Kano gov fires VC, downgrades university to College of Education

The Governor Abba Yusuf-led Kano State government has downgraded Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education into Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education.

The government, however, said the school will retain its status as a degree-awarding institution.

This decision was made during the state’s Executive Council meeting held on Sept. 18, 2024.

In a statement released by the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Baba Dantiye, it was revealed that extensive consultations with key stakeholders were conducted before the decision was finalized.

The commissioner said a high-level committee appointed by the state government had been tasked with reviewing the status of the university and proposing measures to boost its academic standing.

According to Dantiye, the committee identified concerns raised by both academic and non-academic staff, along with other stakeholders, regarding the possible negative consequences of the institution’s initial transition from a college to a university.

“These concerns include the potential loss of experienced lecturers, disputes over salaries, and administrative challenges that could affect the institution’s efficiency,” Dantiye stated.

He further explained that other institutions across Nigeria have successfully operated as colleges of education while offering degree programmes, following the “dual mode” structure regulated by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).

The government assured that the conversion will not negatively impact students, as current undergraduates will be able to continue their studies as planned, adding that the university’s certification will be preserved for future use, and the institution will continue to offer both its traditional courses and new degree programmes under its expanded academic scope.

According to the statement, Governor Abba Yusuf has also approved the immediate dissolution of the university’s management team and directed that the Vice-Chancellor hand over leadership responsibilities to the most senior deputy until further announcements are made.

In February 2023, the National Universities Commission (NUC) had granted approval for Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education to be upgraded to a university.