Kano Gov’t Reverts Sa’adatu Rimi Varsity To COE

The Kano State Executive Council has approved the reversion of Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education back to Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, while maintaining its degree-awarding status.

The decision was made during the Council’s 18th meeting, held on September 18, 2024, following consultations with stakeholders and a high-powered committee appointed to review the institution’s status.

In a statement issued by the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Baba Halilu Dantiye, the committee raised concerns about the university’s transition, citing potential risks to operational efficiency.

“These concerns include the risk of losing experienced lecturers, salary-related conflicts, and administrative challenges that could hinder the institution’s operational efficiency,” Dantiye said.

The state government acknowledged that similar institutions across Nigeria have successfully functioned as colleges of education while offering degree programmes under the “Dual Mode” system, regulated by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) which allows institutions to retain their core structure while expanding their academic offerings without fully transitioning to university status.

The statement further revealed that Governor Abba Yusuf has approved the immediate dissolution of the university’s management, directing the Vice-Chancellor to hand over control to his most senior deputy until further decisions were made.

LEADERSHIP reports that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had in February 2023, approved the upgrade of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education to a university during the previous administration.

However, the current government has opted for this reversal, citing the need for a more sustainable model for the institution’s long-term development.

Reassuring students, the government emphasised that the conversion would not affect ongoing studies.

“The conversion is expected to have no adverse effects on students, as the current undergraduates in the College will continue with their studies,” Dantiye added.

He added, “Moreover, the institution will continue to offer both its traditional courses and new degree programmes in line with its expanded academic mandate.”

The state added that the certificate of the former university will be preserved for potential future use, allowing flexibility for the institution’s future direction.