By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the take-off of the newly established Niger state owned, University of Education recently re-named after the former Governor of the state, late Engineer Abdulkhadir Abdullahi Kure.
Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Prof. Mohammed Kuta Yahaya who disclosed this at a press conference which took place at the main campus of the university, formerly Niger State College of Education, Minna on Thursday, said the citadel is starting with 4 Faculties and 41 under-graduate Courses.
Professor Yahaya commended Governor Mohammed Umar Bago for investing hugely in the education sector and ensuring that the AA Kure University of Education, a dream by former Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu on the 5th of May, 2016 has come to pass.
“I want to specially appreciate the Farmer Governor of Niger state for earmarking N20 billion in the 2024 budget for the immediate take-off of the AA Kure University of Education. It is indeed a dream come through for an idea that was conceived about eight years ago when I was Commissioner”.
Yahaya who paid glowing tribute to Governor Bago for ensuring the birth of the citadel which according to him is modelled after the, Ambrose Ali University, old Bendel state assured that with the package, AA Kure University of Education will be the first of its kind not only in Nigeria but the West African sub-region.
“The NUC after resource verification has graciously approved for the immediate take off of the AA Kure University of Education for the 2023/2024 academic session with 4 Faculties and 21 under graduate Courses”.
The AA Kure University of Education, the 63rd state owned university and the 270th university in Nigeria, Prof. Yahaya said is already being enlisted by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for the 2024/2025 academic session in four Faculties; Technical and Vocational Education, Education, Arts and Social Sciences and as well, Science and Education.
Professor Yahaya who however called on interested candidates to beware of fraudsters spreading contrary rumours about its takeoff said they can apply through the university’s main campus at the Niger State College of Education, Chanchaga Minna.
Also speaking the Acting Vice Chancellor/Provost College of Education, Minna, Professor Mohammed Yakubu Auna promised to do all that is within his powers to ensure that the university meets global academic standards. NNL