Kano varsity cries out for help

Ten years after commencing operations, Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil is in dire need of expansion to meet the demand of students whose number has multiplied over the years.

The institution which started with two faculties; Agriculture and Agricultural Technology and Science and Science Education with only 88 students has now advanced to offering 13 academic programmes in four faculties with 4,649 students.

It was in this light that the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Ibrahim Garba called on the state government to look into the problems behind the backwardness of the institution.

Speaking while receiving the state governor on an official visit to the university, Professor Garba blamed the slow progress of the institution on neglect by the immediate past government of the state.

He also stressed the need for additional space and materials to facilitate development of the institution.

“We need a space for a befitting academic and administrative accommodation so that we can decongest the existing buildings, expand our capacity and improve our corporate image. The needs are also urgent because of the impending accreditation visitations and requirement of the statutory government agency, (NUC) and other professional bodies.

“It is also important to note that the mode of accreditation is being shifted to overall institutional capacity evaluation rather than the former programme-based method. These compelling demands are short and medium term in nature and should not have to wait for rather long-term government funding for completion of the abandoned projects or construction of new ones, especially when we are mindful of severe shortages of funds and increasing competing demands on government, especially a new one like yours,” said the VC.

In terms of expansion of the institution and acquisition of more facilities for its progress, the VC requested that the famous ten-storey building, Ado Bayero House be handed to the university so that it could be put to full utilization.

Responding to the request of the VC, the state governor, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso reiterated his commitment to the development of the institution.

He promised to complete the abandoned projects in the university and also provide any other support.