiatives in order to revive the lost glory of science and technical education in Kano. Speaking earlier, the Principal of Day Science College, Kano, Malam Abba Tukur, commended the intervention of the Kano State Government, noting that the college had already taken shape following recent improvements. He expressed optimism that the measures would raise the school’s standards in line with other reputable science colleges. During the meeting, a 13-man committee was inaugurated and tasked with identifying the challenges facing science colleges in the state and recommending solutions. It will be recalled that following a viral video report by journalist and whistleblower Bello Ghaladanchi, popularly known as Dan Bello, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf visited Day Science College and pledged a comprehensive renovation. The college, despite its historical contributions to the state, had long suffered neglect and dilapidation.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) has held its 77th National Executive Council (NEC) and General Executive Council (GEC) meeting at the Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta, Kano State. The meeting, hosted by the SSANIP Dambatta Chapter with support from the Kano State Government, drew participants from across the country and was described as a milestone event for the union. In his address, SSANIP National President, Comrade Phillip Ogunsupe, commended Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his administration’s commitment to education. He noted that the state’s investment in the sector has surpassed the UNESCO benchmark, a feat he said should serve as a model for other states. Read Also: NBTE Team Assesses Eleven Programmes at Audu Bako College of Agriculture Ogunsupe also disclosed that the College of Agriculture may soon benefit from an ongoing arrangement linking selected Nigerian agricultural institutions with Olds College of Agriculture and Technology, Alberta, Canada. The partnership, he said, will focus on research, staff development, and academic exchange. Speaking on behalf of the Provost, Professor Muhammad Wailare, the Deputy Provost, Dr. Hassan Ibrahim, expressed gratitude to SSANIP for choosing the institution to host the meeting. He also commended the state government for its continuous support to the college. The SSANIP Dambatta Chapter Chairman, Comrade Nasidi Iyaye Kura, in his welcome remarks, thanked the state government for its financial support, particularly the Deputy Governor and the Commissioner for Higher Education, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo. He also urged the government to collaborate further with SSANIP to actualize the planned partnership with Olds College in Canada. The meeting brought together SSANIP leaders, members, and stakeholders from across Nigeria, underscoring the union’s commitment to staff welfare, institutional collaboration, and the advancement of education.

The Kano State Government has taken a decisive step toward expanding access to quality tertiary education with the inauguration of a high-powered committee to oversee the establishment and smooth launch of Gaya Polytechnic. On Thursday, the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, speaking on behalf of Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, inaugurated the 14-member committee in his office. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to fulfilling its promise to the people of Gaya. The committee is chaired by Professor Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa, Vice Chancellor of Northwest University, while Dr. Hadi Bala Yahaya, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, will serve as Co-Chairman. Other members include Prof. Bala Sale D/Tofa, Dr. Muhammad Umar Kibiya, Prof. Auwalu Halliru Arzai, Alhaji Ibrahim Jibrin Fagge, Engr. Yahaya Abubakar Baba, Prof. Abba Garba Gaya, Dr. Garba Alhaji Adamu, Dr. Surajo Isa Gaya, Halilu Aminu, and Engr. Abubakar M. Adamu. Shehu Sani and Dr. Lukuman T. Suraj will serve as Head of Secretariat and Secretary, respectively. Read Also: Sa’adatu Rimi College Holds 2023/2024 Matriculation for BUK-Affiliated Students A statement issued by Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, quoted Comrade Gwarzo as urging the committee to work diligently to ensure that academic activities at the Polytechnic commence by the next academic session. He emphasised that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering socio-economic growth across the state. Responding, the committee chairman, Professor Kurawa, assured the Deputy Governor of the members’ dedication to delivering on the mandate, stressing that their combined expertise and experience would ensure success. The committee’s terms of reference include facilitating the passage of the Polytechnic Establishment Bill into law, securing National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) approvals for academic programmes, supervising construction and renovations, recruiting qualified staff, processing admissions, and establishing partnerships with relevant stakeholders. The establishment of Gaya Polytechnic is expected to mark a significant milestone in Kano’s educational development while creating opportunities for the local community.