Sokoto State Government said it has recorded significant progress in the higher education sector, with major investments in infrastructure, staff welfare and student facilities aimed at improving learning and producing quality graduates.
Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Isa Muhammad Maishanu, said Governor Ahmed Aliyu has remained committed to fulfilling his campaign promises by repositioning tertiary education for quality service delivery, academic excellence and manpower development.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday in Sokoto, Prof. Maishanu said the administration had made remarkable achievements since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
The commissioner, who addressed journalists alongside the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, directors and heads of tertiary institutions, said the impact of the administration’s policies was being felt across different sectors, particularly education.
He said Governor Aliyu’s performance reflects the implementation of his Nine-Point SMART and Innovative Agenda, especially in strengthening educational infrastructure, improving the welfare of academic and non-academic staff and expanding access to higher education.
According to him, the government has also promoted academic excellence while creating a better environment for teaching, learning, research and institutional development.
Prof. Maishanu said the administration inherited several challenges but responded with interventions aimed at revitalising public tertiary institutions, improving students’ welfare and raising the standard of higher education in the state.
“In Sokoto State University, the Ahmed Aliyu-led government has completed the repairs of structural defects caused by rainstorm and windstorm shortly after assumption of office and completed the university’s perimeter wall fence.
“At the Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto, government completed the rehabilitation of student hostels, beautification and landscaping of the institution’s environment, and renovation of 25 housing units in the institution.
“At the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, completed projects include repairs of structural defects caused by rainstorm and windstorm, and construction of 275 meters of drainage with associated external works.
“Also, the government rehabilitated six blocks of student hostels comprising male and female accommodation, renovated the Geography Department following a fire incident that damaged the building, and constructed nine compartments of VIP toilets at strategic locations within the college.
“Under the newly renamed Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko College of Technology and Advanced Studies, formerly School of Basic and Remedial Studies, the government completed construction of part of the northern perimeter wall fence, re-roofed the female hostels damaged by windstorm and rehabilitated the college central mosque.”
The commissioner said the government was not slowing down, noting that more projects are underway to improve the learning environment and strengthen the capacity of tertiary institutions across the state.
“Under Sokoto State University, ongoing projects include renovation of the Vice Chancellor’s residence, renovation of blocks of staff quarters to provide accommodation within the university premises, construction of a sporting complex and construction of a modern convocation arena pledged by Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
“At the Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko College of Technology and Advanced Studies, ongoing projects include construction of a 500-seater auditorium, renovation of male and female hostels, and upgrading of the college clinic to a primary healthcare centre.”
Prof. Maishanu expressed confidence that the ongoing investments would further improve the quality of higher education in Sokoto State and equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the state’s development.
