The Kano State Government has ordered the immediate reversal of Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education, Kumbotso, to its former status as a college of education.
In addition, the government dissolved the university’s management and directed the Vice Chancellor to hand over the institution’s affairs to the most senior deputy, pending further directives.
In February 2023, the National Universities Commission (NUC) approved the upgrade of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education to a University of Education. At that time, the then Executive Secretary of NUC, and former Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, presented the institution’s letter of recognition to Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, acknowledging it as the 61st state-owned and 221st university in Nigeria’s higher education system.
However, according to a statement by Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, the government decided to revert the institution’s status after the 18th State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Yusuf. The council confirmed that Sa’adatu Rimi would remain a college of education, offering degrees in affiliation.
Dantiye explained that this decision was made following extensive consultations with key stakeholders and the recommendations of a high-level committee tasked with reviewing the institution’s status to enhance its academic quality.
He noted that many similar institutions across the country successfully operate as colleges of education while offering degree programs without transitioning to university status, under the “Dual Mode” introduced by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
“The reversal of the status is expected to have no adverse effects on students, as the current undergraduates in the College will continue with their studies. Also, the certificate of the University will be safely kept for future use,” Dantiye stated.
He further emphasized that the institution would continue offering its traditional courses alongside additional degree programs, in line with its expanded academic mandate.
“This strategic decision underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring stability and continued growth of its higher education institutions while addressing stakeholders’ concerns to maintain academic excellence and operational efficiency,” Dantiye added.
