Kano Transforms Sa’adatu Rimi University to Degree-Awarding College

The Kano State Executive Council has approved the conversion of Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education into Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, while retaining its status as a degree-awarding institution.

This decision was made during the 18th sitting of the state’s executive council on Wednesday, as part of an effort to enhance the quality of education and streamline the management of higher education in the state.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Baba Dantiye, explained that the decision followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders. A high-level committee had been appointed by the state government to assess the institution’s current status and recommend ways to improve its academic offerings.

Dantiye noted that the committee’s findings raised concerns among academic and non-academic staff, as well as other stakeholders, about the potential challenges posed by the transition from a college to a university. These concerns included the risk of losing experienced lecturers, potential salary conflicts, and administrative difficulties that could undermine the institution’s efficiency.

The executive council observed that several similar institutions across Nigeria have successfully functioned as colleges of education while continuing to offer degree programs, in line with the “dual mode” model regulated by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).

“The conversion will not negatively affect students,” the statement read. “Current undergraduates will continue their studies uninterrupted, and the institution will offer both its traditional courses and expanded degree programs under its new academic mandate.”

In addition, the statement emphasized that the university’s certificate will be preserved for future use, and the institution will maintain its commitment to providing a wide range of academic programs.

Following the council’s decision, Governor Abba Yussuf approved the immediate dissolution of the university’s management. The vice chancellor has been directed to hand over the institution’s affairs to the most senior deputy, pending further directives.

“This strategic move underscores the Kano State Government’s commitment to ensuring the stability and growth of its higher education institutions, while addressing stakeholders’ concerns to maintain academic excellence and operational efficiency,” the statement concluded.

Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education had been upgraded to a university in February 2023 by the National Universities Commission, toward the end of the previous administration.