By correspondent in Minna.
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger state has approved the constitution of Implementation Committee to ensure smooth take-off of the newly licensed state University of Education, Minna.
This is coming on the heels of recent granting of operational license to Niger state government by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to establish a new, full-fledged state-owned, Niger State University of Education, Minna.
A statement from the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman said the committee is to be chaired by a former Commissioner/former SSG, Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahaya while the present SSG is to serve as the Co-chairman.
Dr. Abdul Hussaini, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands is to serve as the Committee’s Secretary.
Other members of the Committee included; Prof. Rasheed Haruna, Provost, Federal College of Education, Kontagora, Prof. Yakubu Mohammed Auna, Provost, College of Education, Minna, Mohammed Datti Usman, former Registrar, Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Barr. Abbas Bello, former Head of the State Civil Service and Prof. Busrah Zakariyau, of the Department of Entrepreneurship, FUT, Minna.
The list of commiittee members according to the statement signed by Lawal Tanko, Information Officer
SSG’s office includes, Dr. Abubakar Bala Shehu, Deputy Provost (Academics), College of Education, Minna, Mallam Sule Ndako, the Director, Research and Development, College of Education, Minna, Mrs. Azumi S.K. Ndayako, the Registrar, Edusoko University, Bida.
The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Commissioner, Budget and Planning, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hajiya Hassana Adamu, former Commissioner for Gender Affairs, Dr. Dauda Mohammed Kontagora and Engr. Dr. Sadiq A. Mohammed of FUT Minna are also part of the Commiittee, the statement further indicated.
Members of the Secretariat are; Dr. Murtala M. Bagana who is also to serve as the Assistant Secretary of the Committee, while Dr. Mamman S. Abubakar of the state owned, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, Mallam Yabagi Alfa, former Registrar, College of Education, Minna and Engr. Abdullahi Ketso are also members.
Recall that the former Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu had proposed the establishment of University of Education to provide for needed teaching manpower in primary and secondary schools but the idea received more criticism than commendations.
Governor Bago decided to follow up leading to the recent approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and granted operational license for the establishment of a full-fledged University of Education in Minna the state capital.