Prof. Adamu Ahmed, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Education, Kano State, has declared that the establishment of universities of education in Nigeria will revolutionize the country’s education sector.
During a goodwill message at the inaugural meeting with the university’s management, held at its main campus in Kano, Prof. Ahmed emphasized the significance of these specialized institutions as a permanent fixture poised to usher in a new era of excellence in education.
He praised the Federal Government’s strategic decision to elevate the former Federal Colleges of Education in Kano and Zaria to the status of universities of education, calling it a timely and necessary response to the increasing demand for specialized educational institutions.
“The conversion of these colleges into universities of education is justified by the pressing need to focus on the intellectual growth of education disciplines, which have often been constrained within conventional universities,” Prof. Ahmed stated, highlighting the critical role these new universities will play in addressing the educational needs of the region.
He underscored the urgent necessity for such institutions, which carry the hopes of a region eager for advancements in its educational system. Drawing parallels to improvements seen in agriculture, health, and transportation sectors following similar upgrades, he argued that stand-alone universities of education would enable greater specialization.
Moreover, Prof. Ahmed asserted that this initiative would significantly enhance the quality of teacher education, thereby contributing to national development. “Isolating education disciplines into dedicated universities will foster innovation in teaching methods and educational research, leading to better-prepared educators and a more robust educational system,” he explained.
The Pro-Chancellor also commended the university’s management for maintaining a harmonious industrial environment, which facilitated a seamless transition during this significant upgrade. He reflected on the historical importance of both the Federal University of Education, Kano and the Federal University of Education, Zaria, noting their founding in the early 1960s as pioneering teacher-training establishments.
With this bold step, Nigeria is set to embark on a journey towards educational excellence, aiming to equip future generations with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an evolving world.
NAN
