By Salisu Baso
The Kano State House of Assembly Committee on Higher Education has pledged to provide a conducive learning environment for staff and students of the Institute for Continuing Education (ICE), Northwest University Kano, located within the Murtala Muhammad Library complex.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Dr Ali Lawan Alhassan Kiyawa, made the pledge during an inspection visit to the institute.
Kiyawa described the current learning conditions at the institute as unfortunate and embarrassing, particularly in view of the state government’s commitment to the education sector, to which more than 30 per cent of the state’s budget has been allocated.
The lawmaker, who represents the Bagwai/Shanono Constituency, said combining academic activities with political gatherings and other activities at the state library was inappropriate.
He therefore urged the House of Assembly to urgently intervene and find a lasting solution to the challenges facing the institute.
On his part, the Director of the Institute, Dr Lawan Idris, commended the committee for its prompt intervention over what he described as the deplorable conditions confronting the institute.
He appealed to the House to consider allocating the state library facility to the university for the establishment of a dedicated library and other academic facilities.
Dr Idris said the institute was facing several challenges, including inadequate office space, lack of domestic water supply, political gatherings and other social activities unrelated to academic activities.
He expressed the readiness of Northwest University to contribute its quota towards providing quality education and moral training to its students at all levels.
He explained that the Institute for Continuing Education is a branch of Northwest University Kano established to provide students with opportunities to obtain the necessary qualifications for university admission, as well as pursue degree programmes for further academic advancement.
The inspection visit was led by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Dr Ali Lawan Alhassan Kiyawa, alongside the committee’s Secretary, Muhammad Lawan.
