Niger puts education varsity on hold

Niger state Government says it is suspending degree programmes at the state-owned University of education until a sustainable funding source could be established for the purpose. The former administration of Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, had granted permission to the Niger State College of Education to run degree courses simultaneously with those of National Certificate of […]

Niger state Government says it is suspending degree programmes at the state-owned University of education until a sustainable funding source could be established for the purpose.
The former administration of Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, had granted permission to the Niger State College of Education to run degree courses simultaneously with those of National Certificate of Education (NCE).
The development followed approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The institution then became the 41st state university and 142nd university in Nigeria. However, the new administration in the state said the effort was an “Ego Trip,” as “the state lacks funds to sustain the institution’s new status.”
It also set up a committee to determine its viability.
“The establishment of a university should not be an ego trip, but should take into consideration the challenge of sustainable funding of its programmes /projects,” the deputy governor, Ahmed Muhammad Ketso said. 
Speaking during the inauguration of the eight-man committee chaired by Hajiya Dije Bala, he, however, expressed satisfaction with the facilities put in place for its take off.
Members of the committee include Rabi Yahaya, UB Ahmed, Ahmed Sadauki Abubakar, Prof MAT Suleiman Mohammed Agwai,  and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Shuaibu Adamu,  as well as  Aliyu Isah Ekkan.