Upgrading the Federal College of Education(FCE),Kano, to a University of Education would help in producing the required manpower to effectively manage the education sector.
The acting Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Kano, Dr Sadi Sirajo stated this during an interview with journalists on Monday.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for assenting to the bill upgrading the school adding that it was a “bold step proving that the Tinubu-led government is capable of re-engineering the country’s education sector for optimal growth”.
“President Tinubu deserves accolades for taking the bold step to uplift the standard of Federal College of Education, Kano, to the status of a university,” he said.
The vice- chancellor expressed optimism that the gesture would enhance academic excellence and also provide opportunities to the teeming applicants.
“Indeed, it has become necessary to lend my voice in appreciating President Tinubu for the bold step he took in approving the conversion and directing its immediate implementation.
“This will surely promote formal and informal employment. It will also see to the establishment of additional departments/faculties that will offer professional courses that are of high demand in the present 21st century,” he said.
Sirajo assured that the institution’s qualified manpower would be given every support to ensure that the university takes off well.
“So far, the infrastructure available on the campus is good enough for the smooth take-off of the university,” Sirajo said.
He described the struggle for the actualisation of the university’s conversion as a long and collective one that involved well-meaning Nigerians interested in the advancement of teacher education in the country.
The vice-chancellor further commented that agitation for the conversion started many years ago and culminated in the elevation of the College to a University of Education.
”The upgrade was, however, suspended by the subsequent administration which again ignited a fresh struggle for reversal of the suspension.
“We remain indebted to the magnanimity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Education and all members of the National Assembly who have struggled and succeeded in bringing our dream to reality.
“I want to commend the Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Barau I. Jibrin and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas who have worked tirelessly for the actualization of the upgrade,” he said.